Both sides score equally for the full flight, but Right edges ahead on landing quality. The Changbai Mountains foothills provide genuine topographic drama during descent and approach—a stark contrast to the flat terrain visible from the left. Takeoff from Shanghai favors the left side's urban and coastal views, but the landing experience on the right side with mountain scenery outweighs this advantage for overall scenic value on this relatively short route.
Flown PVG to NBS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Baishan is 820 miles (1,319 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Jilin Province plains, Songhua River valley, transition from coastal lowlands to continental highlands, scattered lakes and reservoirs in central Jilin, forested transition zone between Liaodong Peninsula and Changbai Mountains
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
LEFTLeft side captures Shanghai's urban sprawl and Hangzhou Bay during northbound departure. Passengers see the Huangpu River, Pudong's high-rise district, and the bay's distinctive mudflat coastline before climbing over suburban areas.
Landing at NBS
RIGHTRight side offers better views during approach to NBS. Passengers descend over the Changbai Mountains' foothills and see the dramatic transition from forested highlands to the Baishan basin. The mountainous terrain provides visual interest absent on the left side's approach path.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Changbaishan Airport (NBS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Baishan. Both sides score equally for the full flight, but Right edges ahead on landing quality. The Changbai Mountains foothills provide genuine topographic drama during descent and approach—a stark contrast to the flat terrain visible from the left. Takeoff from Shanghai favors the left side's urban and coastal views, but the landing experience on the right side with mountain scenery outweighs this advantage for overall scenic value on this relatively short route.
What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures Shanghai's urban sprawl and Hangzhou Bay during northbound departure. Passengers see the Huangpu River, Pudong's high-rise district, and the bay's distinctive mudflat coastline before climbing over suburban areas. Notable sights include: Huangpu River, Pudong financial district skyline, Hangzhou Bay mudflats, suburban Shanghai grid.
What can I see when landing at Changbaishan Airport in Baishan?
When landing at Changbaishan Airport (NBS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers better views during approach to NBS. Passengers descend over the Changbai Mountains' foothills and see the dramatic transition from forested highlands to the Baishan basin. The mountainous terrain provides visual interest absent on the left side's approach path. Notable sights include: Changbai Mountains foothills, forested ridgelines, Baishan basin, Songhua River valley.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Baishan?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Changbaishan Airport (NBS) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 820 miles (1,319 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Baishan flight path pass over?
Jilin Province plains, Songhua River valley, transition from coastal lowlands to continental highlands, scattered lakes and reservoirs in central Jilin, forested transition zone between Liaodong Peninsula and Changbai Mountains