Loading map...
XIY → SHA
Which side of the plane to sit from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an) to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (Shanghai)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a dramatic perspective of the rugged Qinling Mountains shortly after departure and provides the best views of the vast Taihu Lake and the intricate water networks of Suzhou during the descent into Shanghai.
Search flights from XIY to SHA
Qinling Mountains
A major east-west mountain range that serves as the natural boundary between northern and southern China.
Funiu Mountain Range
The eastern extension of the Qinling, featuring dense forests and deep valleys in western Henan.
Taihu Lake
A massive, shimmering lake known for its islands and unique limestone rocks, visible during the descent into Shanghai.
Suzhou Water Towns
The 'Venice of the East' reveals its complex network of canals, gardens, and traditional architecture just before landing.
Shanghai Puxi Skyline
On clear days, the dense skyscrapers of central Shanghai and the Bund can be seen as the aircraft aligns for Hongqiao Airport.
The right side is highly recommended for morning flights to get clear, front-lit views of the Qinling Mountains. During descent, keep your camera ready for the massive expanse of Taihu Lake. If the flight approaches Hongqiao from the west, you will get an unparalleled aerial view of the historic gardens and canals of Suzhou. Winter flights often offer clearer visibility through the haze of the North China Plain.
Book Hotels in Shanghai
Yellow River (Huanghe)
Catch glimpses of the 'Mother River' of China as it winds through the Loess Plateau and northern Henan province.
Mount Song
One of the Five Great Mountains of China and home to the Shaolin Temple, visible near the city of Zhengzhou.
Hongze Lake
Observe one of the largest freshwater lakes in China, located in the lower reaches of the Huai River system.
Ancient Grand Canal
The world's longest artificial river comes into view as you traverse the flat plains of Jiangsu province.
Northern Yangtze Delta
Witness the dense urban clusters of Yangzhou and Nantong as the flight enters the final approach phase.
Sit on the left if you are flying in the late afternoon to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is also excellent for spotting the distinct change in topography from the brown loess hills of Shaanxi to the green, watery plains of Jiangsu. Look out for the massive industrial complexes and river traffic near the Yangtze River.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,229 km (764 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 38 min
Departure: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Arrival: SHA (31.19790077209473, 121.33599853515624)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.