The landing approach into Ulan Bator offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—the Khangai Mountains and Bogd Khan Uul provide clear geographic landmarks. The takeoff climb over the Yangtze delta is scenic but less varied. Left-side seats capture the best of the descent.
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Flight Path
Shanghai to Ulan Bator is 1,400 miles (2,252 km), a flight of about 3 hours 35 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North China Plain, transitioning from the Yangtze delta through Henan and Shanxi provinces. Notable features include the Yellow River (Huang He) visible around the midpoint near Zhengzhou, the Taihang Mountains forming the western edge of the plain, and the transition into the Mongolian Plateau with increasingly sparse vegetation and rolling grassland as the aircraft approaches Ulan Bator from the south.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Yangtze River delta and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Shanghai. The river's braided channels and tidal mudflats are distinctive from 8,000–15,000 feet during the initial climb phase.
Landing at ULN
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Khangai Mountains and the transition from steppe to Ulan Bator's urban area during descent. The mountain range's ridgelines and valleys become visible 40–50 miles south of the city around 15,000–8,000 feet.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Buyant Ukhaa (ULN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Ulan Bator. The landing approach into Ulan Bator offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—the Khangai Mountains and Bogd Khan Uul provide clear geographic landmarks. The takeoff climb over the Yangtze delta is scenic but less varied. Left-side seats capture the best of the descent.
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 capture the Yangtze River delta and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Shanghai. The river's braided channels and tidal mudflats are distinctive from 8,000–15,000 feet during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay, Yangtze River estuary, Qiantang River, Shanghai urban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Buyant Ukhaa in Ulan Bator?
When landing at Buyant Ukhaa (ULN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Khangai Mountains and the transition from steppe to Ulan Bator's urban area during descent. The mountain range's ridgelines and valleys become visible 40–50 miles south of the city around 15,000–8,000 feet. Notable sights include: Khangai Mountains, Tuul River valley, Ulan Bator urban area, Bogd Khan Uul mountain.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Ulan Bator?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Buyant Ukhaa (ULN) takes about 3 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,400 miles (2,252 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Ulan Bator flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North China Plain, transitioning from the Yangtze delta through Henan and Shanxi provinces. Notable features include the Yellow River (Huang He) visible around the midpoint near Zhengzhou, the Taihang Mountains forming the western edge of the plain, and the transition into the Mongolian Plateau with increasingly sparse vegetation and rolling grassland as the aircraft approaches Ulan Bator from the south.