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HAN → PVG
Which side of the plane to sit from Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of China's diverse inland geography, specifically the iconic limestone karst peaks of Guangxi and the dense mountain ranges of Fujian, which provide more visual depth than the open sea views on the right.
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Guangxi Karst Mountains
Shortly after entering Chinese airspace, look down at the spectacular limestone towers and 'sugarloaf' mountains similar to those in Guilin.
Wuyi Mountains
The flight crosses over this UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring dramatic peaks and deep river gorges in Fujian Province.
Zhejiang Tea Hills
Lush, rolling green hills that define the landscape of eastern China's most famous tea-growing regions.
Yangtze Delta Urbanization
As the flight nears Shanghai, the landscape transforms into an endless grid of canals, factories, and rapidly growing satellite cities.
Sit on the left for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the sun which will be on the right side. During the first hour of flight, keep your camera ready for the karst formations near the border. If the flight path approaches PVG from the west, you may catch a distant glimpse of the Shanghai skyline including the Shanghai Tower.
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South China Sea Coast
Expansive views of the coastline where the rugged mountains of Guangdong meet the blue waters of the Pacific.
Fujian Archipelago
A view of the numerous small islands and complex coastal indentations along the Taiwan Strait.
Donghai Bridge
On final approach to Pudong, look for this massive 32-kilometer cross-sea bridge stretching out to the deep-water port.
Yangtze Estuary Shipping
Witness the immense scale of global trade with hundreds of cargo ships anchored where the Yangtze River meets the East China Sea.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to witness the sunrise over the East China Sea. During descent into PVG, the right side offers a better view of the massive Yangshan Port operations and the distinct sediment line where the river water meets the ocean. Avoid the wing area for the best view of the coastline.
Book Hotels in ShanghaiDistance: 1,937 km (1,204 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 35 min
Departure: HAN (21.221200942993164, 105.80699920654295)
Arrival: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Route Type: International
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