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LHW → SHA
Which side of the plane to sit from Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (Lanzhou) to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (Shanghai)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a dramatic view of the Qinling Mountains, the geographic divide between Northern and Southern China, along with iconic views of Lake Taihu and the Shanghai city approach.
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Qinling Mountains
The massive east-west mountain range that separates the Yellow River and Yangtze River basins, often capped with snow in winter.
Yellow River Valley
Catch glimpses of the 'Mother River' as it meanders through the Shaanxi and Henan regions.
Lake Taihu
A stunning view of one of China's largest lakes, famous for its limestone rocks and scenic islands near Suzhou.
Suzhou Water Towns
Look for the dense, traditional architecture and intersecting waterways of the historic cities surrounding Shanghai.
Shanghai Puxi Skyline
On the final approach into Hongqiao, the right side often offers a panoramic view of the city's dense urban core and skyscrapers.
The right side is the 'scenic route' for this flight. For the best views of the Qinling Mountains, choose a morning flight when the southern slopes are well-lit. During descent, stay alert as the plane passes over Suzhou; the transition into the Shanghai urban sprawl is spectacular, especially at night when the city lights are fully visible.
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Loess Plateau
Witness the unique, deeply eroded yellow earth topography and terraced fields of central China shortly after takeoff.
North China Plain
A vast expanse of agricultural grid patterns that showcase the industrial-scale farming of the Henan and Anhui provinces.
Grand Canal
Spot segments of the ancient Jing-Hang Grand Canal, the world's longest artificial river, winding through Jiangsu.
Hongze Lake
One of China's largest freshwater lakes, visible as a massive blue expanse amidst the green plains of northern Jiangsu.
Yangtze Delta North
The dense network of canals and industrial parks marking the northern entrance to the greater Shanghai metropolitan area.
Sit on the left for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. This side provides a clearer view of the Loess Plateau's intricate erosion patterns under morning light. Keep an eye out for the junction where the landscape shifts from arid hills to lush, watery plains.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,736 km (1,079 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 19 min
Departure: LHW (36.5152015686, 103.620002747)
Arrival: SHA (31.19790077209473, 121.33599853515624)
Route Type: Domestic
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