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HAK → CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from Haikou Meilan International Airport (Haikou) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior perspective of the dramatic transition from the tropical coast of Hainan to the rugged karst topography of Guizhou, culminating in views of the high-altitude peaks of the Tibetan Plateau on a clear approach to Chengdu.
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Haikou Coastal Skyline
Panoramic views of the Haikou city skyline and the bustling Nanhai avenue during the initial climb.
Qiongzhou Strait
The narrow blue stretch of water separating Hainan Island from the mainland Leizhou Peninsula.
Guizhou Karst Peaks
Thousands of conical limestone hills and hidden valleys characteristic of the South China Karst landscape.
Min River Confluence
Visual tracking of the Min River as it winds through the southern Sichuan landscape toward the basin.
Daxue Mountains
On exceptionally clear days, the distant snow-capped peaks of the eastern Tibetan Plateau are visible to the west.
Book a window seat behind the wing to avoid engine heat haze. For the best lighting on the landscape, choose a late morning flight to have the sun behind the aircraft. During the descent into Chengdu, watch for the dramatic change from the rugged mountains to the flat, fertile Sichuan Basin. If flying in winter, the mountains in Guizhou often have a mystical layer of mist trapped between peaks.
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Meilan Wetlands
The lush green agricultural zones and wetland preserves surrounding the Haikou Meilan airport area.
Zhanjiang Shipping Lanes
Distant views of the heavy maritime traffic heading toward the industrial ports of western Guangdong.
Wuling Mountains
The dense forests and deep river gorges of the eastern edge of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau.
Sichuan Basin Patchwork
The intricate mosaic of rice paddies and small villages that define the 'Land of Abundance' near Chengdu.
Chengdu Urban Sprawl
A close-up view of the massive urban expansion and high-rises of southern Chengdu during final approach.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights as it stays in the shade, reducing glare for photography. Keep an eye out for the Yangtze River tributaries as you cross into the Sichuan border. Be aware that the Sichuan Basin is frequently covered in low-level haze or fog; however, the urban lights of Chengdu are particularly impressive from this side during night arrivals.
Book Hotels in ChengduDistance: 1,352 km (840 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 48 min
Departure: HAK (19.93490028381348, 110.45899963378906)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: Domestic
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