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XMN → CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (Xiamen) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for China's major freshwater lakes and the dramatic winding path of the Yangtze River as the flight approaches the Sichuan Basin.
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Xiamen Bay and Kinmen
Expansive views of the Xiamen coastline and the nearby Kinmen Islands shortly after departure.
Poyang Lake
A glimpse of China's largest freshwater lake to the north, especially prominent during the summer flood season.
Dongting Lake
The vast flood basin of the Yangtze River in Hunan province, appearing as a massive silver sheet of water.
Yangtze River Bends
Spectacular views of the Yangtze as it carves through the mountains near the Three Gorges region.
Chengdu City Center
A panoramic view of the 'Country of Heaven' including the high-rises of the Tianfu New Area on descent.
The right side is best for water features; Poyang and Dongting lakes are highlights. Choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you for the best photography lighting. During the winter, the Sichuan Basin is often under a thick layer of clouds, making the mountain peaks appear like islands in a white sea.
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Xiamen Haicang Bridge
Aerial view of the massive suspension bridge and Xiamen's developed Haicang District during takeoff.
Southern Wuyi Mountains
Rugged, subtropical forest-covered peaks along the border of Fujian and Jiangxi provinces.
Wulong Karst Topography
Unique limestone formations and deep sinkholes visible as the flight crosses into the Chongqing region.
Daba Mountains
The southern edges of the Daba range marking the transition into the fertile Sichuan Basin.
Longquan Ridge
The final mountain barrier before the plane descends over the sprawling Chengdu metropolitan area.
Sit on the left for better views of the Xiamen city center during a northerly departure. In the late afternoon, this side may experience significant glare from the sun as you head west, so keep your window shade ready. Look for the distinct 'Three Natural Bridges' area near Chongqing if the flight path is southerly.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,549 km (963 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 4 min
Departure: XMN (24.54400062561035, 118.12799835205078)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: Domestic
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