While takeoff offers good water views on the right, the landing approach into Taipei provides superior visual interest with Taipei 101, the Tamsui River, and the surrounding mountain basin. The left side captures the most distinctive urban and geographic features of the destination.
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Flight Path
Shanghai to Taipei is 424 miles (682 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Taiwan Strait (roughly 100 nautical miles of open water between Shanghai and Taiwan). At midpoint, you'll be over open water with no major landmarks visible—the strait appears as a featureless expanse at cruise altitude. The Taiwan coastline becomes visible on approach: the northern coast near Keelung appears rocky and irregular, with the Jiufen and Pingxi mountain areas visible inland as forested ridges. The descent into Taipei offers progressive views of the island's northern geography, with the Yangmingshan volcanic zone becoming increasingly prominent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SHA
RIGHTHongqiao typically departs eastbound (Runway 06 or similar). Right-side seats face south toward Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze River estuary, offering clear water geography. Left seats look north over urban Shanghai sprawl with less distinctive visual features.
Landing at TSA
LEFTSungshan (Taipei) typically uses Runway 10 for landings (northeast approach). Left-side seats face northwest during descent, providing views of Taipei Basin, Taipei 101, and the Tamsui River. Right seats look southeast over the Pacific and less populated terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Sungshan (TSA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Taipei. While takeoff offers good water views on the right, the landing approach into Taipei provides superior visual interest with Taipei 101, the Tamsui River, and the surrounding mountain basin. The left side captures the most distinctive urban and geographic features of the destination.
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 typically departs eastbound (Runway 06 or similar). Right-side seats face south toward Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze River estuary, offering clear water geography. Left seats look north over urban Shanghai sprawl with less distinctive visual features. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay (broad water body immediately south), Yangtze River mouth (northwest, visible as wide muddy confluence), Shanghai urban grid (north), East China Sea horizon (southeast).
What can I see when landing at Sungshan in Taipei?
When landing at Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Sungshan (Taipei) typically uses Runway 10 for landings (northeast approach). Left-side seats face northwest during descent, providing views of Taipei Basin, Taipei 101, and the Tamsui River. Right seats look southeast over the Pacific and less populated terrain. Notable sights include: Taipei 101 (distinctive supertall in Xinyi district), Tamsui River (winding through Taipei), Taipei Basin surrounded by mountains, Yangmingshan volcanic plateau (north).
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Taipei?
The flight from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Sungshan (TSA) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 424 miles (682 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Taipei flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Taiwan Strait (roughly 100 nautical miles of open water between Shanghai and Taiwan). At midpoint, you'll be over open water with no major landmarks visible—the strait appears as a featureless expanse at cruise altitude. The Taiwan coastline becomes visible on approach: the northern coast near Keelung appears rocky and irregular, with the Jiufen and Pingxi mountain areas visible inland as forested ridges. The descent into Taipei offers progressive views of the island's northern geography, with the Yangmingshan volcanic zone becoming increasingly prominent.