Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Manila. Right side scores higher due to the landing approach into Manila Bay with the Sierra Madre mountains and Laguna de Bay providing significant terrain variety and visual drama. While Shanghai's departure offers urban interest, the cruise segment over the Taiwan Strait and approach to Manila's dramatic geography gives the right side a stronger overall scenic advantage. The flight's most visually compelling moments occur during the descent into Manila.

During takeoff from Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures Shanghai's urban sprawl and the Huangpu River delta during climb-out, with the East China Sea coastline becoming visible. Right side shows inland plains with minimal visual interest during departure. Notable sights include: Huangpu River and Shanghai harbor, East China Sea coastline, Hangzhou Bay to the south.

When landing at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers superior approach scenery: Manila Bay's distinctive crescent shape, the Laguna de Bay inland water body, and the Sierra Madre mountain range forming a dramatic backdrop. Left side shows mostly open water and flat coastal plains with less visual drama. Notable sights include: Manila Bay and Corregidor Island, Sierra Madre mountain range to the east, Laguna de Bay, Cavite coastal lowlands.

The flight from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes 2h 25m.

Taiwan Strait (open water, 90+ minutes of ocean crossing with no major landmarks visible), occasional glimpses of Taiwan's northern coast (Taipei area) if flying slightly north of direct routing, Luzon's northern coastline and Cordillera Central mountains appearing as the aircraft descends toward Manila Bay