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DTW → PVG
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more consistent perspective of the Arctic ice shelves, the rugged Russian Far East coastline, and a better angle for catching the sunset while flying westward over the International Date Line.
Detroit River
Immediate views of the Detroit skyline and the river border with Windsor, Ontario, during the initial climb.
Hudson Bay
A vast expanse of frozen white or deep blue depending on the season, showcasing the scale of the Canadian north.
Arctic Archipelago
Stunning glacial formations and fractured sea ice visible while traversing the high latitudes near the North Pole.
Bering Strait
The narrow water gap between Alaska and Russia, marking the transition between the Western and Eastern Hemispheres.
Kamchatka Coastline
Dramatic views of the volcanic peaks and rugged cliffs along the Russian Far East as the flight turns south.
Yellow Sea
Densely packed shipping lanes and fishing fleets visible as you approach the Chinese mainland.
Look out the window approximately 3-4 hours into the flight for the best Arctic ice views. If you are on a winter flight, this side is excellent for viewing the 'eternal sunset' effect. As you descend into Shanghai, watch for the massive cargo ships in the East China Sea.
Great Lakes
Superior views of Lake Michigan or Lake Huron shortly after takeoff, depending on the specific departure corridor.
Aurora Borealis
A prime position for spotting the Northern Lights during winter months when flying through the magnetic polar region.
Siberian Interior
Endless stretches of the snow-covered Stanovoy Range and the deep river valleys of Eastern Russia.
Manchurian Plain
The transition into China's agricultural heartland, featuring neat patterns of farmland and growing industrial hubs.
Yangtze River Delta
A spectacular view of the winding Yangtze River and the sprawling urban density of the Greater Shanghai area.
Donghai Bridge
Possible views of the world's longest cross-sea bridges connecting to the Yangshan Deepwater Port.
During the middle of the flight, keep the cabin lights off and your eyes peeled for the Aurora Borealis, especially between September and March. On the final approach into PVG, the right side often gets a spectacular panoramic view of the Pudong financial district if the flight path circles from the south.
Distance: 11,462 km (7,122 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 13 hrs 29 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Route Type: International
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