Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view over the Taiwan Strait and northern Taiwan coast is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. While the landing into Shanghai is geographically interesting, the takeoff offers clearer water-to-land contrast and the volcanic Yangming range provides a more dramatic landmark than the flat Yangtze delta.
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Flight Path
Taipei to Shanghai is 423 miles (681 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Taiwan Strait (roughly 100 miles of open water), then approaches the Yangtze River delta. At cruise altitude (around 30,000 feet), the Yangtze River itself may be visible as a silvery line if conditions permit, along with the extensive network of smaller rivers and waterways that characterize the delta. The transition from open water to the densely developed delta region is gradual but noticeable. No major mountain ranges are crossed; the terrain is predominantly low-lying coastal plain.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPE
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the climb-out over the Taiwan Strait with the northern Taiwan coast receding below. You'll see the industrial sprawl of Taipei basin and the distant Yangming volcanic range to the north before the aircraft turns northwest toward Shanghai.
Landing at SHA
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best descent view into Shanghai. You'll see the Yangtze River delta's complex waterway system, the industrial zones of Pudong, and the approach over Huangpu River before landing at Hongqiao. The urban geometry of Shanghai's grid becomes increasingly detailed as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Hongqiao International (SHA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Taipei to Shanghai. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view over the Taiwan Strait and northern Taiwan coast is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. While the landing into Shanghai is geographically interesting, the takeoff offers clearer water-to-land contrast and the volcanic Yangming range provides a more dramatic landmark than the flat Yangtze delta.
What can I see during takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
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 coast receding below. You'll see the industrial sprawl of Taipei basin and the distant Yangming volcanic range to the north before the aircraft turns northwest toward Shanghai. Notable sights include: Taipei metropolitan area (urban grid directly below during initial climb), Yangming Mountain Range (volcanic peaks north of Taipei), Taiwan Strait (water body expanding to the right/west), Keelung harbor (northern coastal feature).
What can I see when landing at Hongqiao International in Shanghai?
When landing at Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best descent view into Shanghai. You'll see the Yangtze River delta's complex waterway system, the industrial zones of Pudong, and the approach over Huangpu River before landing at Hongqiao. The urban geometry of Shanghai's grid becomes increasingly detailed as you descend. Notable sights include: Yangtze River delta (extensive water network with islands and channels), Huangpu River (dark waterway cutting through Shanghai), Pudong district (high-rise financial center with distinctive skyline), Hongqiao International Airport (runway layout visible at 2,000-3,000 feet).
How long is the flight from Taipei to Shanghai?
The flight from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Hongqiao International (SHA) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 423 miles (681 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Taipei to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Taiwan Strait (roughly 100 miles of open water), then approaches the Yangtze River delta. At cruise altitude (around 30,000 feet), the Yangtze River itself may be visible as a silvery line if conditions permit, along with the extensive network of smaller rivers and waterways that characterize the delta. The transition from open water to the densely developed delta region is gradual but noticeable. No major mountain ranges are crossed; the terrain is predominantly low-lying coastal plain.