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LJG → SHA
Which side of the plane to sit from Lijiang Airport (Lijiang) to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (Shanghai)?
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.
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.
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.
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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