Loading map...
SHA → URC
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (Shanghai) to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic transition from the lush Yangtze Delta to the snow-capped Qilian Mountains and the rugged Tianshan range upon arrival.
Search flights from SHA to URC
Yangtze River Delta
Dense urban network and winding waterways leaving the Shanghai area.
Qinling Mountains
The massive geographic boundary dividing Northern and Southern China.
Loess Plateau
Unique terraced landscapes and deep yellow-earth canyons across Shaanxi.
Qilian Mountains
Breathtaking views of glaciers and high-altitude peaks along the Hexi Corridor.
Eastern Tianshan
Stunning glacial vistas and rugged ridges as you descend into the Xinjiang region.
Choose a morning flight for the best lighting on the Qilian Mountains; the southern sun illuminates the peaks without creating harsh shadows. In winter, the contrast between the yellow Loess Plateau and white snow-capped ranges is particularly photogenic. Look out for the massive peaks of the Tianshan range about 30-40 minutes before landing in Urumqi.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for China
Taihu Lake
One of China's largest freshwater lakes visible shortly after takeoff.
Yellow River
Aerial view of the 'Mother River' as it meanders through the northern plains.
Gobi Desert
Vast, desolate beauty of the arid northern expanses toward Inner Mongolia.
Renewable Energy Hubs
Massive clusters of wind turbines and solar farms in the Gansu panhandle.
Kumtag Desert
Intricate sand dune patterns visible on the approach to the Turpan Basin area.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to avoid the direct southern sun. It offers a superior view of the vast desert landscapes and the unique industrial development of China's green energy sector in the northwest. Keep an eye out for the distinctive red rock formations near the Turpan area during the final hour of flight.
Book Hotels in UrumqiDistance: 3,272 km (2,033 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 51 min
Departure: SHA (31.19790077209473, 121.33599853515624)
Arrival: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.