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HET → PVG
Which side of the plane to sit from Baita International Airport (Hohhot) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the transition from Northern China's rugged mountains to the sprawling urban landscapes of the Yangtze River Delta, culminating in a prime view of the Shanghai skyline during the descent.
Taihang Mountains
Dramatic views of the rugged ridges that separate the Loess Plateau from the North China Plain.
Beijing-Tianjin Corridor
Distant views of the massive urban clusters as the flight heads southeast across the plains.
North China Plain
The intricate patchwork of agricultural fields and countless small villages typical of rural Hebei and Henan.
Huaihe River
Cross the traditional geographical line that divides Northern and Southern China.
Lake Tai (Taihu)
One of China's largest freshwater lakes, appearing as a shimmering expanse near Suzhou.
Shanghai Skyline
During standard approaches from the north, the Lujiazui financial district and the Bund are visible on this side.
For the best experience, choose a window seat on the left (A seat) on a morning flight to have the sun behind the aircraft, illuminating the landscape perfectly. On descent into PVG, keep your camera ready as the plane often banks over the Yangtze River estuary, providing a full view of the world's busiest container ports and the Shanghai Tower.
Loess Plateau Edges
Eroded yellow-earth landscapes and unique terraced farming visible shortly after takeoff from Hohhot.
Yellow River (Huang He)
The winding 'Mother River' of China is often visible snaking through the northern provinces.
Nanjing Urban Area
Views of the ancient capital and its modern expansion near the Yangtze River.
Yangtze River Bridges
Look for the massive cable-stayed bridges connecting the north and south banks near Nantong.
East China Sea Coastline
As the plane lines up for landing, the mudflats and coastline of the Pudong district come into view.
The right side (F seat) is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. It offers a better perspective of the Yangtze River's vast width as it nears the ocean. If the flight path takes a more southerly route, you might catch glimpses of the Qiantang River and the fringes of Hangzhou Bay.
Distance: 1,402 km (871 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 52 min
Departure: HET (40.851398, 111.823997)
Arrival: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Route Type: Domestic
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