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TSN → SHA
Which side of the plane to sit from Tianjin Binhai International Airport (Tianjin) to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (Shanghai)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior coastal perspective, featuring the industrial beauty of the Bohai Bay and a stunning aerial view of the Yangtze River Delta and Chongming Island upon descent.
Bohai Bay Coastline
Observe the busy shipping lanes and the massive industrial port infrastructure as you depart the Tianjin area.
Yellow River Delta
Witness the unique patterns and sediment plumes where the Yellow River empties into the sea near Dongying.
Shandong Peninsula
Catch distant views of the rugged coastline and the coastal cities of the Shandong province.
Chongming Island
During descent, see the world's largest alluvial island sitting at the mouth of the Yangtze River.
Yangtze Estuary
The massive scale of the Yangtze River meeting the East China Sea, often dotted with hundreds of cargo ships.
Opt for a morning flight to have the sun behind you for the best photography of the coastline. In the afternoon, the glare from the Yellow Sea can be intense. The view of Chongming Island is a highlight during the northern approach into Hongqiao Airport.
Mount Tai (Taishan)
On clear days, the silhouette of this sacred mountain in Shandong is visible to the west of the flight path.
The Grand Canal
Trace sections of the ancient Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal as it weaves through the plains of Jiangsu.
Hongze Lake
View one of the largest freshwater lakes in China, characterized by its irregular shape and surrounding wetlands.
Inland Yangtze Crossing
Spot the massive suspension bridges spanning the wide Yangtze River as you fly south toward Shanghai.
Suzhou & Taihu Lake
As the plane lines up for SHA, look for the urban sprawl of Suzhou and the vast northern reaches of Taihu Lake.
Afternoon flights are preferred on the right side to avoid the direct morning sun. This side is excellent for geography buffs interested in China's complex hydraulic engineering and ancient waterways. Ensure a window seat away from the wing to see the lakes clearly.
Distance: 953 km (592 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 35 min
Departure: TSN (39.1244010925, 117.346000671)
Arrival: SHA (31.19790077209473, 121.33599853515624)
Route Type: Domestic
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