Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Istanbul. While the right side wins at takeoff for Shanghai's river delta views, the left side dominates the majority of the flight. Heading northwest across China, the left side faces southwest toward the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayas in the far distance, then over Central Asia the left side tracks the Tian Shan range. The left side also delivers the superior Istanbul arrival with the Bosphorus and historic peninsula. The right side has a brief advantage at departure only.

During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. PVG's runways are oriented roughly east-west. Departures heading west (the direction of Istanbul) mean the right side faces north, giving views over the Huangpu River delta, the dense urban grid of Pudong, and the Yangtze River mouth. The left side faces south over open water and industrial coastline with less to see. Notable sights include: Huangpu River snaking through central Shanghai, Yangtze River mouth and its massive sediment plume, Chongming Island in the Yangtze estuary, Pudong's dense urban grid.

When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Istanbul Ataturk airport sits on the European side of the city. Arrivals typically come from the east over the Bosphorus and Marmara Sea. The left side faces south, giving clear views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the historic peninsula of old Istanbul with its distinctive skyline. The right side faces north toward suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, historic peninsula of Sultanahmet with Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque silhouettes, Princes' Islands in the Marmara.

The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.

The route crosses central China over the Gobi Desert fringes, then passes north of the Tibetan Plateau. Over Central Asia it tracks across Kazakhstan's vast steppe, then crosses the Caspian Sea, followed by the Caucasus Mountains between Georgia and Azerbaijan, then over eastern Turkey's high Anatolian plateau before descending into Istanbul. The Caspian Sea crossing and Caucasus Mountains are the most visually dramatic midpoint features.