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MNL → PVG
Which side of the plane to sit from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic mountain ranges of Northern Luzon and the sprawling urban landscapes of Western Taiwan, finishing with a scenic descent over the Yangtze River Delta.
Manila Urban Vista
Breathtaking aerial views of Makati, BGC, and the sprawling Metro Manila skyline immediately after takeoff from MNL.
Cordillera Central
Fly alongside the massive mountain ranges of Northern Luzon, featuring the cloud-topped peaks of the Philippines' highest regions.
Taiwanese Alps
On a clear day, view the rugged spine of the Central Mountain Range and the high-altitude peaks of Yushan National Park.
Hangzhou Bay
Glimpses of the massive Hangzhou Bay Bridge and the industrial landscape as you approach the Yangtze River Delta.
Shanghai Pudong Skyline
Depending on the approach pattern, catch views of the futuristic Pudong skyscrapers and the winding Huangpu River.
For morning flights, choose the left side to keep the sun behind you, avoiding glare for better photography of the Philippine mountains. The left side is also superior for viewing the dense city layouts of Western Taiwan during the mid-flight segment. Watch the window approximately 20-30 minutes after takeoff for the best mountain views in Luzon.
Laguna de Bay
Views of the largest lake in the Philippines and the surrounding green volcanic hills of Rizal and Laguna.
Polillo Islands
See the emerald-green islands scattered across the deep blue Philippine Sea as you head north over the Pacific edge.
Taroko Coastline
Dramatic views of the steep, jagged cliffs where Taiwan's mountains meet the Pacific Ocean if the flight path stays offshore.
Zhoushan Archipelago
A stunning view of hundreds of small islands and heavy maritime traffic just before entering the Shanghai approach corridor.
Yangtze River Mouth
Watch the transition of water colors where the silt-heavy Yangtze River meets the East China Sea, filled with container ships.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh western sun. It offers excellent views of the Zhoushan islands during descent into PVG, which is a highlight of the arrival. Keep an eye out for the distinct 'line' in the ocean where river water meets the sea near the end of the flight.
Distance: 1,851 km (1,150 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 28 min
Departure: MNL (14.5086, 121.019997)
Arrival: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Route Type: International
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