While the landing on the left is excellent, the takeoff on the right offers more dramatic and extensive scenery. The Yangtze estuary is one of the world's most visually complex river deltas, and the right side captures it fully during climb-out. The flight path itself over Central Asia offers limited dramatic features from either side at cruise altitude.
Flown PVG to CPH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Copenhagen is 5,143 miles (8,277 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Tian Shan mountain range (visible from either side depending on exact routing), the Caspian Sea (southern route) or Kazakhstan's steppes (northern route), and eventually the Ural Mountains. At cruise altitude over Central Asia, landmarks are sparse and distant; the most notable feature is the Caspian Sea if the southern routing is used. Over Eastern Europe, the flight passes over the Russian Plain and eventually the Baltic region. The approach to Copenhagen offers the most consistent scenic value on the second half of the journey.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River estuary and Shanghai's urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The river's massive delta system and the contrast between water and developed land are visually striking during the initial climb.
Landing at CPH
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Copenhagen. As the aircraft approaches from the northwest, the left side faces the Øresund Strait, the Swedish coast, and the approach path over the Danish archipelago and Amager Island, where the airport sits.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Kastrup (CPH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Copenhagen. While the landing on the left is excellent, the takeoff on the right offers more dramatic and extensive scenery. The Yangtze estuary is one of the world's most visually complex river deltas, and the right side captures it fully during climb-out. The flight path itself over Central Asia offers limited dramatic features from either side at cruise altitude.
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 Yangtze River estuary and Shanghai's urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The river's massive delta system and the contrast between water and developed land are visually striking during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay (to the south), Shanghai urban districts, East China Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Kastrup in Copenhagen?
When landing at Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Copenhagen. As the aircraft approaches from the northwest, the left side faces the Øresund Strait, the Swedish coast, and the approach path over the Danish archipelago and Amager Island, where the airport sits. Notable sights include: Øresund Strait, Swedish coastline (Scania region), Danish archipelago and islands, Amager Island and Copenhagen urban area.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Copenhagen?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Kastrup (CPH) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,143 miles (8,277 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Copenhagen flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Tian Shan mountain range (visible from either side depending on exact routing), the Caspian Sea (southern route) or Kazakhstan's steppes (northern route), and eventually the Ural Mountains. At cruise altitude over Central Asia, landmarks are sparse and distant; the most notable feature is the Caspian Sea if the southern routing is used. Over Eastern Europe, the flight passes over the Russian Plain and eventually the Baltic region. The approach to Copenhagen offers the most consistent scenic value on the second half of the journey.