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CSX → SHA
Which side of the plane to sit from Changsha Huanghua International Airport (Changcha) to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (Shanghai)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic views of the Yangtze River Delta, including the vast expanse of Lake Tai and the dense, modern skyline of Suzhou and Shanghai during the descent.
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Xiang River
View the winding blue artery of Changsha city shortly after takeoff from Huanghua International.
Poyang Lake Basin
Visible to the north as the plane crosses Jiangxi, showing the vast wetlands and agricultural patterns.
Lake Tai (Taihu)
A massive freshwater lake with numerous islands, serving as a landmark indicator that you have entered the Yangtze Delta.
Suzhou Urban Sprawl
The high-density skyscrapers and intricate canal systems of Suzhou are clearly visible during the descent.
Shanghai Puxi District
On final approach to Hongqiao, enjoy a close-up view of the dense residential and commercial heart of western Shanghai.
Book a window seat on the left (A) for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. This side is particularly spectacular in the summer months when air quality is higher, offering clear views of the islands in Lake Tai. Pay close attention approximately 20 minutes before landing for the transition from rural Jiangxi to the hyper-urbanized delta.
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Mufu Mountains
Rolling green hills and rugged terrain along the border of Hunan and Jiangxi provinces.
Qiandao Lake
Depending on the ATC routing, the stunning 'Thousand Island Lake' can be spotted to the south over Zhejiang province.
Jiaxing City
A view of the historic city and its grid of surrounding agricultural fields in northern Zhejiang.
Huangpu River South
The southern industrial and logistics stretches of the Huangpu River are visible during the final banking turns.
Hongqiao Approach
Get a bird's-eye view of the massive integrated transport hub of Hongqiao just seconds before touchdown.
The right side (F/K) is ideal for late afternoon or evening flights, as it captures the golden hour light reflecting off the numerous waterways of the southern delta. It is generally quieter for photography due to the sun being on the opposite side during the eastbound journey.
Book Hotels in ShanghaiDistance: 852 km (529 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 25 min
Departure: CSX (28.189199447600004, 113.220001221)
Arrival: SHA (31.19790077209473, 121.33599853515624)
Route Type: Domestic
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