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LJG destination photo
SHA destination photo

LJGSHA

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers spectacular views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain immediately after takeoff and follows the northern curve of the Yangtze River as you approach the coastal plains.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏔️

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Breathtaking views of the 5,596m peaks located just north of Lijiang shortly after departure.

🌀

Jinsha River Bends

Dramatic aerial views of the upper Yangtze River carving deep canyons through the Yunnan terrain.

⛰️

Dabie Mountains

Rugged forested ridges visible during the mid-flight transition from central China to the eastern plains.

🌉

Yangtze River Delta

A dense network of canals, bridges, and heavy river traffic as the plane descends toward Shanghai.

Book a window seat on the left for morning departures to catch the alpine glow on the snow-capped peaks of Yunnan. This side also provides a better view of the northern Shanghai suburbs and the Yangtze estuary during the final approach into Hongqiao.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
🌄

Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau

Characteristic red soil and karst topography that creates a unique 'forest' of limestone hills.

💧

Dongting Lake

One of China's largest freshwater lakes, visible as a vast silver expanse during the crossing of Hunan province.

🏙️

Changsha & Nanchang

Expansive views of these growing inland metropolises and their surrounding industrial zones.

🌊

Qiantang River

The winding river leading toward Hangzhou Bay, visible just before the final turn into the Shanghai flight corridor.

The right side is preferable for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. Keep an eye out for the distinct karst landscapes in the first 45 minutes of the flight, which are particularly striking during the golden hour.

Top Activities in Shanghai
Route Information

Distance: 2,109 km (1,310 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 49 min

Departure: LJG (26.6800003052, 100.246002197)

Arrival: SHA (31.19790077209473, 121.33599853515624)

Route Type: Domestic

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