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HET → SHA
Which side of the plane to sit from Baita International Airport (Hohhot) to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (Shanghai)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a more diverse topographical journey, featuring the transition from the rugged Taihang Mountains to the intricate water networks of the Yangtze River Delta.
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Taihang Mountains
A dramatic mountain range that forms a natural boundary between the loess plateau and the North China Plain.
Yellow River Bends
Spectacular aerial views of the 'Mother River' of China as it winds through the central plains.
The Grand Canal
Sections of the world's longest artificial waterway are visible cutting through the landscape of Jiangsu.
Suzhou Skyscrapers
Look for the iconic 'Gate to the East' skyscraper and the dense urban cluster of Suzhou during final descent.
National Exhibition Center
The massive four-leaf clover-shaped building is located immediately adjacent to Hongqiao Airport and is best seen from the right.
Sit on the right side for the most dramatic scenery. During late afternoon flights, you'll catch a stunning sunset over the water-rich landscape of the Yangtze Delta. Pay close attention during the last 10 minutes of flight; the descent into SHA frequently passes directly over the high-tech corridors of Suzhou and Kunshan.
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Inner Mongolian Plateau
Initial views of the high-altitude plains surrounding Hohhot as the flight gains altitude.
Jinan Sprawl
Distant views of the capital of Shandong province and the surrounding fertile plains.
Hongze Lake
One of the largest freshwater lakes in China, visible as a vast blue expanse in northern Jiangsu.
Yangtze Estuary
As the flight nears Shanghai, the massive mouth of the Yangtze River and its busy shipping lanes come into view.
Shanghai North Outer Ring
Views of the heavy industrial zones and ports of the northern Baoshan district during the descent.
Morning flights are best for the left side to avoid direct sunlight and enjoy clear views of the Jiangsu lake systems. During the descent into SHA, this side often provides a broader view of the heavy ship traffic along the Yangtze and Huangpu Rivers if the approach is from the north.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,371 km (852 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 50 min
Departure: HET (40.851398, 111.823997)
Arrival: SHA (31.19790077209473, 121.33599853515624)
Route Type: Domestic
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