A new helicopter route linking Shanghai and Shengsi county in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, began regular operations on Aug 16, cutting travel time across the East China Sea to 30 minutes.

The inaugural flight departed from the Fuxing Island base in Shanghai and landed at the Qingsha Heliport in Shengsi.

Operated by Shanghai Xinkong Helicopter, the service uses a Bell 429 twin-engine helicopter with a six-seat cabin. Departing from Fuxing Island, passengers first fly along the Huangpu River past Lujiazui before crossing the sea to Shengsi, enjoying views of both Shanghai's skyline and the coastal scenery. Many passengers described the journey as a fast and distinctive tourism experience.

The route now offers two main services: round trips between Fuxing Island and Sijiao Island, as well as between Fuxing Island and Huaniao Island. One-way tickets are normally priced at 2,580 yuan (about $359) and 2,980 yuan, but promotional discounts of 20 to 40 percent off are available during August and September this year.

Plans to expand to Gouqi and Shengshan islands are underway, further enhancing connections between Shanghai and Zhoushan.