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CTU → JZH
Which side of the plane to sit from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu) to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (Jiuzhaigou)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unbeatable view of Mount Xuebao, the highest peak of the Min Mountains, and a closer look at the dramatic transition from the Sichuan Basin into the high-altitude plateau.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Catch a glimpse of the 2,000-year-old ancient engineering marvel shortly after leaving the Chengdu urban area.
Mount Xuebao (Xuebaoding)
The star of the route; this 5,588m peak is the highest point of the Min Mountains and appears stunningly close.
Longmen Mountain Fault
Observe the rugged, scarred terrain of the fault line that defines the edge of the Sichuan Basin.
Huanglong Valley Approach
During the final descent, the right side provides a dramatic view of the deep valleys surrounding the high-altitude airport.
The right side is essential for seeing Xuebaoding. Since JZH is one of China's highest airports, the approach is very steep; keep your camera ready during the last 15 minutes of the flight. Morning flights (before 10:00 AM) are highly recommended to avoid the frequent afternoon cloud cover and turbulence common at this altitude.
Mount Siguniang Range
On clear days, the distant Four Sisters Mountain peaks are visible to the west shortly after takeoff.
Min River Headwaters
Follow the winding blue threads of the upper Min River as it carves through deep alpine valleys.
Aba Grasslands
Panoramic views of the high-altitude wetlands and meadows near Songpan as the plane prepares for its descent.
Hengduan Mountain Ridges
A continuous sequence of snow-capped ridges stretching toward the Tibetan Plateau.
Sit on the left for softer morning light and better views of the vast plateau landscape. Look for the distant peaks of the Daxue Mountains if visibility is exceptionally high. Afternoon flights might experience more haze on this side.
Distance: 254 km (158 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 25 min
Departure: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Arrival: JZH (32.8533333333, 103.682222222)
Route Type: Domestic
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