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KMG destination photo
CTU destination photo

KMGCTU

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a front-row seat to the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, offering spectacular views of high-altitude snow peaks and the deep gorges of the Hengduan Mountains.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Dianchi Lake

A massive freshwater lake south of Kunming visible during the initial climbing phase.

🏔️

Hengduan Mountain Range

Parallel mountain ridges and deep river valleys that define the geography of the Yunnan-Sichuan border.

🏔️

Minya Konka (Mount Gongga)

The 'King of Sichuan Mountains,' visible in the distance to the northwest on clear days.

🌊

Jinsha River

The upper reaches of the Yangtze River cutting deep, winding canyons through the high plateau.

🏔️

Daxue Mountains

Dazzling snow-capped peaks that mark the transition toward the Tibetan highlands.

Choose the left side for morning flights to enjoy the sun illuminating the eastern faces of the mountains. Keep a sharp eye out midway through the flight for the 7,556m peak of Minya Konka. Visibility is best in autumn and winter when the air is driest and the sky is clearest.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏜️

Dongchuan Red Land

Vibrant red soil and multi-colored terraced fields northeast of Kunming visible shortly after takeoff.

🌊

Jinsha Gorges

Dramatic views of the river's eastern banks as it flows toward the central Chinese plains.

⛰️

Mount Emei

One of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, potentially visible to the southeast during descent.

🚜

Sichuan Basin

A sudden transition into the lush, green agricultural heartland known as the Land of Abundance.

🏙️

Chengdu Urban Area

The sprawling, dense metropolis of Chengdu appearing as the aircraft prepares for its final approach.

The right side is excellent for seeing the unique geological colors of Yunnan's soil. As you approach Chengdu, watch for the shift from rugged mountains to the flat, misty Sichuan Basin. Afternoon flights on this side avoid the harshest direct glare of the sun.

Top Activities in Chengdu
Route Information

Distance: 617 km (383 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 2 min

Departure: KMG (25.101944399999997, 102.9291667)

Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)

Route Type: Domestic

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