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CTU → HFE
Which side of the plane to sit from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu) to Hefei Luogang International Airport (Hefei)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a superior vantage point for the Yangtze River's serpentine course and the dramatic geological transition from the Sichuan Basin through the Three Gorges region and the Dabie Mountains.
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Longquan Mountains
The first major topographical barrier encountered immediately after departure from Chengdu.
Yangtze Gorges
Aerial perspective of the rugged limestone cliffs and the massive reservoir area near the Three Gorges region.
Yangtze River Bend
Spectacular views of the mighty Yangtze River as it meanders through the central Chinese plains.
Wuhan Cityscape
Distant views of the 'Chicago of the East' and its many interconnected lakes like East Lake.
Dabie Mountains
The final stretch of verdant, rugged peaks before descending into the Hefei plain.
The right side is perfect for afternoon flights as the sun sets behind the plane, illuminating the Yangtze River in golden hues. Keep a close watch roughly 45-60 minutes into the flight for the dramatic transition from the basin to the mountains. Use a polarized lens if taking photos to cut through the haze typical of central China.
Book Hotels in HefeiChengdu Urban Core
Expansive views of the high-density skyscrapers and the circular ring-road system during the initial climb.
Qinling Mountains
Distant, majestic silhouettes of China's great northern mountain divide visible on the horizon.
Northern Sichuan Basin
A dense tapestry of terraced fields and traditional villages characteristic of the 'Land of Abundance'.
Han River Valley
The winding path of the Han River as it cuts through the hilly terrain of southern Shaanxi and northern Hubei.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. During winter months, look for the unique 'Sichuan Fog' that blankets the basin, creating a mystical sea of clouds. High-altitude visibility is generally better here for spotting the distant Qinling peaks.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,276 km (793 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 42 min
Departure: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Arrival: HFE (31.78000068664551, 117.2979965209961)
Route Type: Domestic
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