Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Melbourne. While takeoff offers good delta views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and varied scenery including Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges, and Melbourne's urban geography. The landing sequence offers superior visual interest for the majority of passengers.

During takeoff from Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Hongqiao. The river's extensive delta system and coastal geography are distinctive from altitude. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, East China Sea coastline, Shanghai urban sprawl receding westward.

When landing at Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views during the descent approach to Melbourne Essendon from the northeast. Passengers see Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges, and the city's northern suburbs as the aircraft descends toward the runway. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Yarra River valley, Melbourne CBD and northern suburbs.

The flight from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB) takes 9h 20m.

The flight path crosses the South China Sea, passes over or near the Philippines, crosses the Coral Sea, and approaches Australia over the Great Dividing Range. Notable midpoint features include the Luzon Strait area, the Sulu Sea region, and the approach over Queensland's coastal ranges before descending toward Victoria.