Loading map...
PVG → URC
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai) to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers unparalleled views of China's diverse geography, from the coastal delta and the Qinling mountain divide to the breathtaking snow-capped Tianshan peaks upon arrival.
Search flights from PVG to URC
Yangtze Delta
Aerial view of Shanghai's urban expansion and the intricate waterways of the East China coast.
Qinling Mountains
The majestic mountain range that serves as the natural geographical boundary between North and South China.
Qilian Mountains
High-altitude views of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers along the edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Kumul Basin
The stark, reddish-brown landscapes and desert terrain of eastern Xinjiang as you approach the destination.
Tianshan Range
Spectacular, jagged alpine scenery during the descent into Urumqi, featuring some of Central Asia's highest peaks.
For the best visibility, choose a seat ahead of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. On morning flights, the left side avoids direct glare, allowing for better photography of the Tianshan range. Expect the most dramatic views in the final 45 minutes of the flight.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for China
Yellow River
Visible segments of the silt-heavy river winding through the Loess Plateau in North-Central China.
Gobi Desert
The vast, desolate beauty of the stony Gobi stretching north towards the Mongolian border.
Hexi Corridor
The historic Silk Road route, characterized by narrow fertile strips between the desert and the mountains.
Badain Jaran Desert
Home to towering sand dunes and scattered desert lakes visible under clear sky conditions.
Bogda Peak
The iconic 5,445-meter snow-capped summit that dominates the skyline northeast of Urumqi.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights as it remains in the shade. Keep an eye out for the unique 'Yardang' landforms and the massive wind farms common in the Gansu and Xinjiang regions.
Book Hotels in UrumqiDistance: 3,312 km (2,058 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 54 min
Departure: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Arrival: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.