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CTU → NKG
Which side of the plane to sit from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu) to Nanjing Lukou Airport (Nanjing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most consistent views of the Yangtze River's serpentine path and the vast urban landscapes of Central China, including the outskirts of Chongqing and Wuhan.
Chengdu Cityscape
A sweeping view of the sprawling Chengdu metropolis immediately after takeoff from Shuangliu.
Yangtze River Meanders
The 'Golden Waterway' provides a stunning silvery thread that guides the aircraft across central China.
Three Gorges Region
Distant views of the dramatic limestone karst topography and the reservoirs of the Yangtze's middle reaches.
Wuhan Metropolitan Area
The massive triple-city of Wuhan with its iconic bridges crossing the Yangtze is visible during the mid-flight cruise.
Lake Chaohu
One of China's largest freshwater lakes, appearing as a vast blue expanse shortly before the descent into Nanjing.
The right side is the 'river side.' To get the best photos of the Yangtze and the Wuhan bridges, choose a seat behind the wing. Note that haze in the Sichuan Basin and Hubei can sometimes obscure views; flights following a cold front provide the clearest visibility.
Daba Mountains
The rugged northern border of the Sichuan Basin, featuring steep ridges and deep valleys shortly after departure.
Han River
A major tributary of the Yangtze, visible snaking through the Hubei plains.
Dabie Mountains
A significant mountain range in central China that serves as a major watershed between the Huai and Yangtze rivers.
Hefei Outskirts
As the flight nears its destination, you can see the rapid urban development of Anhui's capital to the north.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct southern sun. This side is ideal for spotting the transition from the Sichuan Highlands to the North China Plain. Keep an eye out for the Han River about 40 minutes into the flight.
Distance: 1,424 km (885 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 54 min
Departure: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Arrival: NKG (31.742000579833984, 118.86199951171876)
Route Type: Domestic
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