The right side edges ahead because it captures Shanghai's skyline and coastline on departure and then tracks the more varied continental interior — Mongolian steppe, the Gobi's edge, and the Ural foothills — while the left side's landing-phase view of Paris is a highlight but can't offset the long, flatter stretch of Russian and Kazakh plains it faces during cruise.
Flight Path
The flight's midpoint falls over southern Russia near the Ural Mountains and the upper Volga River basin, where the great-circle path crosses from Asia into Europe.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SHA
RIGHTHongqiao's runways run north-south, and the climb-out toward Europe typically starts with a northward roll before banking onto a northwest heading. That brief northbound leg puts Shanghai's dense core and the Yangtze Delta waterways on the right side of the cabin before the turn.
Landing at CDG
LEFTWith prevailing westerly winds, CDG typically lands aircraft heading west on the 26/27 runways, so inbound flights from the east pass just north of central Paris on their final descent. That gives left-side passengers a distant but clear look at the Paris skyline and the Seine before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Paris. The right side edges ahead because it captures Shanghai's skyline and coastline on departure and then tracks the more varied continental interior — Mongolian steppe, the Gobi's edge, and the Ural foothills — while the left side's landing-phase view of Paris is a highlight but can't offset the long, flatter stretch of Russian and Kazakh plains it faces during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Hongqiao International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Hongqiao's runways run north-south, and the climb-out toward Europe typically starts with a northward roll before banking onto a northwest heading. That brief northbound leg puts Shanghai's dense core and the Yangtze Delta waterways on the right side of the cabin before the turn. Notable sights include: Huangpu River bends through central Shanghai, Pudong skyscraper cluster (Oriental Pearl Tower, Lujiazui towers), Yangtze River Delta canals and farmland, East China Sea coastline in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. With prevailing westerly winds, CDG typically lands aircraft heading west on the 26/27 runways, so inbound flights from the east pass just north of central Paris on their final descent. That gives left-side passengers a distant but clear look at the Paris skyline and the Seine before touchdown. Notable sights include: Eiffel Tower and La Défense skyline, Seine River loops, Marne River valley, Brie plateau farmland surrounding Roissy.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Paris?
The flight from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes 12h 30m.
What does the Shanghai to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight's midpoint falls over southern Russia near the Ural Mountains and the upper Volga River basin, where the great-circle path crosses from Asia into Europe.