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SHA → JIQ
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (Shanghai) to Qianjiang Wulingshan Airport (Qianjiang)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers a spectacular parade of China's most famous natural landmarks, including the Yellow Mountains (Huangshan), Lushan, and the vast waters of Dongting Lake, concluding with the dramatic karst peaks of the Wuling range.
Taihu Lake
Shortly after takeoff, view the expansive waters of China's third-largest freshwater lake near Suzhou.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountains)
Witness the granite peaks and often a sea of clouds over this UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Anhui.
Lushan Mountain
Look for the distinct silhouette of this historic mountain rising near the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake junction.
Dongting Lake
A massive flood-basin lake in Hunan province that creates a unique wetland landscape visible for miles.
Wuling Mountain Karst
As you descend into Qianjiang, the terrain transforms into sharp, vertical limestone pillars and deep green valleys.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct glare, though afternoon flights offer stunning golden hour lighting over the Wuling karst. This side consistently features more iconic geographic landmarks like Huangshan and Dongting Lake. Keep your camera ready about 30-45 minutes after departure for the mountain ranges.
Yangtze River Curves
Observe the majestic 'Golden Waterway' as it meanders through the plains and hills of central China.
Wuhan Metropolis
A birds-eye view of the massive urban sprawl and the numerous bridges spanning the Yangtze and Han rivers.
Dabie Mountains
A significant mountain range acting as a natural divide between the northern and southern plains.
River Traffic
Spot the endless lines of cargo ships and tankers navigating the busy inland waterways of Hubei.
The right side is ideal for spotting the industrial heart of China and the engineering marvels of the Yangtze bridges. On clear days, you may see the northern fringes of the Three Gorges region in the distance. This side is better for afternoon flights if you prefer indirect, soft lighting for photography.
Distance: 1,214 km (754 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 37 min
Departure: SHA (31.19790077209473, 121.33599853515624)
Arrival: JIQ (29.5133333333, 108.831111111)
Route Type: Domestic
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