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SYX destination photo
CTU destination photo

SYXCTU

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏖️

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.

Left Side Highlights
7.4
🗿

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.

Top Activities in Chengdu
Route Information

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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