While takeoff offers scenic lake views, the landing descent provides more dramatic and sustained visual interest with the Huangpu River estuary, Shanghai's iconic skyline, and the industrial waterfront—all clearly visible during the critical final approach phase when passengers are most engaged with the window.
Flown HGH to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hangzhou to Shanghai is 103 miles (166 km), a flight of about 45 minutes.
Qiantang River valley, transition from Hangzhou's suburban zone to the flat Yangtze River delta plain, Hangzhou Bay's tidal mudflats and shallow waters, industrial zones along the delta's waterways
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HGH
RIGHTRight side offers views of Hangzhou's urban sprawl and the northern shore of West Lake (Xihu) as the aircraft climbs northeast. The lake's distinctive shape and surrounding hills are clearly visible during the initial climb-out phase.
Landing at PVG
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Hangzhou Bay coastline, tidal mudflats, and the approach corridor over the bay itself. As the aircraft descends toward Pudong, the left side captures the dramatic transition from open water to Shanghai's industrial waterfront and the Huangpu River.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Xiaoshan (HGH) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hangzhou to Shanghai. While takeoff offers scenic lake views, the landing descent provides more dramatic and sustained visual interest with the Huangpu River estuary, Shanghai's iconic skyline, and the industrial waterfront—all clearly visible during the critical final approach phase when passengers are most engaged with the window.
What can I see during takeoff from Xiaoshan in Hangzhou?
During takeoff from Xiaoshan (HGH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of Hangzhou's urban sprawl and the northern shore of West Lake (Xihu) as the aircraft climbs northeast. The lake's distinctive shape and surrounding hills are clearly visible during the initial climb-out phase. Notable sights include: West Lake (Xihu), Hangzhou urban districts, Qiantang River valley, Northern hills of the Hangzhou region.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Hangzhou Bay coastline, tidal mudflats, and the approach corridor over the bay itself. As the aircraft descends toward Pudong, the left side captures the dramatic transition from open water to Shanghai's industrial waterfront and the Huangpu River. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay (Hangzhou Wan), Huangpu River estuary, Shanghai's Pudong district skyline, Yangtze River delta mudflats.
How long is the flight from Hangzhou to Shanghai?
The flight from Xiaoshan (HGH) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 103 miles (166 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hangzhou to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Qiantang River valley, transition from Hangzhou's suburban zone to the flat Yangtze River delta plain, Hangzhou Bay's tidal mudflats and shallow waters, industrial zones along the delta's waterways