Helicopter operates between Chongchuan and Pudong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

As passengers finished check-in, a light helicopter took off from the old Nantong Port site on Oct 20, marking the official start of the first regular low-altitude helicopter passenger route between Chongchuan, Nantong and Pudong, Shanghai.

Kongtian Shuzhi, a subsidiary of Nantong Transportation Construction Investment Group Co, manages the investment and renovation of the takeoff and landing sites, while Shanghai Xinkong Aviation operates the flights.

The route spans about 135 kilometers, with a one-way fare of 698 yuan ($97.94). The flight duration is just 0.8 hours, reducing travel time to about 30 percent of the fastest ground transportation. Upon reaching Xingye Aviation Base, passengers can take a shuttle bus directly to Pudong Airport.

The unique appeal of this route lies not only in its speed but also in its cultural and tourism features.

Once the helicopter takes off, it shifts into a low-altitude sightseeing mode, offering passengers a slowly revealed view of mountains, rivers, the sea, and cities including the Nantong riverside green belt, Nantong Langshan Mountain National Forest Park, the ancient Guangjiao Temple, large cargo ships, and ultimately, the distant Pudong skyline and Disneyland.

The Chongchuan takeoff and landing point is the original site of the 1960 Nantong Port opening. Over 60 years ago, steam whistles from this location witnessed the bold spirit and nostalgia of Nantong residents venturing into Shanghai and the world. Today, the roar of helicopter propellers continues this historical legacy, advancing the city's ambitions in maritime industry and its dreams of the future with new flight paths.