Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Milano to Shanghai. While takeoff favors the right for Alpine views, the landing experience on the left—seeing the Huangpu River's dramatic curve and Pudong's iconic skyline—is more visually compelling and memorable. The left side also captures better views during the long cruise phase over Central Asia if you're positioned to see the Tianshan Mountains on approach to western China.

During takeoff from Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Alps during initial climb. MXP typically departs runways 11L/11R (northwesterly heading), so right-side seats face southeast toward the Alpine chain as you climb out over Lombardy. Notable sights include: Alps (southern face of Mont Rosa and Gran Paradiso massif), Lake Maggiore to the north, Ticino River valley, Po River plain spreading eastward.

When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Huangpu River and Pudong's skyline during approach. PVG typically uses runways 08L/08R or 26L/26R depending on wind; for easterly approaches (common), left seats face north toward the river and downtown Shanghai's high-rise district. Notable sights include: Huangpu River (distinctive S-curve through Shanghai), Pudong financial district skyline with Oriental Pearl Tower, Yangtze River estuary to the north, East China Sea coastline.

The flight from Malpensa (MXP) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes Approximately 11-12 hours block time.

The flight path crosses the Alps (immediately after departure), then traverses the Balkans and Turkey, passing near or over the Black Sea region. Over Central Asia, you'll cross the Caspian Sea (visible from altitude), then the Tianshan Mountains and Gobi Desert. The Taklamakan Desert is visible during the final approach phase into Chinese airspace. The entire route follows a great-circle path roughly northeast then southeast, with significant mountain ranges (Alps, Caucasus, Tianshan) and major water bodies (Black Sea, Caspian Sea) marking the journey.