About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Singapore Changi (SIN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Singapore. The right side wins overall because the Shanghai departure view of the Huangpu River and Pudong skyline is one of the most dramatic urban departures in Asia. Mid-flight the right side also tracks closer to the Vietnamese coastline over the South China Sea. The Singapore arrival advantage on the left is real but less dramatic than the Shanghai departure.
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 primary departure runway 18R sends aircraft southbound over central Shanghai. The right side gives you a clear view east over the Huangpu River, the Bund, and the Pudong skyline with the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower visible as you climb out. The left side faces west toward suburban sprawl with little of interest. Notable sights include: Huangpu River bend through central Shanghai, Pudong CBD skyline (Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower), Suzhou Creek confluence, Hangzhou Bay coastline to the south.
What can I see when landing at Singapore Changi in Singapore?
When landing at Singapore Changi (SIN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Changi's primary arrival runway 02L brings aircraft in from the south over the Singapore Strait. The left side faces east over the South China Sea approach and then gives a direct view of Changi's reclaimed land, East Coast Park, and Marina Bay as you descend. The right side looks west toward Johor Bahru and industrial Jurong. Notable sights include: Singapore Strait shipping lanes, East Coast Park and reclaimed shoreline, Marina Bay Sands and CBD skyline, Sentosa Island and the Southern Islands.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Singapore?
The flight from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Singapore Changi (SIN) takes Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Shanghai to Singapore flight path pass over?
The route tracks south over Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, crossing the Taiwan Strait, then over the South China Sea passing west of the Philippines. The Vietnamese coastline and the Mekong Delta are visible in the middle portion of the flight. The route then crosses the Gulf of Thailand or the Malay Peninsula depending on routing, with the Cameron Highlands visible as elevated terrain before descending toward Singapore.