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PVG → ZRH
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai) to Zürich Airport (Zurich)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior lighting for photography throughout the day when flying westward, and provides a front-row seat to the Swiss Alps during the approach into Zurich.
Yangtze River Delta
Aerial views of the massive industrial and water networks surrounding Shanghai shortly after takeoff.
Gobi Desert Dunes
Expansive views of the golden sands and rugged terrain across Inner Mongolia and the Hexi Corridor.
Ural Mountains
The scenic transition between the Asian and European continents, featuring ancient, weathered peaks.
Prague and Central Europe
Distinctive red-roofed cities and organized agricultural patterns across Poland and Czechia.
The Swiss Alps
Stunning snow-capped vistas of the northern Alps during the descent into Zurich Airport.
For daylight flights, sit on the left to avoid direct glare from the sun while enjoying the best mountain views upon arrival. In winter, the snow-covered Russian steppes are particularly striking. Watch for the Alps about 30-45 minutes before landing.
Lake Baikal
The world's deepest lake is often visible to the north if the flight path tracks through Southern Siberia.
Siberian Taiga
Endless stretches of untouched coniferous forest that seem to change colors with the seasons.
The Baltic Coast
Views of the indented coastlines of the Baltic Sea if the flight takes a more northerly corridor.
Lake Constance
As the plane enters Swiss airspace, you may see the large lake shared by Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
The right side is ideal for night flights if you want to catch the Aurora Borealis over Russia/Northern Europe during winter. If flying a Chinese carrier that traverses Russian airspace, this side provides the best view of the vast Siberian wilderness.
Distance: 9,031 km (5,612 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 37 min
Departure: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Arrival: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Route Type: International
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