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FRA → CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular vantage point for the most dramatic mountain scenery on Earth, specifically the Alps during departure and the eastern Tibetan Plateau during the final descent.
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The Alps
Early in the flight, catch views of the snow-capped Austrian and Swiss Alps to the south.
Caspian Sea
The southern coastline and the deep blue expanse of the world's largest inland body of water.
Hindu Kush
High-altitude peaks crossing through Afghanistan and Pakistan, featuring some of the world's highest terrain.
Tibetan Plateau
The 'Roof of the World', featuring high-altitude lakes, massive glaciers, and barren, majestic terrain.
Mount Gongga
Also known as Minya Konka, this 7,556m peak is often visible on the right during the descent into Chengdu.
The right side is significantly more scenic for the final 90 minutes of the flight. As you approach Chengdu, the transition from the 5,000-meter peaks of the Tibetan Plateau to the low Sichuan Basin is breathtaking. For the best views of the Himalayas and Mount Gongga, aim for a morning arrival when the air is clearest and the sun illuminates the eastern faces of the mountains.
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Frankfurt Skyline
Aerial view of the 'Mainhattan' skyscrapers and the Main River shortly after takeoff from FRA.
Greater Caucasus
Dramatic views of the jagged peaks separating Europe and Asia, including the massive Mount Elbrus.
Aral Sea Remnants
The striking, tragic beauty of the shrinking turquoise water patches in the Central Asian desert.
Tien Shan Mountains
The 'Celestial Mountains' stretching along the border of Kazakhstan and China with permanent glaciers.
Taklamakan Desert
The vast, shifting sand dunes of one of the world's largest sandy deserts in western China.
The left side is ideal for seeing the vastness of the Eurasian landmass. If flying during the day, keep your camera ready for the high-contrast textures of the Taklamakan Desert. For night flights, this side often provides views of the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) if the flight path takes a more northerly route during winter months.
Get eSIMs for Germany
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 7,810 km (4,853 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 11 min
Departure: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: International
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