About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Naha (OKA) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Naha to Shanghai. Takeoff views of the Kerama Islands and East China Sea are more distinctive and visually rewarding than landing views dominated by urban sprawl. The open water and island geography provide better contrast and clarity than the dense cityscape approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Naha in Naha?
During takeoff from Naha (OKA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Naha typically departs runway 32L/14R. Left seats face north-northwest during climb-out, giving direct views of the Kerama Islands and the East China Sea. Right seats see the developed southern coast of Okinawa main island. Notable sights include: Kerama Islands (small archipelago 30nm west), East China Sea (open water), Okinawa main island southern coastline, Naha city sprawl below.
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. PVG uses runways 08L/26R and 09R/27L. Approach from the southwest typically vectors aircraft on a northeast descent path. Right seats face the Huangpu River, Pudong's financial district, and the distinctive skyline including the Oriental Pearl Tower. Left seats see the industrial Puxi side and Hangzhou Bay. Notable sights include: Huangpu River (sharp bend visible), Pudong financial district high-rises, Oriental Pearl Tower (distinctive spherical structure), Hangzhou Bay (broad water body to the south).
How long is the flight from Naha to Shanghai?
The flight from Naha (OKA) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Naha to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the East China Sea northwest from Okinawa. At cruise altitude (around 30,000 feet), the Senkaku Islands lie roughly 100nm to the north of track but are too small and distant to reliably see. The sea itself shows shipping lanes and occasional weather patterns. Around the midpoint, the Chinese coast becomes visible on the horizon—first the Zhejiang Province coastline near Hangzhou Bay, then the Yangtze River delta's complex waterway system. The approach to Shanghai brings views of the Yangtze River estuary, numerous lakes in the delta region, and the extensive network of canals and agricultural land that characterizes the lower Yangtze plain before reaching the urban area.