Although both sides offer moments of interest, the right side's cruise-phase views over the Tian Shan foothills, Gobi Desert fringes, Caspian Sea basin, and Carpathian Mountains provide more consistent terrain drama across the long overland crossing than the flatter Siberian plains visible on the left.
Flown PVG to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Paris is 5,758 miles (9,266 km), a flight of about 11 hours 40 minutes.
Gobi Desert edge, Tian Shan mountain foothills, Kazakh Steppe, northern Caspian Sea basin, Ural Mountain foothills, Carpathian Mountains
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTDeparting PVG toward the south-southeast, the right side overlooks Hangzhou Bay and the Zhoushan Archipelago's scattered islands, while the left side shows mostly flat, industrial Yangtze Delta suburbs.
Landing at CDG
LEFTOn the descent into CDG from the east, the approach path typically passes just south of central Paris before curving onto the westbound runways, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine's bends, and the dense Parisian rooftops.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Paris. Although both sides offer moments of interest, the right side's cruise-phase views over the Tian Shan foothills, Gobi Desert fringes, Caspian Sea basin, and Carpathian Mountains provide more consistent terrain drama across the long overland crossing than the flatter Siberian plains visible on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PVG toward the south-southeast, the right side overlooks Hangzhou Bay and the Zhoushan Archipelago's scattered islands, while the left side shows mostly flat, industrial Yangtze Delta suburbs. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay, Zhoushan Islands, Yangtze River Delta coastline.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the descent into CDG from the east, the approach path typically passes just south of central Paris before curving onto the westbound runways, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine's bends, and the dense Parisian rooftops. Notable sights include: Eiffel Tower, Seine River bends, Sacré-Coeur hill, Bois de Boulogne.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Paris?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 11 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,758 miles (9,266 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Paris flight path pass over?
Gobi Desert edge, Tian Shan mountain foothills, Kazakh Steppe, northern Caspian Sea basin, Ural Mountain foothills, Carpathian Mountains