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LHR → PVG
Which side of the plane to sit from London Heathrow Airport (London) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic views of the journey, including the vast Siberian taiga, the Ural Mountains, and a spectacular view of Lake Baikal—the world's deepest lake.
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North Sea & Baltic Coast
Clear views of the intricate Dutch and German coastlines shortly after departure from London.
Ural Mountains
The dramatic geographic boundary separating Europe and Asia, visible as a long chain of rugged peaks.
Siberian Taiga
An endless emerald sea of coniferous forests intersected by massive, winding river systems like the Ob and Yenisei.
Lake Baikal
The 'Pearl of Siberia' appears as a massive blue crescent; it is one of the most recognizable landmarks from space.
Mongolian Plateaus
The transition from forest to the high-altitude grasslands and rolling hills of northern Mongolia.
For the best experience, choose a seat toward the front or middle to avoid wing obstruction. Since this is an eastbound flight, the sun will rise over Siberia; the left side (facing North) avoids the harshest direct glare during the morning hours, making it easier to photograph Lake Baikal and the Siberian landscape. In winter, look for the unique patterns of frozen river deltas.
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European Cityscapes
Distant views of major Central European hubs such as Berlin or Warsaw during the first few hours of flight.
Gobi Desert
Stark and beautiful vistas of the southern Gobi's sand dunes and rocky outcrops as you enter Chinese airspace.
Yellow River
The silt-heavy, golden waters of the Huang He winding through the Loess Plateau in northern China.
Yangtze River Delta
One of the world's most densely populated regions, showing the massive scale of Chinese infrastructure and shipping.
Shanghai Skyline
On the final approach into Pudong (PVG), the right side often catches a glimpse of the Lujiazui skyscrapers and the Bund.
The right side faces south and will be subject to direct sunlight for a significant portion of the day once the sun rises. Keep your window shade down during the mid-flight sleep period to avoid heating the cabin. However, the right side is superior for the final descent into Shanghai, as it frequently offers better views of the city's iconic skyline and the massive container ports along the coast.
Book Hotels in ShanghaiDistance: 9,241 km (5,742 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 52 min
Departure: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Arrival: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Route Type: International
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