Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Xiamen. While takeoff offers interesting delta views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and sustained scenery: the Taiwan Strait, Xiamen Island's distinctive geography, and coastal mountain ranges create a more visually compelling final descent than the initial climb-out.

During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Shanghai Pudong. The river's extensive delta system and tidal mudflats are distinctive from altitude and visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, Shanghai urban sprawl, East China Sea coastline.

When landing at Gaoqi (XMN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Xiamen, showing the Taiwan Strait, Xiamen Island's distinctive shape, and the surrounding coastal mountains. The approach typically descends from the northeast, making the left side ideal for viewing the strait and island geography. Notable sights include: Taiwan Strait, Xiamen Island, Wuyi Mountains (distant), Jiulong River estuary.

The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Gaoqi (XMN) takes 1h 15m.

Hangzhou Bay, Zhejiang coastal plains, Quzhou area, Longquan Mountains (distant), transition from Yangtze River delta to southeastern coastal terrain