A helicopter parks at the heliport of Xinlian General Aviation in Xiaoshan district. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Hangzhou's first low-altitude helicopter sightseeing tour over the Qiantang River, operated by local company Xinlian General Aviation, was launched on Oct 30. The service allows visitors to experience the city from above and enjoy panoramic views of the Qiantang River, the scenic beauty of West Lake, and Hangzhou's iconic landmarks.

The tour uses Bell 429 and Bell 407 helicopters, departing from the company's heliport in Xiaoshan district and climbing to an altitude of 300 meters. Passengers can view both shores of the Qiantang River, flying over key attractions like the Qiantang River Bridge and City Balcony, with the entire flight lasting 15 to 20 minutes.

A helicopter flies over the Qiantang River. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

The service offers four themed routes: The Maiden Voyage, focusing on Qiantang River and Pengbu Bridge; the Asian Games Vista, covering the Asian Games Village and the Olympic Sports Expo Center; Splendor of Qiantang, a longer route with eight major stops including the iconic Liuhe Pagoda; and Night Tour Hangzhou, offering nighttime views of the city's landmarks. Each route is tailored to accommodate different budgets and sightseeing preferences.

Xinlian General Aviation prioritizes flight safety with a team of highly trained, experienced pilots and technical crew. Routes are planned with weather conditions and airspace restrictions in mind. Flights are flexible and can be scheduled during operating hours from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm daily.

Hangzhou's first low-altitude helicopter sightseeing tour over the Qiantang River. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]