The left side offers the more visually distinct scenery at both ends of the flight—Shanghai's skyline and river delta on departure, and Beijing's western hills and urban expanse on arrival—while the right side is dominated by flat, less distinctive farmland typical of the North China Plain.
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Flight Path
Shanghai to Beijing is 683 miles (1,099 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the flat agricultural expanse of the North China Plain through Jiangsu, Shandong, and Hebei provinces, passing near the Yellow River's lower course and within distant view of Mount Tai's isolated peak rising above the plain to the west.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
LEFTAs the aircraft climbs north out of PVG and begins its turn toward Beijing, Shanghai's dense urban core—including the Huangpu River and Lujiazui skyline—sits to the west, which is the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the flat delta land and open water of the Yangtze estuary with less distinct detail.
Landing at PEK
LEFTOn approach to PEK from the south, the aircraft typically lines up for a northbound landing, putting Beijing's western hills (Xishan) and the city's sprawling urban grid—including landmarks like the Olympic Green—on the left side. The right side mostly overlooks flatter farmland and suburban development toward Tianjin with fewer distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Capital (PEK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Beijing. The left side offers the more visually distinct scenery at both ends of the flight—Shanghai's skyline and river delta on departure, and Beijing's western hills and urban expanse on arrival—while the right side is dominated by flat, less distinctive farmland typical of the North China Plain.
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. As the aircraft climbs north out of PVG and begins its turn toward Beijing, Shanghai's dense urban core—including the Huangpu River and Lujiazui skyline—sits to the west, which is the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the flat delta land and open water of the Yangtze estuary with less distinct detail. Notable sights include: Huangpu River, Lujiazui/Pudong skyline, Yangtze River estuary, Chongming Island.
What can I see when landing at Capital in Beijing?
When landing at Capital (PEK), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to PEK from the south, the aircraft typically lines up for a northbound landing, putting Beijing's western hills (Xishan) and the city's sprawling urban grid—including landmarks like the Olympic Green—on the left side. The right side mostly overlooks flatter farmland and suburban development toward Tianjin with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Western Hills (Xishan), Yongding River, Beijing urban grid, Olympic Green area.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Beijing?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Capital (PEK) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 683 miles (1,099 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Beijing flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the flat agricultural expanse of the North China Plain through Jiangsu, Shandong, and Hebei provinces, passing near the Yellow River's lower course and within distant view of Mount Tai's isolated peak rising above the plain to the west.