Right-side seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. Takeoff offers dramatic river gorges and Chongqing's topography, while the cruise segment over central China's agricultural plains and the Yangtze River valley provides consistent visual interest. Landing views are comparable on both sides, but the takeoff advantage tips the overall recommendation to the right.
Flown CKG to SHA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chongqing to Shanghai is 880 miles (1,416 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Yangtze River valley (visible throughout cruise), Dabie Mountains to the north around 30.5°N 115°E, Anhui Province's agricultural plains, Poyang Lake area (largest freshwater lake in China, visible on clear days around 29°N 116.5°E), transition into Jiangsu Province's flatter terrain approaching Shanghai
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CKG
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Jialing River valley and the dramatic confluence zone where the Jialing meets the Yangtze River immediately east of Jiangbei Airport. The river gorges and urban sprawl of central Chongqing are visible during initial climb.
Landing at SHA
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best view of the Huangpu River as it winds through Shanghai's urban core during descent into Hongqiao. The river's distinctive serpentine curves, the Pudong skyline, and the Yangtze River estuary are all visible on approach from the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jiangbei (CKG) to Hongqiao International (SHA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chongqing to Shanghai. Right-side seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. Takeoff offers dramatic river gorges and Chongqing's topography, while the cruise segment over central China's agricultural plains and the Yangtze River valley provides consistent visual interest. Landing views are comparable on both sides, but the takeoff advantage tips the overall recommendation to the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Jiangbei in Chongqing?
During takeoff from Jiangbei (CKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Jialing River valley and the dramatic confluence zone where the Jialing meets the Yangtze River immediately east of Jiangbei Airport. The river gorges and urban sprawl of central Chongqing are visible during initial climb. Notable sights include: Jialing River valley, Yangtze River confluence, Chongqing urban districts (Yuzhong Peninsula visible to the southeast), Wu Mountains to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Hongqiao International in Shanghai?
When landing at Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best view of the Huangpu River as it winds through Shanghai's urban core during descent into Hongqiao. The river's distinctive serpentine curves, the Pudong skyline, and the Yangtze River estuary are all visible on approach from the west. Notable sights include: Huangpu River (with visible bends through downtown Shanghai), Pudong financial district skyline, Yangtze River estuary to the north, Taihu Lake visible to the southwest on clear days.
How long is the flight from Chongqing to Shanghai?
The flight from Jiangbei (CKG) to Hongqiao International (SHA) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 880 miles (1,416 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chongqing to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Yangtze River valley (visible throughout cruise), Dabie Mountains to the north around 30.5°N 115°E, Anhui Province's agricultural plains, Poyang Lake area (largest freshwater lake in China, visible on clear days around 29°N 116.5°E), transition into Jiangsu Province's flatter terrain approaching Shanghai