Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Moscow to Shanghai. The right side scores higher due to the landing approach over the Yangtze estuary and Shanghai's dramatic urban-water interface. While Moscow's departure offers modest suburban interest, the Yangtze's complex tidal geography, mudflat patterns, and Pudong's concentrated skyline provide greater visual variety and landmark density. The flight's 5+ hours of cruise over relatively featureless terrain (Russian steppes, Kazakhstan plains, western China) means the landing sequence dominates the scenic experience.

During takeoff from Domodedovo International Airport (DME), sit on the Left side for the best views. Moscow's southern suburbs and the Moskva River valley provide urban texture during climb-out. The left side captures the sprawl of Domodedovo and surrounding settlements before transitioning to open terrain. Notable sights include: Domodedovo Airport complex, Moskva River meanders, Moscow suburban ring roads, Oka River valley to the southeast.

When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Shanghai's approach over the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay delivers dramatic water features and urban density. The right side captures the convergence of the Yangtze's multiple channels, tidal mudflats, and the sprawling Shanghai metropolitan area with Pudong's skyline. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary with multiple distributaries, Hangzhou Bay mudflats and tidal patterns, Pudong financial district skyline, East China Sea coastline.

The flight from Domodedovo International Airport (DME) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes 6h 50m.

Volga River near Penza, Ural Mountains (distant ridgeline, 1,500 m elevation), Caspian Sea depression and Ustyurt Plateau, Aral Sea remnants, Tian Shan foothills approaching western China, Taklamakan Desert margins, Tianshan range crossing into Xinjiang, transition to eastern China's river valleys and agricultural plains