Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Shanghai. While the left offers excellent Istanbul departure views, the right side captures the more dramatic and visually rewarding landing sequence into Shanghai, with the Yangtze Delta's intricate waterways and Pudong's modern skyline providing superior scenery during the final descent.

During takeoff from Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus strait as the aircraft climbs northeastward from Ataturk. You'll see the waterway's distinctive shape and the European coastline curving away. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, European shore of Istanbul, Asian hills to the east.

When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides the best approach views into Shanghai Pudong. As the aircraft descends from the northwest, you'll see the Yangtze River delta's intricate waterways, the Huangpu River winding through Shanghai's urban core, and Pudong's distinctive skyline emerging. Notable sights include: Yangtze River Delta wetlands and channels, Huangpu River, Pudong financial district skyline, East China Sea coastline.

The flight from Ataturk (IST) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes Approximately 11-12 hours.

The flight path crosses the Caucasus Mountains (visible from altitude as a snow-capped ridge running east-west), then traverses the Caspian Sea's eastern shore, continues over the Turkmen and Uzbek steppes, crosses the Tian Shan mountain range on the China-Kyrgyzstan border, and descends across the North China Plain toward Shanghai. The Caspian Sea, Aral Sea region, and the high plateaus of Central Asia are the most notable geographic features visible during the cruise phase.