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HFE → CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from Hefei Luogang International Airport (Hefei) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most dramatic views of the Yangtze River valley and the rugged transition into the Sichuan Basin, providing better lighting for photography during most daytime flights.
Dabie Mountains
View the southern slopes of this major range shortly after departure from Hefei, featuring dense forests and deep valleys.
Yangtze River Meanders
Catch glimpses of the mighty Yangtze River as it winds through Hubei Province, especially near the Yichang area.
Wu Mountains
Observe the dramatic karst-like peaks and steep ridges that form the gateway to the Three Gorges region.
Southern Daba Range
Continuous stretches of rugged, cloud-shrouded peaks that define the border between Hubei and Sichuan.
Sichuan Basin Terraces
The iconic patchwork of terraced farms and circular hills characteristic of the eastern Sichuan landscape during descent.
For the best experience, choose a window seat behind the wing to avoid engine heat haze. On morning flights, the left side is shaded, providing clear views of the mist-filled valleys of the Daba Mountains. During late afternoon flights, the sun will be on this side, which can create high contrast but beautiful golden hour light over the Sichuan Basin.
Northern Dabie Peaks
High-altitude ridges along the Anhui-Henan border visible shortly after takeoff.
Han River
Spot the wide, silvery thread of the Han River, the largest tributary of the Yangtze, flowing to the north.
Qinling Foothills
Distant views of the massive Qinling range, which serves as the natural geographical boundary between North and South China.
Nanchong City
The dense urban layout of Nanchong appearing as the flight progresses deeper into the Sichuan Basin.
Chengdu Urban Sprawl
Extensive views of the rapidly expanding northern suburbs of Chengdu during the final approach phase.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights as it remains in the shade, allowing for glare-free photography of the distant Qinling Mountains. Keep an eye out for the transition from the flat plains of Anhui to the increasingly hilly terrain of the Daba Mountains about 40 minutes into the flight.
Distance: 1,276 km (793 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 42 min
Departure: HFE (31.78000068664551, 117.2979965209961)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: Domestic
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