Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery on both legs: the Huangpu River and Shanghai skyline during departure, and continuous views of the Yangtze River delta's waterways and development patterns during cruise. Left seats offer strong landing views but less during the initial climb.
Flown PVG to SZX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Shenzhen is 766 miles (1,234 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
During cruise at altitude, the flight path passes over the Yangtze River delta's network of waterways, agricultural land, and scattered towns. The Hangzhou Bay area becomes visible to the west as you progress south. The landscape transitions from the dense development around Shanghai to more open delta plains with visible rivers, canals, and ponds. Further south, you'll cross into Zhejiang Province where low mountains and forested areas begin to appear. The Ou River valley and surrounding hills become visible as you approach Shenzhen airspace. Throughout the route, numerous waterways—rivers, reservoirs, and canals—create a distinctive pattern across the flat terrain.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Huangpu River winding through central Shanghai and the Pudong skyline as you climb out. The river's distinctive curves and the contrast between developed areas and water are clearly visible during the initial climb.
Landing at SZX
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of Shenzhen's urban sprawl and the Shenzhen River as you descend toward Baoan. The river forms the border with Hong Kong, and the contrast between Shenzhen's dense development and the New Territories' greener terrain across the water is striking.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Baoan (SZX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Shenzhen. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery on both legs: the Huangpu River and Shanghai skyline during departure, and continuous views of the Yangtze River delta's waterways and development patterns during cruise. Left seats offer strong landing views but less during the initial climb.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Huangpu River winding through central Shanghai and the Pudong skyline as you climb out. The river's distinctive curves and the contrast between developed areas and water are clearly visible during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Huangpu River, Pudong financial district skyline, Yangtze River estuary to the north, East China Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Baoan in Shenzhen?
When landing at Baoan (SZX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Shenzhen's urban sprawl and the Shenzhen River as you descend toward Baoan. The river forms the border with Hong Kong, and the contrast between Shenzhen's dense development and the New Territories' greener terrain across the water is striking. Notable sights include: Shenzhen River, Shenzhen urban development, New Territories (Hong Kong) across the river, Lianhuashan Mountain.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Shenzhen?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Baoan (SZX) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 766 miles (1,234 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Shenzhen flight path pass over?
During cruise at altitude, the flight path passes over the Yangtze River delta's network of waterways, agricultural land, and scattered towns. The Hangzhou Bay area becomes visible to the west as you progress south. The landscape transitions from the dense development around Shanghai to more open delta plains with visible rivers, canals, and ponds. Further south, you'll cross into Zhejiang Province where low mountains and forested areas begin to appear. The Ou River valley and surrounding hills become visible as you approach Shenzhen airspace. Throughout the route, numerous waterways—rivers, reservoirs, and canals—create a distinctive pattern across the flat terrain.