Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Taipei. Right-side seats capture the more dramatic geography: the Yangtze estuary and Hangzhou Bay during departure, then the Taiwan Strait and northern Taiwan mountains during descent. The left side offers less distinctive features on the outbound leg, making right the superior choice for the full journey.

During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. PVG typically departs eastbound (Runways 08L/08R). Right-side seats face north toward the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay, offering clear views of Shanghai's waterfront geography. Left seats face the inland industrial areas with less distinctive visual landmarks. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary (wide muddy confluence visible below), Hangzhou Bay (broader water body to the north), Huangpu River (threading through central Shanghai), Pudong skyline receding westward.

When landing at Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Left side for the best views. TPE (Chiang Kai Shek) typically lands westbound (Runways 05L/05R). Left-side seats face south and southwest toward the Taiwan Strait and the northern Taiwan coastline. This approach offers views of the strait crossing and Taiwan's northern mountains as you descend into Taipei. Notable sights include: Taiwan Strait (wide body of water separating mainland and Taiwan), Yangmingshan volcanic mountains (north of Taipei, visible as elevated terrain), Taipei Basin (urban sprawl below), northern Taiwan coast and Keelung area.

The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Taiwan Strait at roughly the midpoint. Notable features include the Yangtze estuary and Hangzhou Bay (departure phase), the open waters of the Taiwan Strait with occasional islands visible including Pingtan Island and smaller islets, and the northern Taiwan mountain ranges including Yangmingshan and the Xueshan Range appearing on the horizon as the aircraft descends toward Taipei. The strait itself is typically 100+ nautical miles wide at this latitude, offering extended views of open water and distant landmasses.