Shanghai to Zurich flight pathPVGZRH

Sit on the left side of the plane

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Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time12h 15m
Distance5,612
Heading321° → 233°
Best side
Left
★ 4.5 left·★ 3.0 right

The left side wins on both ends: Shanghai's delta coastline at departure and the dramatic Alps-to-lowlands descent into Zurich at arrival, while the right side mostly faces open steppe and Central Asian plains during the long cruise.

Takeoff · PVGLEFTYangtze River estuary, Shanghai coastline, Chongming Island
Landing · ZRHLEFTSwiss Alps, Lake Zurich, Uetliberg ridge

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Route crosses western China, the Tibetan Plateau's northern edges, Kazakhstan's steppe, the Caspian Sea region, and Eastern Europe before reaching the Alps.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Shanghai (left side) — Yangtze River estuary, Shanghai coastline, Chongming Island, East China Sea shoreline

Takeoff from PVG

LEFT

Departing PVG northbound-then-west, the left side gives views over the Yangtze estuary and Shanghai's coastline before the route turns inland toward central China. The urban sprawl of Shanghai and its river deltas are visible during the climb.

Yangtze River estuaryShanghai coastlineChongming IslandEast China Sea shoreline
Aerial window seat view during landing at Zurich (left side) — Swiss Alps, Lake Zurich, Uetliberg ridge, Limmat River valley

Landing at ZRH

LEFT

On approach to ZRH from the east, the left side captures the Alps as the aircraft descends over Swiss terrain, with snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes visible before landing near Zurich's Limmat valley.

Swiss AlpsLake ZurichUetliberg ridgeLimmat River valley

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Zurich (ZRH)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Zurich. The left side wins on both ends: Shanghai's delta coastline at departure and the dramatic Alps-to-lowlands descent into Zurich at arrival, while the right side mostly faces open steppe and Central Asian plains during the long cruise.

What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?

During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PVG northbound-then-west, the left side gives views over the Yangtze estuary and Shanghai's coastline before the route turns inland toward central China. The urban sprawl of Shanghai and its river deltas are visible during the climb. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Shanghai coastline, Chongming Island, East China Sea shoreline.

What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?

When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to ZRH from the east, the left side captures the Alps as the aircraft descends over Swiss terrain, with snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes visible before landing near Zurich's Limmat valley. Notable sights include: Swiss Alps, Lake Zurich, Uetliberg ridge, Limmat River valley.

How long is the flight from Shanghai to Zurich?

The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Zurich (ZRH) takes 12h 15m.

What does the Shanghai to Zurich flight path pass over?

Route crosses western China, the Tibetan Plateau's northern edges, Kazakhstan's steppe, the Caspian Sea region, and Eastern Europe before reaching the Alps.