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PVG → CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers consistent views of the Yangtze River valley and avoids direct solar glare on this westbound route, concluding with a superior view of the Chengdu urban sprawl.
Lujiazui Skyline
Potential views of the Oriental Pearl and Shanghai Tower if the flight path tracks north of the city.
Taihu Lake
A massive view of one of China's largest freshwater lakes near the city of Suzhou.
Dabie Mountains
Flying over the northern ridges of this major range between the Huai and Yangtze rivers.
Wuhan Urban Hub
Spotting the massive infrastructure and bridges crossing the Yangtze in central China.
Chengdu City View
Excellent visibility of the high-density urban core of Chengdu during the final descent.
Sitting on the right ensures you are facing north, providing soft light that is perfect for photography. This side is particularly rewarding during the final 30 minutes of the flight as you enter the Sichuan Basin and approach CTU.
Yangtze Estuary
Witness the massive scale of the river meeting the East China Sea immediately after takeoff.
Pudong Suburbs
Aerial perspective of the rapidly expanding residential districts of southern Shanghai.
Anhui Mountains
Glimpses of the rugged, mist-covered peaks in southern Anhui province.
Middle Yangtze Bends
Dramatic view of the river's winding path as it cuts through the plains of Hubei.
Sichuan Basin Wall
The sharp geographic transition from the Daba Mountains into the flat Sichuan Basin.
On a westbound flight, the left side faces south. During the day, expect significant glare; however, late afternoon flights offer a spectacular sunset view over the mountains. Keep window shades down periodically to manage heat.
Distance: 1,704 km (1,059 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 16 min
Departure: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: Domestic
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