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CTU → XMN
Which side of the plane to sit from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu) to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (Xiamen)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the southern Chinese river systems and the dramatic final descent over the Xiamen coastline and the Taiwan Strait.
Southern Sichuan Highlands
View of the sharp topographical transition from the flat basin to the high-altitude peaks of the south.
Xiang River Valley
The flight path traverses the lush green corridor of the Xiang River in Hunan province.
Jiangxi Mountain Ranges
Expansive views of the dense subtropical forests and tea plantations covering the hills of Jiangxi.
Xiamen Island
A stunning view of the main Xiamen island and the iconic Haicang Bridge during the final approach.
Taiwan Strait
The blue expanse of the Taiwan Strait becomes visible as the plane turns for its final alignment with the runway.
For the most iconic view of Xiamen's skyline and the 'Garden on the Sea' profile, the right side is essential. Aim for an afternoon flight to have the sun behind the aircraft, illuminating the coastal scenery. Be aware that Xiamen's humidity can cause haze, so clear days following rain offer the best visibility of the distant Jinmen islands.
Chengdu Urban Landscape
Immediate views of the sprawling Chengdu metropolitan area and the Sichuan Basin landscape during the initial climb.
Daba Mountains
Rugged terrain and deep valleys as the flight exits the Sichuan Basin toward the east.
Yangtze River Tributaries
Glances of the winding river systems that feed into the Yangtze through central China.
Wuyi Mountains North
The northern ridges of the UNESCO-listed Wuyi range, known for its biodiversity and mist-covered peaks.
Fujian Coastline
Aerial views of the densely populated coastal cities of Fujian as the plane begins its descent into Xiamen.
Choose the left side for morning flights (before 10:00 AM) to avoid direct sunlight and glare, which is ideal for photography of the Sichuan Basin. During the descent, you may catch a glimpse of the Quanzhou bay area depending on the air traffic control vectoring.
Distance: 1,549 km (963 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 4 min
Departure: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Arrival: XMN (24.54400062561035, 118.12799835205078)
Route Type: Domestic
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