The right (east) side tracks closer to the coastline for much of the route, offering glimpses of the Pearl River Delta at departure, the Fujian and Zhejiang coast during cruise, and Hangzhou Bay plus Shanghai's skyline on approach, while the left side mostly faces inland hill country with fewer distinct landmarks.
Flown CAN to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Guangzhou to Shanghai is 748 miles (1,203 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Wuyi Mountains foothills inland to the west, Fujian coastline and Taiwan Strait to the east, Zhejiang's hilly coastal terrain near Wenzhou
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CAN
RIGHTDeparting CAN to the north or south, the right (east) side offers views over the sprawling Pearl River Delta, with the Pearl River's braided channels and dense urban development of Guangzhou and Dongguan visible below during climb-out.
Landing at PVG
RIGHTOn approach into PVG from the south, the right side reveals Hangzhou Bay's wide estuary and, closer in, glimpses of Shanghai's Pudong skyline and the Yangtze delta's flat, canal-crossed farmland before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Guangzhou to Shanghai. The right (east) side tracks closer to the coastline for much of the route, offering glimpses of the Pearl River Delta at departure, the Fujian and Zhejiang coast during cruise, and Hangzhou Bay plus Shanghai's skyline on approach, while the left side mostly faces inland hill country with fewer distinct landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou?
During takeoff from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing CAN to the north or south, the right (east) side offers views over the sprawling Pearl River Delta, with the Pearl River's braided channels and dense urban development of Guangzhou and Dongguan visible below during climb-out. Notable sights include: Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou city center, Dongguan industrial sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into PVG from the south, the right side reveals Hangzhou Bay's wide estuary and, closer in, glimpses of Shanghai's Pudong skyline and the Yangtze delta's flat, canal-crossed farmland before touchdown. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay, Pudong skyline (distant), Yangtze River Delta farmland, coastal wetlands.
How long is the flight from Guangzhou to Shanghai?
The flight from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 748 miles (1,203 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Guangzhou to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Wuyi Mountains foothills inland to the west, Fujian coastline and Taiwan Strait to the east, Zhejiang's hilly coastal terrain near Wenzhou