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PVG → LHW
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai) to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (Lanzhou)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the majestic Qinling Mountains and the intricate terraced farming of the Loess Plateau, with better lighting for photography on westbound afternoon flights.
Search flights from PVG to LHW
Shanghai Urban Core
Aerial view of the Huangpu River and the dense skyscrapers of the Lujiazui financial district immediately after takeoff from PVG.
Taihu Lake
One of China's largest freshwater lakes, visible as a vast shimmering expanse near Suzhou and Wuxi.
Qinling Mountains
The major geographic divide between North and South China, featuring rugged peaks and deep forested valleys.
Loess Plateau Terraces
Spectacular geometric patterns carved into the hillsides by centuries of traditional agriculture near the Shaanxi-Gansu border.
Wei River Valley
The fertile cradle of Chinese civilization, winding through a deep valley flanked by high plateaus.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Qinling range during the mid-flight segment. For afternoon flights, the sun will be behind or above you, reducing window glare. Keep your camera ready as you pass over the Shaanxi region to capture the unique 'Yadan' style erosion and terraced fields which are most prominent on this side.
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Yangtze River Estuary
Watch the massive scale of the Yangtze meeting the East China Sea, with Chongming Island and heavy shipping traffic.
Hongze Lake
A massive lake in Jiangsu province known for its historic embankments and surrounding wetlands.
Yellow River Bend
As the flight approaches the northwest, catch glimpses of the sediment-rich 'Mother River' of China snaking through the landscape.
Zhengzhou Metropolis
A clear view of the sprawling urban layout of this major Central China transportation hub.
Loess Gorges
Deeply eroded canyons and silt-colored landscapes typical of the arid Gansu province as you descend into Lanzhou.
The right side is excellent for viewing the Yellow River's path as you approach Lanzhou. During morning flights, the lighting on the right side is soft and ideal for landscape photography. Look out for the massive wind farms that dot the landscape in the latter half of the journey, signifying the transition into the windy northwest corridor.
Book Hotels in LanzhouDistance: 1,779 km (1,105 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 22 min
Departure: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Arrival: LHW (36.5152015686, 103.620002747)
Route Type: Domestic
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