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SHA → YIH
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (Shanghai) to Yichang Sanxia Airport (Yichang)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior mix of urban landmarks and dramatic natural features, including the Shanghai skyline upon takeoff, the vastness of Taihu Lake, and the rugged terrain of the Dabie Mountains.
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Lujiazui Financial District
If the flight departs towards the east before banking west, you may see the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower and skyscrapers.
Taihu Lake
One of China's largest freshwater lakes, offering a massive expanse of water dotted with small islands near Suzhou.
Dabie Mountains
A significant mountain range in central China that provides a rugged, forested contrast to the plains.
Wuhan Metropolitan Area
Views of the northern suburbs of Wuhan and the massive Yangtze River bridges spanning the city.
Three Gorges Foothills
The dramatic transition where the flat plains give way to the rising hills and limestone peaks near Yichang.
The right side is ideal for morning flights as it avoids direct sunlight. During the descent into Yichang, the terrain becomes significantly more mountainous; look for the deep valleys and the distinctive karst topography. Note that Yichang Sanxia Airport is located east of the city, so while you see the river, the Three Gorges Dam itself is usually too far west for a clear view unless the approach path circles widely.
Book Hotels in YichangSouthern Shanghai
Aerial views of the sprawling residential and industrial sectors of southern Shanghai and the Huangpu River.
Shijiu Lake
A beautiful, large freshwater lake spanning the border of Jiangsu and Anhui provinces.
Infrastructure Corridors
Spot the extensive high-speed rail networks and bridges that parallel the flight path through the Yangtze valley.
Jianghan Plain
A mosaic of emerald green and golden agricultural fields as the flight enters central Hubei.
Yangtze Meanders
The southern bends of the Yangtze River as it winds through the lowlands towards Jingzhou.
Sit on the left if you are flying in the late afternoon to avoid the direct glare of the northern sun while still catching reflections off the various lakes in Hubei. Watch for the intricate canal systems that define the Jiangnan water towns shortly after departure from Shanghai.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 943 km (586 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 34 min
Departure: SHA (31.19790077209473, 121.33599853515624)
Arrival: YIH (30.55655, 111.479988)
Route Type: Domestic
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