The right side delivers the strongest bookends on this flight: Shanghai's coastal estuary scenery at takeoff and Vancouver's mountain-and-skyline approach at landing, while the long mid-Pacific cruise is scenically similar on both sides.
Flown PVG to YVR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Vancouver is 5,602 miles (9,016 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
North Pacific Ocean, Kamchatka Peninsula, Aleutian Island chain, Gulf of Alaska
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTPVG departures to the northeast typically roll out on the north-south runways then bank east, putting the East China Sea coastline, the Yangtze estuary, and Chongming Island on the right side of the cabin. The left side mostly shows the flat, hazy Yangtze Delta farmland with little definition.
Landing at YVR
RIGHTYVR arrivals from the Pacific typically descend westward over the Fraser Valley and turn onto final approach for runway 26, bringing downtown Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore Mountains into view on the right side. The left side instead faces south toward Richmond and the flatter Fraser delta.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Vancouver. The right side delivers the strongest bookends on this flight: Shanghai's coastal estuary scenery at takeoff and Vancouver's mountain-and-skyline approach at landing, while the long mid-Pacific cruise is scenically similar on both sides.
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 departures to the northeast typically roll out on the north-south runways then bank east, putting the East China Sea coastline, the Yangtze estuary, and Chongming Island on the right side of the cabin. The left side mostly shows the flat, hazy Yangtze Delta farmland with little definition. Notable sights include: Chongming Island, Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay coastline, Pudong's eastern suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Vancouver International in Vancouver?
When landing at Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Right side for the best views. YVR arrivals from the Pacific typically descend westward over the Fraser Valley and turn onto final approach for runway 26, bringing downtown Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore Mountains into view on the right side. The left side instead faces south toward Richmond and the flatter Fraser delta. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse and Cypress), downtown Vancouver skyline, Burrard Inlet, Stanley Park.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Vancouver?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,602 miles (9,016 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Vancouver flight path pass over?
North Pacific Ocean, Kamchatka Peninsula, Aleutian Island chain, Gulf of Alaska