While the takeoff and landing favor the left side with city views, the long cruise portion over Russia and Central Asia gives the right side a much more varied and dramatic sequence—crossing the low Ural Mountains, the vast West Siberian Plain, and the rugged Altai range along the Mongolia-China border, plus glimpses of the Gobi Desert's dune fields before descending toward the coast.
Flown FRA to SHA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Frankfurt to Shanghai is 5,485 miles (8,827 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
Ural Mountains, West Siberian Plain, Altai Mountains near the Mongolia-China border, and the northern fringe of the Gobi Desert
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from FRA
LEFTDeparting Frankfurt in the typical westerly configuration, eastbound flights climb out and bank north, giving left-side passengers a good look back at the Frankfurt skyline, the Main River, and the wooded Taunus hills before leveling off toward Poland.
Landing at SHA
LEFTOn approach into Hongqiao from the north, the descent path crosses the Yangtze River delta wetlands and gives left-side passengers a view of the Shanghai skyline, including the Pudong towers along the Huangpu River, before the final turn onto the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Hongqiao International (SHA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Frankfurt to Shanghai. While the takeoff and landing favor the left side with city views, the long cruise portion over Russia and Central Asia gives the right side a much more varied and dramatic sequence—crossing the low Ural Mountains, the vast West Siberian Plain, and the rugged Altai range along the Mongolia-China border, plus glimpses of the Gobi Desert's dune fields before descending toward the coast.
What can I see during takeoff from Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
During takeoff from Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Frankfurt in the typical westerly configuration, eastbound flights climb out and bank north, giving left-side passengers a good look back at the Frankfurt skyline, the Main River, and the wooded Taunus hills before leveling off toward Poland. Notable sights include: Frankfurt skyline, Main River, Taunus hills, Rhine-Main industrial belt.
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. On approach into Hongqiao from the north, the descent path crosses the Yangtze River delta wetlands and gives left-side passengers a view of the Shanghai skyline, including the Pudong towers along the Huangpu River, before the final turn onto the runway. Notable sights include: Huangpu River, Pudong skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower), Yangtze River delta wetlands.
How long is the flight from Frankfurt to Shanghai?
The flight from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Hongqiao International (SHA) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,485 miles (8,827 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Frankfurt to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Ural Mountains, West Siberian Plain, Altai Mountains near the Mongolia-China border, and the northern fringe of the Gobi Desert