St. Petersburg to Shanghai is 4,435 miles (7,138 km), a flight of about 6 hours 45 minutes.
While takeoff offers water views, the landing approach into Shanghai provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Yangtze estuary and Pudong skyline are visually distinctive. Left-side seats capture the most impressive final descent views.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Urals (visible as low mountain ridges around 4-5 hours into flight), then traverses the vast West Siberian Plain. Over Kazakhstan, the landscape becomes increasingly arid with the Kazakh Steppe dominating. The Tian Shan mountains may be visible on the southern horizon during the approach to Chinese airspace. The flight then crosses into China proper, passing over the North China Plain before descending toward the Yangtze River valley and Shanghai.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LED
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Gulf of Finland and the Neva River delta as the aircraft climbs southward from Pulkovo. The water bodies and St. Petersburg's urban sprawl provide immediate visual interest during the initial climb.
Landing at PVG
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, and the approach into Shanghai from the northwest. The river's massive delta system and the contrast between water and developed land are striking during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pulkovo (LED) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Petersburg to Shanghai. While takeoff offers water views, the landing approach into Shanghai provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Yangtze estuary and Pudong skyline are visually distinctive. Left-side seats capture the most impressive final descent views.
What can I see during takeoff from Pulkovo in St. Petersburg?
During takeoff from Pulkovo (LED), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Gulf of Finland and the Neva River delta as the aircraft climbs southward from Pulkovo. The water bodies and St. Petersburg's urban sprawl provide immediate visual interest during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Gulf of Finland (south), Neva River delta, Lake Ladoga (distant southeast), St. Petersburg urban districts.
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 provide views of the Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, and the approach into Shanghai from the northwest. The river's massive delta system and the contrast between water and developed land are striking during descent. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, East China Sea coastline, Shanghai Pudong skyline.
How long is the flight from St. Petersburg to Shanghai?
The flight from Pulkovo (LED) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 6 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,435 miles (7,138 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Petersburg to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Urals (visible as low mountain ridges around 4-5 hours into flight), then traverses the vast West Siberian Plain. Over Kazakhstan, the landscape becomes increasingly arid with the Kazakh Steppe dominating. The Tian Shan mountains may be visible on the southern horizon during the approach to Chinese airspace. The flight then crosses into China proper, passing over the North China Plain before descending toward the Yangtze River valley and Shanghai.