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URC → SHA
Which side of the plane to sit from Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi) to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (Shanghai)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides unparalleled views of China's most dramatic mountain ranges, including the snow-capped Tianshan and the massive Qilian peaks, offering a majestic perspective of the high-altitude terrain.
Tianshan Mountains
Immediate views of the eastern Tianshan range with glaciers and sharp peaks visible south of Urumqi.
Qilian Mountains
The flight tracks parallel to these magnificent snow-capped peaks for a significant duration over Gansu province.
Hexi Corridor
The historic Silk Road path tucked between mountain ranges and the Gobi desert.
Qinling Mountains
The natural geographical boundary between North and South China, appearing as a dense green wall.
Yangtze River
As the plane approaches the coast, the wide expanse of the Yangtze River valley becomes prominent.
The right side is the 'mountain side'. For the best photography of the Qilian Mountains, book a morning flight to have the sun behind you. Be aware that the afternoon sun can be very intense on this side of the cabin. Keep your window shade open during the first 60 minutes for the most rugged alpine scenery.
Junggar Basin Edge
Stunning views of the vast, arid landscapes and unique desert formations shortly after departing Urumqi.
Yellow River Bends
Watch the iconic curves of the Yellow River as it snakes through the loess plateau of Gansu and Shaanxi.
North China Megacities
Aerial views of high-density urban clusters across the North China Plain, particularly near Zhengzhou.
Taihu Lake
A massive freshwater lake visible during the descent into the Yangtze River Delta area.
Shanghai Approach
Views of the sprawling Shanghai suburbs and the dense network of canals leading into the city.
Choose the left side for lower sun glare during late afternoon flights heading east. In the final 20 minutes of flight, look for the intricate network of water canals in the Yangtze Delta. If the approach into Hongqiao comes from the north, you may catch a glimpse of the Huangpu River and the distant Lujiazui skyline.
Distance: 3,272 km (2,033 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 51 min
Departure: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Arrival: SHA (31.19790077209473, 121.33599853515624)
Route Type: Domestic
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