ZRH PVG

Which side of the plane from Zurich to Shanghai

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Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Shanghai. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the long overland cruise across Central Asia, the left side also tends to face south toward the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayan foothills depending on exact routing, making it the stronger choice throughout.

What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?

During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich typically departs on runway 16 (southbound) or 28 (westbound). On a southbound departure toward Asia, the left side gives you a clear view of Lake Zurich stretching southeast and the Glarus Alps rising beyond it. The right side faces the city and flatter Mittelland plateau. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Glarus Alps, Walensee (Lake Walen), Säntis massif.

What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?

When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Shanghai Pudong typically lands on runways 34L/34R (northbound approach) or 16L/16R (southbound). On a westbound approach from the north, the left side faces west toward central Shanghai, giving views of the Huangpu River bends, the Pudong skyline, and the dense urban grid of the city. The right side looks east over open sea and reclaimed coastal land. Notable sights include: Huangpu River bends, Pudong skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower), Suzhou Creek confluence, urban grid of central Shanghai.

How long is the flight from Zurich to Shanghai?

The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.

What does the Zurich to Shanghai flight path pass over?

The route typically tracks northeast from Zurich over Austria and southern Poland, then across Ukraine or Belarus, over Russia south of Moscow, across Kazakhstan and the vast Kazakh steppe, skirting north of the Tian Shan range, then descending over Mongolia or northern China through Inner Mongolia before approaching Shanghai from the northwest. Key features include the Ural Mountains (a low broad ridge visible as a subtle topographic change), the Kazakh steppe (flat, brown, enormous), the Gobi Desert transition zone, and the Yellow River basin in China.