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HLD destination photo
HRB destination photo

HLD → HRB

Which side of the plane to sit from Dongshan Airport (Hailar) to Taiping Airport (Harbin)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers superior views of the iconic meandering rivers of the Hulunbuir Grassland and the dense forest canopy of the Greater Khingan Mountains without direct sun glare on most daytime flights.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
ðŸŒŋ

Hulunbuir Grasslands

Infinite stretches of the world's best-preserved grasslands visible shortly after takeoff from Hailar.

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Morigele River Meanders

Watch for the incredibly complex, winding patterns of the 'First Meandering River' in the north.

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Greater Khingan Range

Aerial perspective of the dense larch and birch forests covering the Daxing'anling mountains.

🌊

Nenjiang River Basin

Large water systems and tributaries that define the border between Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang.

ðŸŒū

Songnen Plain

The transition into vast agricultural grids as the flight approaches the fertile plains of Harbin.

Sit on the left for softer lighting during morning and afternoon flights. In winter, this side provides the best views of the snow-covered 'Silver Highlands'. Keep your camera ready about 15 minutes after takeoff for the best river loops.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
🏙ïļ

Hailar Cityscape

A clear view of the Hailar urban district and the Ewenki Autonomous Banner immediately after departure.

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Southern Khingan Slopes

Views of the gentler southern ridges where the mountains meet the inner Mongolian plateau.

ðŸĶĒ

Zhalong Wetlands

Distant views of the marshlands near Qiqihar, known for being a major habitat for red-crowned cranes.

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Harbin Skyline

Excellent views of Harbin's modern high-rises and the Sun Island area during the final approach.

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Songhua River

The massive Songhua River and its various bridges as the plane lines up for the Taiping Airport runway.

The right side is excellent for city enthusiasts on the final descent into Harbin. However, be aware that on afternoon flights, the sun will be on this side, which may cause glare and make photography difficult.

Top Activities in Harbin
Route Information

Distance: 626 km (389 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 3 min

Departure: HLD (49.2050018311, 119.824996948)

Arrival: HRB (45.6234016418457, 126.25)

Route Type: Domestic

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