While the takeoff offers Thames estuary views, the landing approach to Shanghai provides far more dramatic scenery: the Yangtze delta's scale, the Huangpu River's urban integration, and Pudong's iconic skyline make right seats the better choice for the overall journey.
Flown LCY to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Shanghai is 5,724 miles (9,213 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Sea, then proceeds southeast over continental Europe (Ruhr Valley industrial region visible), the Alps (if routed south of standard corridor), the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. Over Central Asia, you'll cross the Caspian Sea region, the Tian Shan mountains (northern route) or the Iranian plateau (southern route), and eventually descend toward the Yangtze River delta. The Caspian Sea and mountain ranges are the most visually distinctive midpoint landmarks, though exact visibility depends on routing and atmospheric conditions.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Thames estuary and North Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs eastward out of London City. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the Kent marshlands spreading below.
Landing at PVG
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views during the approach to Pudong. You'll see the Yangtze River's massive delta, the East China Sea coastline, and Shanghai's urban sprawl spreading across the Huangpu River valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Shanghai. While the takeoff offers Thames estuary views, the landing approach to Shanghai provides far more dramatic scenery: the Yangtze delta's scale, the Huangpu River's urban integration, and Pudong's iconic skyline make right seats the better choice for the overall journey.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Thames estuary and North Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs eastward out of London City. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the Kent marshlands spreading below. Notable sights include: River Thames (winding through East London), North Sea coastline, Essex flatlands, Southend-on-Sea (coastal town to the southeast).
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. Right seats provide excellent views during the approach to Pudong. You'll see the Yangtze River's massive delta, the East China Sea coastline, and Shanghai's urban sprawl spreading across the Huangpu River valley. Notable sights include: Yangtze River delta (vast braided system), East China Sea coastline, Huangpu River (Shanghai's main waterway), Pudong's high-rise skyline.
How long is the flight from London to Shanghai?
The flight from City (LCY) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,724 miles (9,213 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea, then proceeds southeast over continental Europe (Ruhr Valley industrial region visible), the Alps (if routed south of standard corridor), the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. Over Central Asia, you'll cross the Caspian Sea region, the Tian Shan mountains (northern route) or the Iranian plateau (southern route), and eventually descend toward the Yangtze River delta. The Caspian Sea and mountain ranges are the most visually distinctive midpoint landmarks, though exact visibility depends on routing and atmospheric conditions.