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PVG destination photo
CTU destination photo

PVGCTU

Our Recommendation
8.2

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.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🏙️

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.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

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.

Top Activities in Chengdu
Route Information

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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