While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery, the landing approach into Shanghai provides more sustained and distinctive views of major geographic and urban features. The Yangtze delta and Shanghai's urban landscape are more visually impressive and geographically significant than the departure sequence.
Flown SYD to SHA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Shanghai is 4,903 miles (7,890 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the South China Sea, passing over or near the Philippines region (depending on routing), then approaches mainland China over the East China Sea. Notable midpoint geography includes the Luzon Strait area, the coast of southern China near Fujian province, and the approach to the Yangtze River delta. At cruise altitude, the South China Sea's vast open water dominates the view for several hours with minimal landmarks; the transition to land occurs as the aircraft approaches the Chinese coast, where the Fujian coastline and inland mountain ranges become visible before the final descent into the Shanghai delta region.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Blue Mountains and the Tasman Sea as the aircraft climbs westward out of Sydney. The escarpment and coastal geography are dramatic during the initial climb phase.
Landing at SHA
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views of the Yangtze River delta, Hangzhou Bay, and the approach into Shanghai from the east. The river's distinctive braided channels and the urban sprawl of Shanghai are clearly visible during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Hongqiao International (SHA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Shanghai. While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery, the landing approach into Shanghai provides more sustained and distinctive views of major geographic and urban features. The Yangtze delta and Shanghai's urban landscape are more visually impressive and geographically significant than the departure sequence.
What can I see during takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Blue Mountains and the Tasman Sea as the aircraft climbs westward out of Sydney. The escarpment and coastal geography are dramatic during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains (Great Dividing Range), Tasman Sea coastline, Sydney Harbour and city sprawl, Nepean River valley.
What can I see when landing at Hongqiao International in Shanghai?
When landing at Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views of the Yangtze River delta, Hangzhou Bay, and the approach into Shanghai from the east. The river's distinctive braided channels and the urban sprawl of Shanghai are clearly visible during descent. Notable sights include: Yangtze River delta with braided channels, Hangzhou Bay, Shanghai urban grid and Huangpu River, East China Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Shanghai?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Hongqiao International (SHA) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,903 miles (7,890 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the South China Sea, passing over or near the Philippines region (depending on routing), then approaches mainland China over the East China Sea. Notable midpoint geography includes the Luzon Strait area, the coast of southern China near Fujian province, and the approach to the Yangtze River delta. At cruise altitude, the South China Sea's vast open water dominates the view for several hours with minimal landmarks; the transition to land occurs as the aircraft approaches the Chinese coast, where the Fujian coastline and inland mountain ranges become visible before the final descent into the Shanghai delta region.