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SHA → CKG
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (Shanghai) to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (Chongqing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side offers superior views of the Yangtze River's dramatic canyons and the Three Gorges area during descent, while avoiding direct glare from the southern sun.
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Yangtze River Delta
The dense urban sprawl and intricate network of canals stretching west from Shanghai.
Dabie Mountains
Lush green forest-covered ridges that serve as a natural boundary between northern and southern China.
Three Gorges Dam
The world's largest hydroelectric project is often visible from high altitude near Yichang.
Wushan Gorges
The deep, winding canyons where the Yangtze River cuts through the mountains during the descent phase.
Jialing River
The sharp, serpentine bends of the Jialing River as it approaches its confluence in central Chongqing.
The right side is ideal for photography as it faces north, providing consistent lighting without sun glare. The highlight is the final 30 minutes of the flight; as the plane descends into CKG, the landscape transitions into the breathtaking 'Mountain City' terrain. Seasonal fog in Chongqing is common, so morning flights offer the best chance for clear visibility of the river valleys.
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Taihu Lake
One of China's largest freshwater lakes, visible shortly after departing the Shanghai area.
Jiuhua Mountains
Sacred Buddhist peaks in Anhui province known for their rugged ridgelines and ancient temples.
Wuhan Skyline
A clear view of the sprawling metropolis and the iconic bridges crossing the Yangtze River.
Enshi Karst Landforms
The dramatic limestone canyons and deep valleys of southwestern Hubei as you approach the Sichuan Basin.
Choose the left side for evening flights to witness the sunset over the horizon. However, during midday, the sun will be directly on this side, which can cause significant glare and heat. Watch for the Yangtze River weaving in and out of view beneath the wing throughout the mid-flight segment.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,417 km (880 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 53 min
Departure: SHA (31.19790077209473, 121.33599853515624)
Arrival: CKG (29.719200134277344, 106.64199829101562)
Route Type: Domestic
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