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SYX → CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from Sanya Phoenix International Airport (Sanya) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the Hainan coastline, the crossing of the Qiongzhou Strait, and the breathtaking karst mountain formations of Guangxi and Guizhou as you fly north.
Sanya Bay
Aerial view of Phoenix Island and the luxury resort stretches along the Sanya coastline.
Qiongzhou Strait
The narrow body of water separating Hainan Island from mainland China, often dotted with cargo ships and ferries.
Guilin-style Karst
Iconic limestone 'sugarloaf' mountains appearing as endless green bumps across Guangxi.
Mega-Bridges
Spot some of the world's highest suspension bridges spanning deep valleys in the Guizhou province.
Chengdu Basin
The transition from the rugged mountains into the flat, densely populated Sichuan Basin and Chengdu's urban sprawl.
The right side is generally better for lighting on a northbound flight, as the sun will be behind or to the side of the plane. It provides the best perspective for the unique karst topography of Southern China. For the best views of the Chengdu skyline on approach, keep your window shade open as the plane enters the Sichuan Basin.
Nanshan Guan Yin
If the plane takes off towards the west, you can catch a glimpse of the 108-meter tall white statue standing in the sea.
Gulf of Tonkin
Expansive views of the turquoise waters of the Beibu Gulf during the initial climb.
Guizhou Valleys
Deep river gorges and the rugged limestone plateaus that define the Guizhou province terrain.
Sichuan Highlands
On clear days, the distant snow-capped peaks of the Daxue Mountains may be visible to the far west during descent.
Choose the left side for potential views of the Nanshan statue during departure. Be aware that during afternoon flights, this side will face the direct sun, which can make photography difficult due to glare.
Distance: 1,472 km (915 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 58 min
Departure: SYX (18.30290031433105, 109.41200256347656)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: Domestic
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