Guilin to Shanghai flight pathKWLSHA

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time2h 30m
Distance802
Heading056° → 062°

Guilin to Shanghai is 802 miles (1,290 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Best side
RightMostly right

Right-side seats provide superior views for the majority of the flight. The takeoff offers the dramatic karst landscape, and while left wins on landing, the right side captures more of the mid-flight geography including the transition from Guilin's mountains through Zhejiang Province's terrain.

Takeoff · KWLRIGHTGuilin karst peaks, Liangjiang International Airport grounds, Taohua Island area to the southeast
Landing · SHALEFTHuangpu River with its characteristic bends, Pudong financial district skyline, Puxi district urban grid

Flight Path

Flight path overview

The flight path travels northeast from Guilin across Zhejiang Province. Notable features include the karst terrain gradually diminishing north of Guilin, the Ganjiang River valley, transition to gentler hills around Quzhou area, and the Yangtze River delta plains becoming visible as the aircraft approaches Shanghai from the southwest. The Qiantang River is visible during descent into the Shanghai region.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from KWL

RIGHT

Right-side seats capture the dramatic karst topography immediately surrounding Guilin as the aircraft climbs northeastward. The distinctive limestone peaks of the Guilin karst landscape are most prominent on the right during the initial climb-out, especially if departing on runway 02 or 20.

Guilin karst peaksLiangjiang International Airport groundsTaohua Island area to the southeastdistant Yao Mountain ridge
Aerial window seat view during landing at Shanghai (left side) — Huangpu River with its characteristic bends, Pudong financial district skyline, Puxi district urban grid, Hangzhou Bay to the south (visible in clear conditions)

Landing at SHA

LEFT

Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Shanghai as the aircraft approaches from the southwest. The Huangpu River's distinctive curves through Pudong and Puxi districts, plus the urban sprawl of Shanghai's eastern districts, are most visible on the left during final approach, particularly if landing on runway 16 or 34.

Huangpu River with its characteristic bendsPudong financial district skylinePuxi district urban gridHangzhou Bay to the south

Will your flight be in sunlight?

Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.

About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Liangjiang (KWL) to Hongqiao International (SHA)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Guilin to Shanghai. Right-side seats provide superior views for the majority of the flight. The takeoff offers the dramatic karst landscape, and while left wins on landing, the right side captures more of the mid-flight geography including the transition from Guilin's mountains through Zhejiang Province's terrain.

What can I see during takeoff from Liangjiang in Guilin?

During takeoff from Liangjiang (KWL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the dramatic karst topography immediately surrounding Guilin as the aircraft climbs northeastward. The distinctive limestone peaks of the Guilin karst landscape are most prominent on the right during the initial climb-out, especially if departing on runway 02 or 20. Notable sights include: Guilin karst peaks (Li River valley), Liangjiang International Airport grounds, Taohua Island area to the southeast, distant Yao Mountain ridge.

What can I see when landing at Hongqiao International in Shanghai?

When landing at Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Shanghai as the aircraft approaches from the southwest. The Huangpu River's distinctive curves through Pudong and Puxi districts, plus the urban sprawl of Shanghai's eastern districts, are most visible on the left during final approach, particularly if landing on runway 16 or 34. Notable sights include: Huangpu River with its characteristic bends, Pudong financial district skyline, Puxi district urban grid, Hangzhou Bay to the south (visible in clear conditions).

How long is the flight from Guilin to Shanghai?

The flight from Liangjiang (KWL) to Hongqiao International (SHA) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 802 miles (1,290 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Guilin to Shanghai flight path pass over?

The flight path travels northeast from Guilin across Zhejiang Province. Notable features include the karst terrain gradually diminishing north of Guilin, the Ganjiang River valley, transition to gentler hills around Quzhou area, and the Yangtze River delta plains becoming visible as the aircraft approaches Shanghai from the southwest. The Qiantang River is visible during descent into the Shanghai region.