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SZX → CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (Shenzhen) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more dramatic perspective of the transitioning topography, from the urban sprawl of the Pearl River Delta to the rugged, misty karst peaks of Guizhou and the steep descent into the Sichuan Basin.
Shenzhen Bay & Nanshan
Aerial view of the high-tech Nanshan district and the Shenzhen Bay Bridge immediately after departure.
Guizhou Karst Landscapes
Densely packed limestone peaks and deep valleys typical of the southwestern China plateau.
Beipan River Valley
A glimpse of the rugged canyons and high bridges spanning the deep river gorges in Guizhou province.
Sichuan Basin Entrance
The dramatic point where the high plateau drops off into the lower, often cloud-covered Sichuan Basin.
Longquan Mountains
The final ridge before touchdown, offering views of the lush greenery surrounding Chengdu.
Sit on the left for better lighting during afternoon flights to avoid the direct western sun. As you approach Chengdu, watch for the shift from mountains to the flat basin; the 'Sea of Clouds' is a common and beautiful sight over Sichuan. For the best view of the Shenzhen skyline, hope for a southern takeoff and subsequent bank to the north.
SZX Terminal Architecture
The iconic 'honeycomb' design of Shenzhen Bao'an's Terminal 3 is best seen from the right side during taxi or initial climb.
Pearl River Crossings
Excellent views of the massive bridges and shipping lanes connecting Shenzhen to Zhongshan and Zhuhai.
Wujiang River Gorges
Follow the winding path of the Wujiang River as it carves through the northern Guizhou mountains.
Chengdu Urban Spread
On the final approach to Shuangliu, the right side provides a wider panorama of Chengdu's rapidly expanding southern districts.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to enjoy the illuminated landscape without glare. It provides a better angle for seeing the massive infrastructure of the Pearl River Delta early in the flight. Keep an eye out for the distinct grid patterns of Sichuanese farmland during the final 15 minutes of the journey.
Distance: 1,318 km (819 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 45 min
Departure: SZX (22.639299392700195, 113.81099700927734)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: Domestic
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