While takeoff offers interesting views of Beijing's urban landscape and the Yanshan Mountains, the landing approach provides more dramatic and varied scenery. The Yangtze River delta, Hangzhou Bay, and Shanghai's coastal geography visible from the left side during descent offer more visually distinctive features than the relatively uniform North China Plain seen during departure.
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Flight Path
Beijing to Shanghai is 637 miles (1,025 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Huai River valley and passes over Anhui Province's agricultural plains. Around the midpoint, passengers may glimpse the Dabie Mountains to the west (left side), though they typically remain distant on the horizon. The landscape transitions from the drier North China Plain to the more water-rich Yangtze River basin, with increasing visibility of lakes, rivers, and irrigation systems as the aircraft approaches Shanghai.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PKX
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the North China Plain's urban sprawl and the Yanshan Mountains to the northwest. The standard departure route from Daxing heads southeast, so right-side passengers see the terrain the aircraft is climbing away from.
Landing at SHA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Yangtze River delta and Hangzhou Bay during descent into Hongqiao. The standard approach from the north brings the aircraft over these water features on the left side, offering clear views of the delta's intricate waterways and coastal geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) to Hongqiao International (SHA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Shanghai. While takeoff offers interesting views of Beijing's urban landscape and the Yanshan Mountains, the landing approach provides more dramatic and varied scenery. The Yangtze River delta, Hangzhou Bay, and Shanghai's coastal geography visible from the left side during descent offer more visually distinctive features than the relatively uniform North China Plain seen during departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Beijing Daxing International Airport in Beijing?
During takeoff from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the North China Plain's urban sprawl and the Yanshan Mountains to the northwest. The standard departure route from Daxing heads southeast, so right-side passengers see the terrain the aircraft is climbing away from. Notable sights include: Yanshan Mountains (northwest, receding), Beijing urban grid and ring roads (directly below during initial climb), Yongding River valley (visible as a linear depression running northeast-southwest).
What can I see when landing at Hongqiao International in Shanghai?
When landing at Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Yangtze River delta and Hangzhou Bay during descent into Hongqiao. The standard approach from the north brings the aircraft over these water features on the left side, offering clear views of the delta's intricate waterways and coastal geography. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay (large water body with distinctive curved coastline), Yangtze River delta with its network of waterways and agricultural fields, Shanghai's Pudong district skyline (visible during final approach), Taihu Lake to the west (visible as a large freshwater body on the horizon).
How long is the flight from Beijing to Shanghai?
The flight from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) to Hongqiao International (SHA) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 637 miles (1,025 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Huai River valley and passes over Anhui Province's agricultural plains. Around the midpoint, passengers may glimpse the Dabie Mountains to the west (left side), though they typically remain distant on the horizon. The landscape transitions from the drier North China Plain to the more water-rich Yangtze River basin, with increasing visibility of lakes, rivers, and irrigation systems as the aircraft approaches Shanghai.