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DLU â CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from Dali Airport (Dali) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides an unparalleled view of the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Hengduan Mountains and the dramatic canyons of the Jinsha River. On a clear day, passengers can often spot the towering peaks of Gongga Shan and the rugged terrain of western Sichuan as the plane transitions from the Yunnan plateau toward the Chengdu basin.
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Erhai Lake
Immediately after takeoff, witness the stunning crescent-shaped Erhai Lake framed by the Dali cityscape.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Look north-west to see the distant, jagged limestone peaks of the Lijiang massif rising above the clouds.
Jinsha River Gorges
The upper reaches of the Yangtze River carve deep, winding canyons through the high-altitude plateau.
Gongga Shan
Visible in the distance, the 'King of Sichuan Mountains' stands as the highest peak in the province at 7,556m.
Qionglai Mountains
Dense forest-covered ridges that mark the final transition from the high plateau to the Sichuan basin.
For the most dramatic mountain views, choose a morning flight when the air is clearest and the sun illuminates the eastern faces of the peaks. If flying in winter, the snow coverage on the Hengduan range is spectacular. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff as the plane climbs over the Dali valley for the best perspective of Erhai Lake.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaCangshan Mountains
A close-up view of the Nineteen Peaks of Cangshan immediately following the departure from Dali.
Yalong River Valley
Aerial views of the deep river valleys and the complex topography of the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.
Mount Emei
As the plane begins its descent, look for the high summit of one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China.
Sichuan Basin Plains
A stark contrast as the rugged mountains give way to the lush, green, and densely populated farmland of the basin.
Chengdu Approach
View the sprawling urban expanse of Chengdu and the Min River as you align for landing at Shuangliu.
The right side is excellent for seeing the transition into the Sichuan Basin. Look out for Mount Emei about 20-30 minutes before landing; it often rises above the low-lying basin mist. During afternoon flights, this side will be in the shade, which can help reduce window glare for photography of the landscape below.
Book Hotels in ChengduDistance: 653 km (406 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 5 min
Departure: DLU (25.649401, 100.319)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: Domestic
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