The right side wins on both ends of the flight — karst terrain and a lake at takeoff, then a coastal bay and skyline glimpse at landing — while the left side offers mostly flat, unremarkable plains throughout the Yangtze basin.
Flown KMG to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kunming to Shanghai is 1,221 miles (1,965 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Guizhou plateau's karst peaks, the hilly terrain of western Hunan and Jiangxi, and the flatter Yangtze River plain as the route approaches the Shanghai delta
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from KMG
RIGHTClimbing out of Kunming, the right side offers views of Dianchi Lake and the rolling karst hills of the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau as the aircraft banks northeast. The left side mostly shows flatter urban sprawl of Kunming's northern suburbs.
Landing at PVG
RIGHTOn approach into Pudong, arrivals from the south cross Hangzhou Bay before turning onto final, giving right-side passengers a coastal view of the bay's muddy tidal flats and container ship traffic. The Shanghai skyline and Yangtze estuary become visible just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kunming to Shanghai. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — karst terrain and a lake at takeoff, then a coastal bay and skyline glimpse at landing — while the left side offers mostly flat, unremarkable plains throughout the Yangtze basin.
What can I see during takeoff from Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming?
During takeoff from Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing out of Kunming, the right side offers views of Dianchi Lake and the rolling karst hills of the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau as the aircraft banks northeast. The left side mostly shows flatter urban sprawl of Kunming's northern suburbs. Notable sights include: Dianchi Lake, Yunnan karst hills, Kunming city outskirts.
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. On approach into Pudong, arrivals from the south cross Hangzhou Bay before turning onto final, giving right-side passengers a coastal view of the bay's muddy tidal flats and container ship traffic. The Shanghai skyline and Yangtze estuary become visible just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay, Yangtze River estuary, Shanghai skyline (Pudong towers), coastal tidal flats.
How long is the flight from Kunming to Shanghai?
The flight from Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,221 miles (1,965 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kunming to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Guizhou plateau's karst peaks, the hilly terrain of western Hunan and Jiangxi, and the flatter Yangtze River plain as the route approaches the Shanghai delta