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BAV → CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from Baotou Airport (Baotou) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the high-altitude deserts in Inner Mongolia and the dramatic transition from the high-altitude mountains into the lush Sichuan Basin, particularly the rugged peaks bordering the Tibetan Plateau.
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Kubuqi Desert
Golden sand dunes of the northern desert visible shortly after departing the Baotou area.
Ordos Wind Farms
Massive clusters of wind turbines across the high-altitude plains of Inner Mongolia.
Western Qinling Peaks
More rugged and often snow-capped sections of the Qinling range compared to the eastern side.
Longmen Mountains
The dramatic 'wall' of mountains that marks the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
Chengdu Plain
Lush, green agricultural patterns and irrigation networks characteristic of the fertile Chengdu area.
The right side is perfect for afternoon flights to capture the golden hour light over the western mountains. As the plane begins its descent into Chengdu, look for the sharp contrast between the 4,000-meter peaks of the Longmen range and the flat basin floor. In winter, the snow-covered peaks to the west are exceptionally photogenic.
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Yellow River Bend
A stunning view of the Hetao section where the Yellow River curves dramatically near Baotou.
Ordos Plateau
Vast stretches of the Loess Plateau showing unique erosion patterns and traditional land use.
Eastern Qinling
The central mountain range of China, serving as the biological and geographical divide between north and south.
Sichuan Basin Entrance
The sudden change in landscape as the plane descends into the densely populated and misty Sichuan Basin.
This side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. Focus your attention downward about 15 minutes after takeoff to see the industrial architecture of Baotou blending into the Yellow River landscape. On clear days, you can spot the sprawling urban outskirts of Xi'an in the distance to the east.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,237 km (769 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 39 min
Departure: BAV (40.560001373291016, 109.99700164794922)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: Domestic
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