Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Vancouver. While takeoff favors the right for Shanghai's river views, the landing approach into Vancouver is more visually rewarding and comprises the final memorable segment. Left seats capture the dramatic North Shore Mountains and Strait of Georgia approach, which outweighs the Pudong departure.

During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Huangpu River winding through Pudong's skyline during initial climb. PVR typically departs runways 08L/08R heading east, so right windows face north toward the river bend and Bund district as you climb out. Notable sights include: Huangpu River (distinctive S-curve through downtown), Oriental Pearl Tower and Lujiazui financial district skyline, Yangpu Bridge spanning the river to the north, Suzhou Creek confluence visible to the northwest.

When landing at Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer the best approach view into YVR. Typical landing runways are 26L/26R (westbound) or 08L/08R (eastbound). For westbound approaches, left windows face south over the Strait of Georgia and North Shore Mountains. For eastbound approaches, left windows see the Fraser River delta and Boundary Bay to the south. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Coast Range peaks, snow-capped in winter), Strait of Georgia with Vancouver Island visible across the water, Fraser River delta with its braided channels, Boundary Bay mudflats and shallow waters to the southeast.

The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes Approximately 11-12 hours.

The flight path crosses the North Pacific, passing north of the Aleutian Islands (not visible at cruise altitude), then descends over the Gulf of Alaska and British Columbia coast. At cruise altitude (35,000-37,000 ft), the Pacific Ocean dominates with occasional cloud breaks revealing open water. The Alaska panhandle and British Columbia coastline become visible during descent into Vancouver, with the Cascade Range and Coast Mountains appearing on the horizon as you approach the Pacific Northwest.