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SHA → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (Shanghai) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the Bohai Bay coastline and the sprawling metropolis of Tianjin during descent.
Search flights from SHA to PEK
Yangtze River Delta
Views of the massive river widening and the complex network of canals near Nantong.
Lake Hongze
A large, uniquely shaped lake that serves as a key landmark in the northern Jiangsu province.
Bohai Sea
The coastline and maritime traffic of the Bohai Bay come into view during the latter half of the flight.
Tianjin City
A spectacular view of the Binhai area and the dense urban core of Tianjin during descent.
Beijing Urban Core
The sprawling capital city, including the CBD area, is often visible during the final approach to PEK.
The right side is best for afternoon flights as the sun will be on the opposite side of the aircraft, providing better lighting. Keep an eye out for the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway tracks that frequently parallel the flight path. In winter, look for frozen lakes and rivers across the landscape.
Book Hotels in BeijingShanghai Skyline
Bird's-eye view of the dense Hongqiao and Minhang districts immediately after takeoff.
Lake Tai
One of China's largest freshwater lakes, appearing as a vast blue expanse to the west.
Grand Canal
Sections of the ancient waterway are visible cutting through the plains of Jiangsu.
Mount Tai
The prominent peak of the sacred mountain can be spotted in the distance over Shandong.
Yanshan Mountains
Dramatic mountain ridges that frame the northern boundary of the Beijing basin.
On the left side, morning flights are preferred to avoid the harsh afternoon sun. Watch for the Yellow River crossing near Jinan, which appears as a wide, silty band. Use a polarising filter for photos to cut through the haze often present over the North China Plain.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,076 km (669 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: SHA (31.19790077209473, 121.33599853515624)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: Domestic
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