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HRB destination photo
HLD destination photo

HRBHLD

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

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior panoramic transition from the Songhua River basin into the heart of the Hulunbuir Grassland, featuring spectacular river meanders and the vastness of the steppe.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🌊

Songhua River Meanders

Dramatic aerial views of the winding river loops as you depart the Harbin metropolitan area.

🌾

Songnen Plain Mosaic

A patchwork of intensive agricultural fields that define the fertile black soil region of Heilongjiang.

⛰️

Khingan Foothills

The gradual elevation change as the aircraft crosses the southern ridges of the Greater Khingan Mountains.

🐎

Hulunbuir Grassland

Endless expanses of world-famous pastureland that turn vibrant green in summer and golden in autumn.

🐍

Hailar River Curves

Complex, serpentine water patterns carving through the flat steppe landscape during the descent.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid harsh direct sunlight while capturing the best shadows over the mountain ridges. In winter, this side provides the most dramatic views of frozen river patterns. Watch for the 'Morigele River' style meanders just before landing.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🏙️

Harbin Skyline

Views of the 'Ice City' urban sprawl and the unique architecture of the Harbin Opera House during takeoff.

🌲

Daxing'anling Forest

Dense, dark green canopy of China's largest virgin forest range stretching toward the Russian border.

🦆

Northern Wetlands

Scattered glacial lakes and marshlands that serve as vital migratory paths for rare cranes.

💨

Steppe Wind Farms

Large-scale renewable energy installations with rows of white turbines contrasting against the grassland.

🏘️

Frontier Settlements

Isolated ranching communities and nomadic outposts typical of the Inner Mongolian frontier.

The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the deep forest canopy. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff for the best views of Harbin's modern northern districts and the architectural landmarks along the riverbanks.

Top Activities in Hailar
Route Information

Distance: 626 km (389 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 3 min

Departure: HRB (45.6234016418457, 126.25)

Arrival: HLD (49.2050018311, 119.824996948)

Route Type: Domestic

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