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PVG → TYN
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai) to Taiyuan Wusu Airport (Taiyuan)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the sprawling Yangtze River Delta megalopolis, the massive Taihu Lake, and the dramatic transition from the central plains into the rugged Taihang Mountains upon descent into Shanxi.
East China Sea Coast
Panoramic views of the Shanghai coastline and the busy shipping lanes of the East China Sea immediately after takeoff from Pudong.
Suzhou & Wuxi Urban Clusters
A dense network of canals, modern skyscrapers, and ancient water towns visible as you traverse the southern Yangtze River Delta.
Taihu Lake
China's third-largest freshwater lake appears as a massive, shimmering expanse to the south of the flight path.
Nanjing Cityscape
Views of the ancient capital's modern skyline and the Purple Mountain area as the plane moves northwest.
Central Plains & Yellow River
The dramatic crossing of the sediment-rich Yellow River, providing a stark contrast to the surrounding agricultural patchwork.
Taihang Mountain Range
As the flight approaches Taiyuan, the flat plains give way to the steep, reddish-brown cliffs and deep canyons of the Taihang mountains.
Choose a window seat behind the wing to avoid engine glare. For afternoon flights, the sun will be on the left, so keep the shade partially down to manage heat. The best time for this route is a clear morning when the smog over the North China Plain is minimal, allowing for sharp views of the Yellow River crossing.
Yangtze River Estuary
A bird's-eye view of the massive Chongming Island and the merging of the Yangtze River into the ocean.
Northern Jiangsu Plains
Vast stretches of high-yield farmland intersected by a complex grid of irrigation canals and rural villages.
Xuzhou Transport Hub
Spotting the major intersection of China's north-south and east-west high-speed railway lines.
Huai River Basin
The geographical dividing line between North and South China, characterized by misty wetlands and reservoirs.
Eastern Taihang Foothills
The gentler eastern slopes of the Shanxi plateau visible during the final descent phase into Taiyuan.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. Watch for the 'Grand Canal' sections which are often visible as straight, dark ribbons through the landscape. In winter, this side offers better lighting for photographing the snowy peaks of the northern mountain ranges as you approach Taiyuan.
Distance: 1,116 km (693 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 29 min
Departure: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Arrival: TYN (37.74689865112305, 112.62799835205078)
Route Type: Domestic
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