Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Taipei to Shanghai. Right side wins overall because the takeoff view over the Taiwan Strait and volcanic peaks is more visually distinctive and geographically dramatic than the landing approach. While left offers good Shanghai arrival views, the departure scenery is more memorable and unique to this specific route.

During takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the climb-out over the Taiwan Strait with the northern Taiwan coastline and Yangmingshan volcanic peaks visible. Left side faces inland toward the Central Mountain Range but offers less dramatic water and geological contrast during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Taiwan Strait (immediate water body below), Yangmingshan volcanic peaks (north of Taipei, distinctive dark ridgeline), northern Taiwan coastline near Keelung, Taipei basin urban sprawl.

When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best approach views into Shanghai Pudong. Depending on runway assignment (typically 08L/R or 26L/R), left seats capture the Huangpu River's distinctive curves, Pudong's high-rise skyline, and the approach path over the Yangtze River delta farmland and water bodies. Notable sights include: Huangpu River (serpentine curves through Shanghai), Pudong financial district skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower visible in good conditions), Yangtze River delta agricultural grid, East China Sea coastal marshes.

The flight from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Taiwan Strait (roughly 100 nautical miles of open water), then approaches the Yangtze River delta. At midpoint, the aircraft passes over the East China Sea coastal waters and begins transitioning over the delta's complex network of rivers, canals, and agricultural land. The Yangtze River itself may be visible as a broad, muddy-colored waterway in the delta region during descent. No major mountain ranges are crossed; the route stays over water and flat delta terrain throughout.