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.
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Flight Path
Melbourne to Shanghai is 4,986 miles (8,025 km), a flight of about 9 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.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEB
LEFTLeft-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.
Landing at PVG
RIGHTRight-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.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
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.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
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.
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-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.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Shanghai?
The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 9 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,986 miles (8,025 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Shanghai flight path pass over?
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.