Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Taipei. While takeoff favors the right for Hangzhou Bay views, the landing approach to TSA strongly favors left seats with superior views of the Taiwan Strait, Taipei Basin, and Yangmingshan. The landing experience is more visually rewarding and geographically significant than the takeoff.

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 south toward Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze River estuary, offering clear views of Shanghai's urban sprawl and water features. Left seats look north over industrial zones with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay (broad water body south of airport), Yangtze River mouth (wide estuary to the west, visible as you climb), Shanghai urban grid (dense development immediately surrounding airport), East China Sea horizon (visible as you climb to cruise altitude).

When landing at Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Left side for the best views. TSA (Sungshan) has a single runway (09/27); most arrivals use Runway 09 from the west. Left-side seats during descent face south and southwest, providing views of the Taiwan Strait, northern Taiwan's coastal plain, and the approach over Taipei Basin. Right seats see only the inland approach path with less geographic interest. Notable sights include: Taiwan Strait (visible as you descend toward the island), Taipei 101 and downtown Taipei skyline (prominent in the basin below), Yangmingshan National Park (volcanic peaks north of the city), Keelung harbor and northern coast (visible to the left during final approach).

The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Sungshan (TSA) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Taiwan Strait at roughly 28°N latitude. At cruise altitude (around 30,000 feet), the midpoint offers views of the strait's open water, with the Chinese coast (Zhejiang/Fujian provinces) visible to the northwest and Taiwan's northern coast becoming visible to the southeast as you approach. The strait is typically 100+ miles wide at this latitude, so both coasts may be visible simultaneously in clear conditions. No major islands obstruct the direct path.