While takeoff favors the right for Yangtze estuary views, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Jialing River's meanders and Chongqing's hillside topography. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown PVG to CKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Chongqing is 907 miles (1,460 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Anhui Province plains with scattered lakes and agricultural grid patterns, Dabie Mountains appearing as low ridges on the horizon around the midpoint, transition from flat Yangtze River delta to increasingly hilly terrain as you approach Chongqing, several smaller river valleys and tributaries visible from cruising altitude
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Huangpu River and Pudong's skyline during initial climb, then the Yangtze River estuary and its extensive delta channels as you gain altitude westbound. The left side faces the industrial areas and flat terrain north of the airport.
Landing at CKG
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Jialing River and Chongqing's distinctive topography during descent. You'll see the river's sharp meanders and the city's hilly terrain as you approach from the east. The right side faces less dramatic terrain during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Jiangbei (CKG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Chongqing. While takeoff favors the right for Yangtze estuary views, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Jialing River's meanders and Chongqing's hillside topography. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Huangpu River and Pudong's skyline during initial climb, then the Yangtze River estuary and its extensive delta channels as you gain altitude westbound. The left side faces the industrial areas and flat terrain north of the airport. Notable sights include: Huangpu River (visible immediately below during climb), Yangtze River estuary with its braided channels, Pudong financial district skyline, East China Sea coastline to the east.
What can I see when landing at Jiangbei in Chongqing?
When landing at Jiangbei (CKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Jialing River and Chongqing's distinctive topography during descent. You'll see the river's sharp meanders and the city's hilly terrain as you approach from the east. The right side faces less dramatic terrain during final approach. Notable sights include: Jialing River with its characteristic tight meanders, Chongqing's hillside urban development, Three Gorges region foothills, Yangtze River confluence area.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Chongqing?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Jiangbei (CKG) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 907 miles (1,460 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Chongqing flight path pass over?
Anhui Province plains with scattered lakes and agricultural grid patterns, Dabie Mountains appearing as low ridges on the horizon around the midpoint, transition from flat Yangtze River delta to increasingly hilly terrain as you approach Chongqing, several smaller river valleys and tributaries visible from cruising altitude