While takeoff offers interesting water features, the landing approach into Detroit provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Great Lakes system—a rare and impressive sight for most passengers. The right side captures this better.
Flown SHA to DTW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Detroit is 7,127 miles (11,470 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Eurasian continent northwest over central China (Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces with loess plateau terrain), then over Mongolia's steppe landscape, across Russia's southern Siberia (Altai Mountains visible in clear conditions), over the Arctic regions, and descends across northern Canada (Hudson Bay, Canadian Shield) before reaching the Great Lakes region. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Altai Mountains, Hudson Bay, and the Canadian Shield's lake-dotted terrain.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SHA
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs northwest from Hongqiao. The water bodies and Shanghai's urban sprawl create distinctive visual contrast against the surrounding flatlands.
Landing at DTW
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Great Lakes region during descent into Detroit. Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie are visible on approach, along with the Detroit River and surrounding urban sprawl—distinctive water features that make the approach corridor unmistakable.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Detroit. While takeoff offers interesting water features, the landing approach into Detroit provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Great Lakes system—a rare and impressive sight for most passengers. The right side captures this better.
What can I see during takeoff from Hongqiao International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs northwest from Hongqiao. The water bodies and Shanghai's urban sprawl create distinctive visual contrast against the surrounding flatlands. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, Shanghai urban districts, East China Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Great Lakes region during descent into Detroit. Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie are visible on approach, along with the Detroit River and surrounding urban sprawl—distinctive water features that make the approach corridor unmistakable. Notable sights include: Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, Detroit River, Detroit metropolitan area.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Detroit?
The flight from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,127 miles (11,470 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Detroit flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Eurasian continent northwest over central China (Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces with loess plateau terrain), then over Mongolia's steppe landscape, across Russia's southern Siberia (Altai Mountains visible in clear conditions), over the Arctic regions, and descends across northern Canada (Hudson Bay, Canadian Shield) before reaching the Great Lakes region. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Altai Mountains, Hudson Bay, and the Canadian Shield's lake-dotted terrain.