While takeoff favors the right for Shanghai's delta views, the landing approach to Seletar—crossing the Strait of Johor with Malaysia's Johor Bahru and Singapore's reservoir system—offers more sustained visual interest. Left seats capture the approach descent over water and the geographic boundary between two countries, making it the better overall choice for this route.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the South China Sea heading southwest. Notable features include the Paracel Islands region (disputed territory, visible as small atolls if flying southern routing), the Vietnamese coast near Da Nang or Nha Trang (if passing westward), and the Gulf of Thailand's northern reaches. Most of the midpoint is open water with occasional cargo ship traffic. The descent into Singapore begins over the Malay Peninsula's eastern coast, with mangrove forests and coastal development visible before crossing into the Strait of Johor.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTPVG typically departs eastbound (Runways 08L/08R). Right-side seats face north across the Huangpu River delta and Hangzhou Bay, offering views of Shanghai's urban sprawl, waterways, and the East China Sea approach. Left seats see inland industrial areas and farmland with less visual interest.
Landing at XSP
LEFTSeletar (XSP) sits on Singapore's northern coast. Approaching from the north (typical routing from China), left-side seats face the Strait of Johor, Malaysian peninsula, and the descent path over water and northern Singapore's reservoirs. Right seats see southern Singapore and less distinctive terrain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Seletar (XSP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Singapore. While takeoff favors the right for Shanghai's delta views, the landing approach to Seletar—crossing the Strait of Johor with Malaysia's Johor Bahru and Singapore's reservoir system—offers more sustained visual interest. Left seats capture the approach descent over water and the geographic boundary between two countries, making it the better overall choice for this route.
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. PVG typically departs eastbound (Runways 08L/08R). Right-side seats face north across the Huangpu River delta and Hangzhou Bay, offering views of Shanghai's urban sprawl, waterways, and the East China Sea approach. Left seats see inland industrial areas and farmland with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Huangpu River (winding through Shanghai), Hangzhou Bay (broad water body to the east), Yangtze River estuary (northern horizon), Shanghai urban grid and Pudong skyline (receding behind).
What can I see when landing at Seletar in Singapore?
When landing at Seletar (XSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Seletar (XSP) sits on Singapore's northern coast. Approaching from the north (typical routing from China), left-side seats face the Strait of Johor, Malaysian peninsula, and the descent path over water and northern Singapore's reservoirs. Right seats see southern Singapore and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Strait of Johor (narrow waterway between Singapore and Malaysia), Johor Bahru cityscape (Malaysian side, northern shore), Singapore's northern reservoirs (Kranji, Seletar reservoirs visible as large water bodies), Seletar airfield itself (small military/civilian field on northeast coast).
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Singapore?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Seletar (XSP) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Shanghai to Singapore flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the South China Sea heading southwest. Notable features include the Paracel Islands region (disputed territory, visible as small atolls if flying southern routing), the Vietnamese coast near Da Nang or Nha Trang (if passing westward), and the Gulf of Thailand's northern reaches. Most of the midpoint is open water with occasional cargo ship traffic. The descent into Singapore begins over the Malay Peninsula's eastern coast, with mangrove forests and coastal development visible before crossing into the Strait of Johor.