While the landing approach on the left is visually dramatic, the takeoff from Copenhagen on the right provides the most consistently rewarding views. The Øresund Strait crossing is a distinctive geographical feature rarely seen on other major routes, and right-side seats capture it perfectly during the critical early climb phase when visibility is clearest.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Baltic Sea, passes over Poland (Vistula River valley visible near Warsaw), continues over the Carpathian Mountains in Romania and Ukraine, crosses the Black Sea's northern coast, traverses the Caucasus region, and follows the Caspian Sea's eastern shore before heading southeast across Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The Aral Sea (severely diminished) may be visible on southern routing. Central Asian deserts (Kyzylkum, Karakum) dominate the mid-flight segment. The Tian Shan mountains appear as the aircraft approaches western China, followed by descent over the North China Plain toward Shanghai.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kastrup (CPH) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Copenhagen to Shanghai. While the landing approach on the left is visually dramatic, the takeoff from Copenhagen on the right provides the most consistently rewarding views. The Øresund Strait crossing is a distinctive geographical feature rarely seen on other major routes, and right-side seats capture it perfectly during the critical early climb phase when visibility is clearest.
What can I see during takeoff from Kastrup in Copenhagen?
During takeoff from Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Øresund Strait and Swedish coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Kastrup. The strait's distinctive narrow water passage between Denmark and Sweden is clearly visible during initial climb, along with the Malmö urban area on the Swedish side. Notable sights include: Øresund Strait, Malmö city (Sweden), Danish archipelago to the north, Kattegat seaway.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Shanghai Pudong. As the aircraft approaches from the northwest, the left side faces the Huangpu River's distinctive meanders through central Shanghai, the Pudong skyline, and the East China Sea coastline. The river's serpentine curves and the contrast between developed and undeveloped areas are particularly striking. Notable sights include: Huangpu River with characteristic bends, Pudong financial district skyline, East China Sea coastline, Yangtze River estuary mudflats.
How long is the flight from Copenhagen to Shanghai?
The flight from Kastrup (CPH) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes 10h 15m.
What does the Copenhagen to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Baltic Sea, passes over Poland (Vistula River valley visible near Warsaw), continues over the Carpathian Mountains in Romania and Ukraine, crosses the Black Sea's northern coast, traverses the Caucasus region, and follows the Caspian Sea's eastern shore before heading southeast across Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The Aral Sea (severely diminished) may be visible on southern routing. Central Asian deserts (Kyzylkum, Karakum) dominate the mid-flight segment. The Tian Shan mountains appear as the aircraft approaches western China, followed by descent over the North China Plain toward Shanghai.