While takeoff favors the right side (Changbai Mountains), the landing experience on the left side—featuring Shanghai's iconic Pudong skyline, the Huangpu River, and the Yangtze estuary—provides more dramatic and recognizable urban scenery. The landing sequence carries greater visual impact than the departure, making left the better overall choice for this route.
Flown NBS to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Baishan to Shanghai is 820 miles (1,319 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Jilin Province forested plateau, Liaoning Province transition zone, Bohai Sea coastal approach, Shandong Peninsula distant to the east, Yellow River delta region to the south, North China Plain gradually giving way to Yangtze River Delta lowlands
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from NBS
RIGHTRunway 19 southbound departures from NBS offer views of the Changbai Mountains' eastern slopes and the Songhua River valley as the aircraft climbs. Left departures (runway 01) climb northward into less dramatic terrain. Right side captures the more substantial topography during initial climb.
Landing at PVG
LEFTApproaches to PVG typically descend over Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze River Delta. Left-side passengers see the bay's western shoreline, the Yangtze estuary, and Shanghai's urban sprawl with the Huangpu River and Pudong skyline. Right-side views are dominated by open water and coastal marshes with less urban definition.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Changbaishan Airport (NBS) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baishan to Shanghai. While takeoff favors the right side (Changbai Mountains), the landing experience on the left side—featuring Shanghai's iconic Pudong skyline, the Huangpu River, and the Yangtze estuary—provides more dramatic and recognizable urban scenery. The landing sequence carries greater visual impact than the departure, making left the better overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Changbaishan Airport in Baishan?
During takeoff from Changbaishan Airport (NBS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Runway 19 southbound departures from NBS offer views of the Changbai Mountains' eastern slopes and the Songhua River valley as the aircraft climbs. Left departures (runway 01) climb northward into less dramatic terrain. Right side captures the more substantial topography during initial climb. Notable sights include: Changbai Mountains (eastern ridges), Songhua River valley, Baishan city sprawl, forested plateaus.
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. Approaches to PVG typically descend over Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze River Delta. Left-side passengers see the bay's western shoreline, the Yangtze estuary, and Shanghai's urban sprawl with the Huangpu River and Pudong skyline. Right-side views are dominated by open water and coastal marshes with less urban definition. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay coastline, Yangtze River estuary, Huangpu River, Pudong financial district skyline.
How long is the flight from Baishan to Shanghai?
The flight from Changbaishan Airport (NBS) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 820 miles (1,319 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Baishan to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Jilin Province forested plateau, Liaoning Province transition zone, Bohai Sea coastal approach, Shandong Peninsula distant to the east, Yellow River delta region to the south, North China Plain gradually giving way to Yangtze River Delta lowlands