Right-side seats provide superior views on departure with Hong Kong's harbor and peninsula geography, and while left wins on arrival, the takeoff experience is more visually distinctive and sustained during climb-out over one of the world's most recognizable harbors.
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Flight Path
Hong Kong to Shanghai is 780 miles (1,255 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Taiwan Strait region at cruise altitude (typically 35,000 feet). At midpoint, the aircraft passes over the coastal waters between Hong Kong and Shanghai, with the Zhejiang Province coastline visible to the west. Notable features include Hangzhou Bay (a large, shallow indentation in the coastline south of Shanghai), the Yangtze River delta's complex network of waterways and agricultural plains, and occasional glimpses of Zhejiang's low mountain ranges inland. The strait crossing itself shows open water with minimal visible landmarks at cruise altitude due to distance and haze, but the transition from Hong Kong's mountainous terrain to the flat delta plains is geographically significant.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Victoria Harbour waterfront and Kowloon Peninsula as the aircraft climbs northwestward on typical departure runway 25L/25R. The urban sprawl and harbor geometry are distinctive during initial climb.
Landing at PVG
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into PVG on typical arrival runway 08L/08R (eastbound approach). The Huangpu River and Pudong's distinctive skyline are visible on the left during the final approach corridor, with the river's characteristic bend providing clear geographic reference.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Shanghai. Right-side seats provide superior views on departure with Hong Kong's harbor and peninsula geography, and while left wins on arrival, the takeoff experience is more visually distinctive and sustained during climb-out over one of the world's most recognizable harbors.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Victoria Harbour waterfront and Kowloon Peninsula as the aircraft climbs northwestward on typical departure runway 25L/25R. The urban sprawl and harbor geometry are distinctive during initial climb. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Kowloon Peninsula urban grid, Hong Kong Island skyline, New Territories extending northward.
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 offer the best views during descent into PVG on typical arrival runway 08L/08R (eastbound approach). The Huangpu River and Pudong's distinctive skyline are visible on the left during the final approach corridor, with the river's characteristic bend providing clear geographic reference. Notable sights include: Huangpu River with its distinctive meander, Pudong financial district skyline, Yangtze River estuary mudflats, Hangzhou Bay to the south.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Shanghai?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 780 miles (1,255 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hong Kong to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Taiwan Strait region at cruise altitude (typically 35,000 feet). At midpoint, the aircraft passes over the coastal waters between Hong Kong and Shanghai, with the Zhejiang Province coastline visible to the west. Notable features include Hangzhou Bay (a large, shallow indentation in the coastline south of Shanghai), the Yangtze River delta's complex network of waterways and agricultural plains, and occasional glimpses of Zhejiang's low mountain ranges inland. The strait crossing itself shows open water with minimal visible landmarks at cruise altitude due to distance and haze, but the transition from Hong Kong's mountainous terrain to the flat delta plains is geographically significant.