Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Shanghai. While takeoff offers good views, the landing approach into Shanghai provides more dramatic and sustained scenery. The Yangtze estuary and delta system are geographically extensive and visually distinctive, making the right side the better choice for the overall journey.

During takeoff from Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Essendon. The bay's distinctive shape and the forested ridgeline provide clear visual landmarks during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne CBD skyline, You Yangs volcanic hills.

When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide views of the Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, and the Shanghai urban sprawl during descent into Pudong. The river's massive delta system and the contrast between water and developed land create striking visual definition. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, Shanghai urban grid, East China Sea coastline.

The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes Approximately 8.5 to 9.5 hours.

The flight path crosses the Tasman Sea (no landmarks), then approaches the Australian east coast near Brisbane, crosses the Great Dividing Range, and continues northwest over the Coral Sea toward the Philippines and into Southeast Asian airspace. Approaching China, the flight passes over the South China Sea before reaching the Yangtze River delta. Notable geographic features along the route include the Queensland coast, the Coral Sea, and the transition into Asian continental airspace.