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DIG → CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from Diqing Airport (Shangri-La) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers unparalleled views of the highest snow-capped peaks in the Hengduan mountain range, including the massive Mount Gongga and the iconic Four Sisters Mountain.
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Haba & Yulong Peaks
Stunning views of Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain immediately after departure from Shangri-La.
Jinsha River Canyons
The upper reaches of the Yangtze River winding through incredibly deep and narrow mountain gorges.
Mount Gongga
Also known as Minya Konka, this 7,556m peak is the highest in Sichuan and a majestic sight mid-flight.
Mount Siguniang
The 'Four Sisters Mountain' features four distinct granite peaks that resemble the Swiss Alps.
Dujiangyan Transition
The dramatic point where the high Tibetan Plateau drops off into the flat, fertile Sichuan Basin.
For the most dramatic lighting on the peaks, choose a morning flight when the sun hits the eastern faces. Ensure you have a window seat away from the wing (rows 1-8 or 20+) to fully capture the scale of Mount Gongga, which appears roughly 25-30 minutes into the flight.
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Napahai Lake
A beautiful seasonal alpine lake surrounded by meadows visible shortly after takeoff from Diqing.
Yalong River Valley
Deep, serpentine river valleys carving through the high-altitude plateau landscape.
Erlang Mountain
A famous geographic and climatic boundary separating the humid basin from the dry plateau.
Sichuan Basin Plains
The patchwork of green farmland and misty hills as the aircraft begins its descent into Chengdu.
Chengdu Cityscape
Extensive views of the sprawling Chengdu metropolitan area and its skyscrapers during the final approach.
The right side is better for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. It provides a better perspective of the vastness of the Sichuan Basin and the urban density of Chengdu. Look for the transition from rugged brown peaks to lush green foothills about 40 minutes after takeoff.
Book Hotels in ChengduDistance: 517 km (321 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 52 min
Departure: DIG (27.7936, 99.6772)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: Domestic
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