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CTU → TCZ
Which side of the plane to sit from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu) to Tengchong Tuofeng Airport (Tengchong)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers an unparalleled panorama of the eastern Tibetan Plateau edges, including the majestic Gongga Shan (Minya Konka), the highest peak in Sichuan, and the dramatic deep-cut gorges of the Three Parallel Rivers region.
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Gongga Shan
Also known as Minya Konka, this 7,556m peak is often visible piercing through the clouds about 20 minutes after departure.
Jinsha River Gorge
The upper reaches of the Yangtze River carve incredible deep canyons through the high-altitude terrain.
Gaoligong Mountains
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring incredibly steep ridges and high biodiversity just before the descent into Tengchong.
Tengchong Volcanic Field
Distinctive volcanic cones and ancient craters are visible near the airport, showcasing the region's unique geology.
Nu River Valley
The dramatic 'Angry River' (Salween) gorge is visible as a deep, jagged scar in the earth's crust.
Request a window seat away from the wing to fully capture Gongga Shan, which appears relatively early in the flight. Afternoon flights offer stunning 'golden hour' lighting on the snow-capped peaks of the Hengduan range. Keep your camera ready during the final 15 minutes for the unique volcanic landscape of Tengchong.
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Chengdu Basin
Aerial view of the sprawling Chengdu metropolitan area and the transition into the southern Sichuan hills.
Erhai Lake
On clear days, the iconic ear-shaped lake of Dali can be spotted shimmering to the southeast of the flight path.
Cangshan Mountains
The snow-capped peaks of the Cangshan range provide a rugged backdrop to the Yunnan plateau scenery.
Lancang River
Views of the Mekong River (Lancang) as it winds through deep valleys towards Southeast Asia.
The left side is best during morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and enjoy soft illumination on the Sichuan Basin. It provides the best perspective of the urban clusters in the Baoshan and Dali regions as you approach Western Yunnan.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 826 km (513 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 23 min
Departure: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Arrival: TCZ (24.9380555556, 98.4858333333)
Route Type: Domestic
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