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PVG → FCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai) to Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular views of the Qinling and Tianshan mountain ranges, the southern coastline of the Black Sea, and a breathtaking crossing of the Adriatic Sea before descending over the Apennines into Italy.
Qinling Mountains
Aerial views of the massive mountain range that serves as the natural boundary between North and South China.
Tianshan Range
Glaciated peaks and high-altitude ridges visible as the flight traverses the Xinjiang region toward Central Asia.
Caspian Sea Coast
The southern basin of the Caspian Sea, featuring the unique landscapes of Azerbaijan and the city of Baku.
Bosphorus Strait
On clear days, the crossing between Asia and Europe at Istanbul provides a stunning view of the bridge-linked continents.
Adriatic Coastline
The crystalline waters and rugged islands of the Croatian coast before crossing the sea toward Italy.
Apennine Mountains
The 'spine' of Italy, offering green valleys and ancient hilltop towns during the final descent into Rome.
On westbound daytime flights, the sun remains to your south; use a window shade to prevent glare, but open it over the Caucasus and the Balkans for high-contrast mountain photography. For the best view of the Rome approach, the left side typically sees the coastline and the Tiber river delta just before touchdown.
Gobi Desert Edges
The northern reaches of the route offer views of the vast, arid landscapes and salt flats of the Inner Mongolian plateau.
Kazakh Steppe
A seemingly endless expanse of golden grasslands and unique geological formations in Central Asia.
Volga River Delta
The intricate, maze-like patterns of the Volga River as it empties into the northern Caspian Sea.
Carpathian Mountains
The dramatic, forested arcs of the Eastern Carpathians stretching across Romania.
Rome Cityscape
Depending on the approach pattern, you may catch a distant glimpse of the Eternal City and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The right side is ideal for photographers as it faces away from the direct sun, providing soft, even lighting on the landscape below. Watch for the Volga Delta's geometric beauty and the snow-capped peaks of the Carpathians. In winter, this side offers the best views of the frost-covered Eurasian plains.
Distance: 9,170 km (5,698 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 47 min
Departure: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Arrival: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)
Route Type: International
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