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CTU → AKU
Which side of the plane to sit from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu) to Aksu Airport (Aksu)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a continuous and breathtaking panorama of the Tianshan Mountain range throughout the latter half of the journey, offering spectacular views of glaciers and high peaks.
Search flights from CTU to AKU
Chengdu Cityscape
Aerial views of the sprawling Sichuan capital and the lush Longquan Mountains during takeoff.
Hexi Corridor
The historic Silk Road path squeezed between the Qilian and Gobi-Altai mountains.
Tianshan Range
Stunning close-up views of the 'Celestial Mountains' with peaks exceeding 7,000 meters.
Glacial Formations
Ancient ice flows and high-altitude cirques visible in the Tianshan canyons.
Wind Farms
Massive renewable energy installations visible across the Gobi landscape in Xinjiang.
The right side is the definitive choice for mountain lovers. The Tianshan range remains visible for nearly two hours. Late afternoon flights are particularly scenic as the sun illuminates the southern faces of the mountains. Ensure you have a window seat clear of the wing for the best photography of the glacial valleys during descent.
Book Hotels in AksuQilian Mountains
Vast snow-capped ridges marking the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.
Taklamakan Desert
The northern periphery of the world's second-largest shifting sand desert.
Qinghai Lake
Distant views of China's largest inland lake depending on the specific airway taken.
Tarim Basin Oases
Green pockets of agricultural life contrasting sharply with the surrounding arid terrain.
Choose the left side for morning flights to see the desert dunes defined by sharp shadows. This side is also better for observing the transition from the high plateau to the desert basin. Watch for the Tarim River's winding path as you approach Aksu.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 2,427 km (1,508 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 14 min
Departure: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Arrival: AKU (41.262501, 80.291702)
Route Type: Domestic
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