The right side wins because it captures the only real terrain interest on this short, mostly oceanic hop — Hangzhou Bay's coastline at departure and Taipei's volcanic mountain backdrop at arrival — while the left side faces largely featureless open water the entire flight.
Flown PVG to TSA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Taipei is 420 miles (676 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
East China Sea open water, with the Taiwan Strait's northern reaches crossed shortly before descent
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTDeparting PVG southbound, the right side offers a fleeting view of the Yangtze River Delta coastline and Hangzhou Bay's muddy tidal flats, with Shanghai's outer suburbs visible before the aircraft turns out over water. The left side only shows flat delta farmland fading into haze.
Landing at TSA
RIGHTOn approach into TSA, the right side gives passengers a good look at the volcanic Datun mountain group and Yangmingshan National Park north of Taipei, plus glimpses of Guanyin Mountain across the Tamsui River, before the final turn into the Taipei basin. The left side mostly shows the flatter eastern basin and Keelung River without the mountain backdrop.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Sungshan (TSA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Taipei. The right side wins because it captures the only real terrain interest on this short, mostly oceanic hop — Hangzhou Bay's coastline at departure and Taipei's volcanic mountain backdrop at arrival — while the left side faces largely featureless open water the entire flight.
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. Departing PVG southbound, the right side offers a fleeting view of the Yangtze River Delta coastline and Hangzhou Bay's muddy tidal flats, with Shanghai's outer suburbs visible before the aircraft turns out over water. The left side only shows flat delta farmland fading into haze. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay, Yangtze River Delta tidal flats, Shanghai southern suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Sungshan in Taipei?
When landing at Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into TSA, the right side gives passengers a good look at the volcanic Datun mountain group and Yangmingshan National Park north of Taipei, plus glimpses of Guanyin Mountain across the Tamsui River, before the final turn into the Taipei basin. The left side mostly shows the flatter eastern basin and Keelung River without the mountain backdrop. Notable sights include: Datun Mountain volcanic group, Yangmingshan National Park, Tamsui River mouth, Guanyin Mountain.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Taipei?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Sungshan (TSA) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 420 miles (676 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Taipei flight path pass over?
East China Sea open water, with the Taiwan Strait's northern reaches crossed shortly before descent