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LHR → CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from London Heathrow Airport (London) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side is the clear winner for its unparalleled views of the snow-capped Tian Shan range and the breathtaking descent from the Tibetan Plateau's edge into the Sichuan Basin.
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Central Europe
Aerial views of the dense urban networks and historic cities across Germany and Poland.
Tian Shan Range
Spectacular snow-covered peaks of the 'Celestial Mountains' in Central Asia.
Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
The 'Roof of the World' featuring high-altitude lakes and stark, mountainous terrain.
Mount Gongga
Potential views of the highest peak in Sichuan, standing at 7,556 meters, visible in the distance.
Sichuan Basin
The dramatic descent from high mountain peaks into the lush, misty plains of Chengdu.
The right side is essential for mountain lovers. The descent into Chengdu is one of the most scenic in China as the plane drops from 3,000m+ plateau heights into the 500m basin. For photography, ensure you are seated away from the wing to capture the vertical scale of the mountains. Early morning arrivals provide the best lighting for the snow-capped peaks.
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London Skyline
A stunning overview of the Thames and the City of London shortly after departure.
North Sea Coast
Views of the Dutch and German coastlines as the flight heads into Continental Europe.
Ural Mountains
The traditional geographic boundary separating Europe from Asia with rugged ridgelines.
Gobi Desert
Vast expanses of arid landscapes and sand dunes across Northern China.
Longmen Mountains
The sharp tectonic boundary that marks the final approach into the Sichuan Basin.
Choose the left side to avoid direct sunlight during the daytime portions of this eastbound journey. This side is better for viewing the northern transition into the Siberian forests and the edge of the Gobi Desert. In winter, you may see the aurora borealis if the flight path takes a more northerly trajectory over Russia.
Get eSIMs for United Kingdom
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 8,302 km (5,159 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 46 min
Departure: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: International
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