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XIY → CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic views of the Qinling Mountains' highest peaks, including the majestic Taibai Mountain, and provides a clearer view of the snow-capped Min Mountains on the western horizon during the descent into the Sichuan Basin.
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Taibai Mountain
The highest peak of the Qinling range at 3,767m, often capped with snow even in late spring.
Giant Panda Habitats
Fly directly over the dense, high-altitude forests of the Foping and Zhouzhi nature reserves.
Min Mountain Range
On clear days, the high snow-peaks of the Tibetan Plateau's eastern edge are visible in the distance.
Chengdu High-Tech Zone
Modern skyscrapers and urban planning of southern Chengdu are prominent during the descent into CTU.
The right side is superior for mountain lovers. Aim for a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the granite faces of the Qinling range. Winter flights offer the best visibility of snow-covered peaks.
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Wei River
Visible shortly after takeoff from XIY, this historic river meanders through the Guanzhong Plain.
Eastern Qinling Ridges
Lush, rolling mountain ranges that form the natural boundary between North and South China.
Sichuan Basin Entrance
Watch the dramatic transition from high mountain peaks to the characteristic misty plains of Sichuan.
Longquanyi District
The industrial and residential sprawl on the eastern edge of Chengdu visible during the final approach.
Sit on the left for softer lighting during afternoon flights to avoid the harsh western sun. This side provides a great perspective of the vastness of the Sichuan Basin as it opens up beneath the clouds.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 623 km (387 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 2 min
Departure: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: Domestic
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