Takeoff views from the right are superior—the Huangpu River, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Yangtze estuary provide distinctive urban and geographic landmarks. Landing on the left offers delta and bay views but less iconic scenery. Right-side seats capture the more memorable Shanghai departure.
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Flight Path
Shanghai to Denpasar is 2,791 miles (4,492 km), a flight of about 5 hours 50 minutes.
The flight path crosses the East China Sea southwestward, passing over the Zhejiang coast (Hangzhou Bay area visible on departure), then over open water. Around the midpoint near 25°N 118°E, the Java Sea becomes visible. The flight then approaches Bali from the north, with the Lombok Strait and Bali's volcanic peaks (Mount Agung, ~3,000m) becoming visible during descent. No major landmasses between Shanghai and Bali except the Zhejiang/Jiangsu coastal regions in the first 30 minutes of flight.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTPVG typically departs eastbound (Runways 08L/08R). Right-side seats face north across the Huangpu River toward Pudong's skyline and the broader Yangtze River delta. Left seats look south over industrial areas and the airport's cargo zones.
Landing at DPS
LEFTPVG typically lands westbound (Runways 26L/26R). Left-side seats face south during approach, offering views of the Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze River delta's waterways. Right seats look north over industrial zones and approach corridors.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Denpasar I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Denpasar. Takeoff views from the right are superior—the Huangpu River, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Yangtze estuary provide distinctive urban and geographic landmarks. Landing on the left offers delta and bay views but less iconic scenery. Right-side seats capture the more memorable Shanghai departure.
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. PVG typically departs eastbound (Runways 08L/08R). Right-side seats face north across the Huangpu River toward Pudong's skyline and the broader Yangtze River delta. Left seats look south over industrial areas and the airport's cargo zones. Notable sights include: Huangpu River (immediate foreground, curving through Pudong), Oriental Pearl Tower and Lujiazui financial district (north across river), Yangtze River estuary (visible as wide waterway in middle distance to northeast).
What can I see when landing at Denpasar I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar?
When landing at Denpasar I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), sit on the Left side for the best views. PVG typically lands westbound (Runways 26L/26R). Left-side seats face south during approach, offering views of the Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze River delta's waterways. Right seats look north over industrial zones and approach corridors. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay (wide estuary visible south of approach path), Yangtze River delta's tidal flats and waterways (braided pattern of channels), Ningbo area (distant city lights/urban glow to southwest on clear days).
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Denpasar?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Denpasar I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) takes about 5 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,791 miles (4,492 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Denpasar flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the East China Sea southwestward, passing over the Zhejiang coast (Hangzhou Bay area visible on departure), then over open water. Around the midpoint near 25°N 118°E, the Java Sea becomes visible. The flight then approaches Bali from the north, with the Lombok Strait and Bali's volcanic peaks (Mount Agung, ~3,000m) becoming visible during descent. No major landmasses between Shanghai and Bali except the Zhejiang/Jiangsu coastal regions in the first 30 minutes of flight.