While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach offers more dramatic and extended views of Shanghai's urban geography and the Yangtze Delta. The left side during descent provides the fuller picture of the destination city and its surrounding waterways, making it the better overall choice for this route.
Flown CTS to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sapporo to Shanghai is 1,355 miles (2,180 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Korean Peninsula's western coast (visible as a distant landmass during the first hour), then traverses the Yellow Sea. Around the midpoint, you'll see the Shandong Peninsula on the left (south) side, and as you approach Shanghai, the Yangtze River estuary becomes visible with its distinctive delta formation and multiple river channels spreading into the East China Sea.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CTS
RIGHTCTS typically departs to the south or southeast. Right-side seats capture the Ishikari Plain stretching inland and the Sea of Japan coastline receding northward, with occasional views of the Teine and Maruyama hills marking Sapporo's southern edge.
Landing at PVG
LEFTPVG has two parallel runways; approaches typically come from the east or northeast over the East China Sea. Left-side seats offer extended views of the Yangtze River Delta's waterways, the Huangpu River winding through Shanghai's urban core, and Pudong's distinctive skyline emerging from the haze as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chitose International Airport (CTS) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sapporo to Shanghai. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach offers more dramatic and extended views of Shanghai's urban geography and the Yangtze Delta. The left side during descent provides the fuller picture of the destination city and its surrounding waterways, making it the better overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Chitose International Airport in Sapporo?
During takeoff from Chitose International Airport (CTS), sit on the Right side for the best views. CTS typically departs to the south or southeast. Right-side seats capture the Ishikari Plain stretching inland and the Sea of Japan coastline receding northward, with occasional views of the Teine and Maruyama hills marking Sapporo's southern edge. Notable sights include: Sea of Japan (north), Ishikari Plain (south/inland), Teine Hills (southwest), Maruyama area (south).
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. PVG has two parallel runways; approaches typically come from the east or northeast over the East China Sea. Left-side seats offer extended views of the Yangtze River Delta's waterways, the Huangpu River winding through Shanghai's urban core, and Pudong's distinctive skyline emerging from the haze as you descend. Notable sights include: East China Sea (east), Huangpu River (central), Yangtze River Delta wetlands (north), Pudong financial district skyline (west).
How long is the flight from Sapporo to Shanghai?
The flight from Chitose International Airport (CTS) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,355 miles (2,180 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sapporo to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Korean Peninsula's western coast (visible as a distant landmass during the first hour), then traverses the Yellow Sea. Around the midpoint, you'll see the Shandong Peninsula on the left (south) side, and as you approach Shanghai, the Yangtze River estuary becomes visible with its distinctive delta formation and multiple river channels spreading into the East China Sea.