SHA

Best window seat landing 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.

LandingLEFT

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

🛬 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 landing at Hongqiao International (SHA)?

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 can I see when arriving at Shanghai?

Arriving at Hongqiao International in Shanghai, passengers on the Left side enjoy views of Huangpu River, Pudong skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower), northern Shanghai suburbs, Hongqiao's dense urban approach corridor. 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.

What factors affect the best window seat landing at Hongqiao International?

The best window seat landing at Hongqiao International (SHA) depends on several factors: the approach path and runway in use, geographic features around Shanghai (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening arrivals often offer the best lighting.