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CTU → CIH
Which side of the plane to sit from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu) to Changzhi Airport (Changzhi)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior viewing experience, featuring the iconic Mount Hua, the expansive Wei River valley, and the dramatic vertical cliffs of the Taihang Mountains upon descent.
Chengdu Cityscape
Depending on departure direction, enjoy a sprawling view of one of China's most populous urban centers.
Qinling Main Peaks
Fly over the high ridges of the Qinling Mountains, the natural boundary between North and South China.
Mount Hua (Huashan)
Look for the sharp, granite peaks of one of the Five Sacred Mountains of China near the Wei River.
Wei River Valley
The cradle of Chinese civilization, visible as a wide, fertile corridor between mountain ranges.
Taihang Mountains
Dramatic limestone cliffs and deep canyons visible during the final approach into Changzhi.
The right side is the 'scenic side' for this route. Specifically, look for Mount Hua roughly 40-50 minutes into the flight. Afternoon flights offer the best lighting for the Taihang Mountains, as the sun illuminates the western-facing cliffs. Use a window seat behind the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the view of the valley floors.
Longmen Mountains
Visible shortly after takeoff, these mountains mark the rugged northwestern rim of the Sichuan Basin.
Daba Mountains
A dense, forested mountain range providing a lush green carpet during the first third of the flight.
Loess Plateau Terraces
Intricate agricultural terracing patterns characteristic of northern Shaanxi's unique soil erosion landscape.
Qinling Cloud Sea
The northern slopes of the Qinling often trap moisture, creating stunning cloud formations against the peaks.
Sit on the left during morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. This side is ideal for observing the geometric patterns of the Loess Plateau and the northern descent into the Shanxi region. Keep your camera ready about 30 minutes after departure for the transition out of the Sichuan basin.
Distance: 1,059 km (658 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 25 min
Departure: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Arrival: CIH (36.247501, 113.125999)
Route Type: Domestic
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