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NGB destination photo
CTU destination photo

NGBCTU

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side provides a superior perspective of the Yangtze River corridor and the dramatic transition from the central plains into the rugged Wu Mountains and Three Gorges region.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌉

Hangzhou Bay

Aerial views of the massive industrial hubs and bridge infrastructure north of the flight path during climb-out.

🏔️

Dabie Mountains

A major mountain range in central China providing a rugged, forested landscape halfway through the journey.

🌊

Yangtze Gorges

The dramatic transition where the Yangtze River carves through the Wu Mountains into the Sichuan Basin.

🏗️

Wanzhou District

Dense urban clusters and massive river infrastructure visible along the Yangtze's northern banks.

🌇

Chengdu Urban Sprawl

The vast, high-density metropolitan area of Chengdu unfolding during the final descent into Shuangliu.

The right side is essential for seeing the Three Gorges geography. Look out approximately 60-70 minutes into the flight for the most dramatic mountain scenery. For late afternoon flights, this side offers spectacular sunset views over the Daba Mountains as you approach the Sichuan capital.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🍵

Zhejiang Tea Hills

Lush, rolling hills and terraced tea plantations immediately after departing the Ningbo coastal area.

⛰️

Southern Anhui Peaks

Distant views of the iconic granite spires and pine-covered ridges near the Huangshan mountain range.

💧

Poyang Lake Basin

The northern edges of China's largest freshwater lake system appearing as a vast silver expanse during clear weather.

🏞️

Southern Sichuan Basin

The entry into the 'Red Basin' characterized by distinctive terraced agriculture and deep green valleys.

Sit on the left to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun during midday flights. This side is particularly beautiful during autumn when the agricultural patches in Anhui and Hubei turn golden. Keep an eye out for the rapid change in elevation as you cross the Hubei border.

Top Activities in Chengdu
Route Information

Distance: 1,684 km (1,046 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 15 min

Departure: NGB (29.82670021057129, 121.46199798583984)

Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)

Route Type: Domestic

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