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XIY destination photo
CKG destination photo

XIYCKG

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a superior view of the dramatic transition from the Wei River valley into the high Qinling peaks, followed by the iconic urban density and river confluences of Chongqing during descent.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Wei River Valley

View the fertile plains of the Guanzhong region immediately after takeoff from Xi'an.

🏔️

Qinling Mountains

Witness the massive mountain range that serves as the natural boundary between North and South China.

🌿

Hanzhong Basin

Spot the lush green valleys and agricultural fields nestled between mountain ranges south of the Qinling.

🏗️

Chongqing Urban Core

See the dense skyscrapers and the Yuzhong District peninsula during the final approach.

🛶

Yangtze-Jialing Confluence

Watch the distinct colors of the two rivers meeting at Chaotianmen if visibility is high.

Choose a seat in the front or rear of the cabin to avoid wing obstruction. For morning flights, the left side offers soft light on the mountains without direct sun glare. Look for the sharp contrast in vegetation as you cross the Qinling range, shifting from dry northern flora to lush southern greenery. This side is particularly spectacular during the spring when rapeseed flowers bloom in the basins below.

Right Side Highlights
8.0
🌄

Western Qinling Ridges

See the rugged, high-altitude peaks of the western Qinling range shortly after departure.

⛰️

Daba Mountains

Fly over the dramatic karst topography and deep limestone gorges of the Daba range.

🌾

Sichuan Terraces

View the intricate patterns of terraced farming characteristic of the Sichuan Basin's rolling hills.

☁️

Sea of Clouds

The humid climate often creates a stunning layer of clouds trapped between the mountain peaks.

🛫

XIY Terminal View

Observe the expansive and modern terminal layout of Xi'an Xianyang Airport during the initial climb.

The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to enjoy the sunset over the Sichuan Basin hills. During winter, look for snow-capped peaks in the high-altitude sections of the Qinling range. Keep an eye out for the Jialing River's winding path as it carves through the mountains towards the south, which is often visible on this side during the mid-flight phase.

Top Activities in Chongqing
Route Information

Distance: 562 km (349 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 56 min

Departure: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)

Arrival: CKG (29.719200134277344, 106.64199829101562)

Route Type: Domestic

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