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HGH destination photo
CTU destination photo

HGHCTU

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to some of China's most legendary geography, including the mystical peaks of Huangshan and the world-famous Three Gorges Dam area.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🏔️

Mount Huang (Huangshan)

On clear days, see the granite peaks and 'sea of clouds' that have inspired Chinese art for centuries.

🏗️

Three Gorges Dam

Look for the massive concrete structure and the vast reservoir behind it as you cross the Hubei mountains.

🌊

Yangtze River Bends

Witness the dramatic meanders of the 'Long River' as it cuts through the Xiling Gorge area.

🌲

Shennongjia Nature Reserve

Vast stretches of high-altitude forest and rugged terrain known for its biodiversity and myths.

🌄

Longquan Mountains

The final mountain range before descending into the Chengdu plain, often glowing at sunset.

The Three Gorges Dam is typically visible about 60 to 80 minutes into the flight depending on headwinds. Use a flight tracking app to monitor your position over Yichang. Morning flights offer the crispest air for viewing Huangshan, though haze is common in the Sichuan Basin regardless of time.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Qiantang River

Catch a glimpse of the massive river winding through Hangzhou shortly after takeoff from HGH.

🏙️

Wuhan Metropolitan Area

View the southern expanse of the massive 'Chicago of China' as you cross the middle reaches of the Yangtze.

🌾

Jianghan Plain

The landscape below transforms into a dense network of canals, ponds, and rice paddies across Hubei.

⛰️

Sichuan Basin Rim

Dramatic view of the mountains rising sharply from the plains as you enter the Sichuan province.

For the best experience, choose a window seat behind the wing to ensure your view of the Qiantang River isn't obstructed. Afternoon flights are ideal for this side as the sun will be behind you, reducing glare and improving photo quality of the Hubei wetlands.

Top Activities in Chengdu
Route Information

Distance: 1,580 km (982 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 6 min

Departure: HGH (30.22949981689453, 120.43399810791016)

Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)

Route Type: Domestic

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