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CTU → SWA
Which side of the plane to sit from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu) to Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (Shantou)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Sichuan Basin's urban centers, the winding Yangtze River tributaries, and the impressive Wanlv Lake during the descent into Guangdong.
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Chengdu Urban Sprawl
Panoramic view of the rapidly expanding Chengdu metropolis and the Longquan mountain range shortly after takeoff.
Yangtze Tributaries
Aerial perspectives of the Jialing and Yangtze River systems as the flight crosses the border of Sichuan and Chongqing.
Wuling Mountains
Dramatic karst topography and deep valleys characteristic of the northern Guizhou and western Hunan border region.
Wanlv Lake
The 'Emerald of Southern China,' a massive turquoise reservoir in Heyuan visible during the initial descent.
Chaoshan Heartland
Densely populated urban clusters of Jieyang and Shantou featuring traditional rooflines mixed with modern high-rises.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct solar glare. Keep an eye out for the massive Wanlv Lake about 30 minutes before landing; its deep green color is unmistakable. During the approach, this side provides the best view of the intricate river networks feeding into the Han River delta.
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Daxue Shan Horizon
On exceptionally clear days, the distant snow-capped peaks of the Tibetan Plateau edge are visible to the far west.
Guizhou Karst Forest
A continuous carpet of conical limestone peaks and hidden valleys through the heart of Guizhou province.
Nanling Mountains
The natural geographic boundary between Central and South China, featuring lush, evergreen subtropical forests.
South China Sea Horizon
As the plane aligns for SWA, the shimmering horizon of the South China Sea appears in the distance to the southeast.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the Guizhou mountains. In winter, look for snow-dusted peaks on the Nanling range. It provides a more 'natural' landscape view compared to the urban focus of the left side. Use a polarizing filter if taking photos to cut through the haze often present over the Pearl River Delta fringe.
Book Hotels in ShantouDistance: 1,467 km (912 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 57 min
Departure: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Arrival: SWA (23.552, 116.5033)
Route Type: Domestic
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