Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to London. While takeoff offers compelling estuary views on the right, the landing approach into London City provides more sustained and dramatic scenery. The Thames estuary descent is visually distinctive and the left side captures the full approach corridor with better landmark visibility.

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 Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs out westbound. The river's distinctive braided channels and mudflats are clearly visible during initial climb. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary with its mudflat islands, Hangzhou Bay to the south, Shanghai urban sprawl extending inland, East China Sea coastline.

When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Thames estuary, Kent coastline, and the North Sea approaches during descent into London City. The river's meandering path through southeast England and the distinctive geography of the Thames valley are visible on approach. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and river valley, Kent and Essex coastlines, North Sea, Greater London urban area.

The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to City (LCY) takes Approximately 11-12 hours.

The flight path crosses central Asia over the Tian Shan mountains (visible as a snow-capped ridge on the right during early cruise), then continues over Kazakhstan's steppes and southern Russia. The Caspian Sea appears on the left during mid-flight. Over eastern Europe, the Carpathian Mountains form a visible ridge on the right. The flight then crosses Poland and Germany before descending toward the North Sea and UK approach.