SHA

Best window seat at Hongqiao International

Which side of the plane?

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

Taking offLEFT

Pudong skyline (Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao, SWFC)

LandingLEFT

Huangpu River, Pudong skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower

🛫 Taking Off from Shanghai (SHA)

Best sideLeft
WhyDeparting south on runway 18L, the left side faces east toward downtown Shanghai. Within the first couple minutes of climb-out, passengers get a good angled view of the Pudong skyline and the Huangpu River bends, which are close enough (15-20 km) to be recognizable from a few thousand feet up.
Look forPudong skyline (Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao, SWFC), Huangpu River, dense urban Shanghai grid, Hongqiao business district falling behind
Left window seat view during takeoff from Shanghai (SHA) — Pudong skyline (Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao, SWFC), Huangpu River, dense urban Shanghai grid, Hongqiao business district falling behindLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Shanghai (SHA) — Pudong skyline (Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao, SWFC), Huangpu River, dense urban Shanghai grid, Hongqiao business district falling behindRight Side

🛬 Landing at Shanghai (SHA)

Best sideLeft
WhyOn the typical approach to runway 18R, aircraft fly south from the northern suburbs toward Hongqiao, and the left side faces east toward central Shanghai. Passengers get a good look at the Huangpu River bends and the Pudong skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao, Shanghai Tower) in the distance before the plane banks in for landing.
Look forHuangpu River, Pudong skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower), northern Shanghai suburbs, Hongqiao's dense urban approach corridor
Left window seat view during landing at Shanghai (SHA) — Huangpu River, Pudong skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower), northern Shanghai suburbs, Hongqiao's dense urban approach corridorLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Shanghai (SHA) — Huangpu River, Pudong skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower), northern Shanghai suburbs, Hongqiao's dense urban approach corridorRight Side

Hongqiao is Shanghai's older, closer-in airport, located just 13 km from the city center and primarily serving domestic routes plus a handful of short-haul international and regional flights (Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan). It has two terminals and is directly connected to Hongqiao Railway Station, forming one of China's largest integrated transport hubs.

⛰️ Elevation13 ft
🛫 Runways2 (18L/36R, 18R/36L)
✈️ HubChina Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines
📍 NearbyPVG 28 miJNH 53 miWUX 57 miNTG 64 miHGH 86 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Hongqiao International (SHA)?

At Hongqiao International in Shanghai: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Pudong skyline (Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao, SWFC), Huangpu River, dense urban Shanghai grid, Hongqiao business district falling behind.

What can I see during takeoff from Hongqiao International in Shanghai?

When taking off from Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing south on runway 18L, the left side faces east toward downtown Shanghai. Within the first couple minutes of climb-out, passengers get a good angled view of the Pudong skyline and the Huangpu River bends, which are close enough (15-20 km) to be recognizable from a few thousand feet up. Notable sights include: Pudong skyline (Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao, SWFC), Huangpu River, dense urban Shanghai grid, Hongqiao business district falling behind.

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. On the typical approach to runway 18R, aircraft fly south from the northern suburbs toward Hongqiao, and the left side faces east toward central Shanghai. Passengers get a good look at the Huangpu River bends and the Pudong skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao, Shanghai Tower) in the distance before the plane banks in for landing. Notable sights include: Huangpu River, Pudong skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower), northern Shanghai suburbs, Hongqiao's dense urban approach corridor.

What factors affect the best window seat at Hongqiao International?

The best window seat at Hongqiao International (SHA) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Shanghai (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.