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CMB → PVG
Which side of the plane to sit from Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (Colombo) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is generally superior as it captures the dramatic transition from the Sri Lankan coastline to the rugged mountains of Myanmar and Yunnan, followed by a high probability of seeing the Shanghai skyline and the Yangtze River estuary during the descent.
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Negombo Coastline
Aerial views of the golden beaches and lagoons near Colombo immediately after takeoff.
Arakan Mountains
The steep, forested ridges of Western Myanmar as the flight crosses from the Bay of Bengal.
Yunnan Plateaus
Spectacular views of the high-altitude terrain and deep river valleys in Southwest China.
Shanghai Skyline
If the flight path approaches from the west, you can often see the Lujiazui financial district and the Bund.
Yangtze River Delta
The massive scale of the Yangtze river mouth meeting the East China Sea, filled with container ships.
For the best experience, choose a window seat on the left (usually 'A') for morning flights to keep the sun behind the plane, reducing glare. This side is also strategic for the 'Star' approach into PVG, which often banks to give a panoramic view of the city center.
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Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Distant glimpses of the emerald island chains scattered across the Bay of Bengal.
Mekong River
Aerial view of the winding Mekong as it traverses through the borders of Southeast Asia.
Hangzhou Bay
On the final approach, the impressive coastline of Zhejiang and the massive Hangzhou Bay Bridge may be visible.
Southern China Hinterlands
The intricate patterns of terraced farming and dense urban clusters in Guangdong and Fujian provinces.
The right side (usually 'K') is ideal for spotting the coastal geography of Eastern China. Be aware that afternoon flights may face direct sunlight on this side, making it quite warm and bright. Watch for the massive wind farms located in the waters off the coast of Shanghai during the final minutes of flight.
Book Hotels in ShanghaiDistance: 5,099 km (3,168 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs
Departure: CMB (7.180759906768799, 79.88410186767578)
Arrival: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Route Type: International
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