The right side of the aircraft captures the more geographically dramatic portions of the route — the Ural foothills, Siberian taiga edges, and Mongolian steppe and desert visible to the south of the great-circle path — culminating in a striking skyline approach into Shanghai, while the left side mostly faces the featureless Siberian interior and open coastal waters near landing.
Flown FRA to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Frankfurt to Shanghai is 5,505 miles (8,859 km), a flight of about 10 hours 20 minutes.
Ural Mountains foothills, Siberian taiga, Lake Baikal region, Mongolian steppe and Gobi Desert margins, North China Plain
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from FRA
RIGHTDeparting FRA eastbound, the right side offers a brief glimpse of the Frankfurt skyline and the wooded Taunus hills before the aircraft climbs over the flat Hessian countryside. The left side shows mostly featureless farmland with no distinguishing terrain.
Landing at PVG
RIGHTPVG's north-south runways mean arrivals from the north descend southward, putting the Shanghai skyline and Huangpu River on the right side of the aircraft, while the left side only shows the flat delta and open water toward Hangzhou Bay. The right side offers a dramatic final view of one of the world's most recognizable skylines.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Frankfurt to Shanghai. The right side of the aircraft captures the more geographically dramatic portions of the route — the Ural foothills, Siberian taiga edges, and Mongolian steppe and desert visible to the south of the great-circle path — culminating in a striking skyline approach into Shanghai, while the left side mostly faces the featureless Siberian interior and open coastal waters near landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
During takeoff from Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing FRA eastbound, the right side offers a brief glimpse of the Frankfurt skyline and the wooded Taunus hills before the aircraft climbs over the flat Hessian countryside. The left side shows mostly featureless farmland with no distinguishing terrain. Notable sights include: Frankfurt skyline, Main River, Taunus hills.
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. PVG's north-south runways mean arrivals from the north descend southward, putting the Shanghai skyline and Huangpu River on the right side of the aircraft, while the left side only shows the flat delta and open water toward Hangzhou Bay. The right side offers a dramatic final view of one of the world's most recognizable skylines. Notable sights include: Huangpu River, Shanghai Tower and Pudong skyline, Yangtze River Delta farmland.
How long is the flight from Frankfurt to Shanghai?
The flight from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 10 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,505 miles (8,859 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Frankfurt to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Ural Mountains foothills, Siberian taiga, Lake Baikal region, Mongolian steppe and Gobi Desert margins, North China Plain