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SHA → NAY
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (Shanghai) to Beijing Nanyuan Airport (Beijing)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic geographic views, including the vast Taihu Lake and the sacred peaks of Mount Tai, along with a stunning approach toward Beijing's Western Hills.
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Shanghai Western Hub
Immediate views of the dense urban layout of Hongqiao and the sprawling residential districts of western Shanghai.
Taihu Lake
One of China's largest freshwater lakes, visible shortly after reaching cruise altitude, featuring numerous small islands.
Mount Tai
The most famous of China's Five Great Mountains, visible as a prominent granite massif rising from the Shandong plains.
Xishan Mountains
The 'Western Hills' of Beijing, which provide a dramatic geographic boundary as the aircraft descends toward the capital.
For morning flights, the left side is essential to avoid the harsh eastern sun. Look out for the distinctive silhouette of Mount Tai roughly 60-70 minutes into the flight. On clear days, the Great Wall's path along the northern ridges can occasionally be spotted during the final descent.
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Yangtze River Estuary
A view of the massive scale of the Yangtze as it flows toward the sea, often filled with international cargo ships.
Hongze Lake
A large, shallow lake in Jiangsu Province known for its unique shape and historical flood-control dikes.
Yellow River
A crossing of the silt-heavy 'Mother River' of China, visible as a wide, winding brown ribbon near Jinan.
Beijing Daxing Hub
The massive 'Starfish' design of the new Daxing International Airport is often visible to the east just before the final approach into the Nanyuan area.
The right side is preferable for afternoon flights to enjoy the warm sunset light over the North China Plain. Keep your camera ready as you pass south of Beijing to capture the architectural scale of the Daxing mega-airport terminal.
Book Hotels in BeijingDistance: 1,054 km (655 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min
Departure: SHA (31.19790077209473, 121.33599853515624)
Arrival: NAY (39.78279876708984, 116.38800048828124)
Route Type: Domestic
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