Passengers board the first Shanghai- Kashgar flight at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. The Shanghai-Kashgar air route opens at 8:30 am on Aug 12. This route will bridge the eastern coastal area and western border city of China and may help Shanghai fuel Tibet's development. The first flight was made by China Eastern airline, on a 6? hours flight with one stop in Urumchi.[Photo/Xinhua]

Staffers see the first Shanghai- Kashgar flight take off. The Shanghai-Kashgar air route opens at 8:30 am on Aug 12. This route will bridge the eastern coastal area and western border city ofChinaand may help Shanghai fuel Tibet's development. The first flight was made by China Eastern airline, on a 6? hours flight with one stopin Urumchi.[Photo/Xinhua]