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YIW → CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from Yiwu Airport (Yiwu) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the winding Yangtze River and the dramatic geological transition into the Daba Mountains, with better lighting for photography on westbound flights.
Search flights from YIW to CTU
Yangtze River Meanders
Spectacular views of the Yangtze as it carves through the landscape near Yichang.
Dabie Mountains
A major mountain range in central China serving as a drainage divide between the Yangtze and Huai rivers.
Three Gorges Region
Glimpses of the massive reservoir and the mountainous terrain surrounding the Three Gorges Dam area.
Daba Mountains
The high, steep ridges that form the northern boundary of the Sichuan Basin.
Chengdu Urban Area
A panoramic view of the rapidly expanding Chengdu metropolis during the final descent.
The right side is ideal for westbound travel as it avoids direct sunlight, providing clear, high-contrast views of the Yangtze River. Watch closely about 60-70 minutes after takeoff for the most dramatic river views. During winter months, look for snow-capped peaks in the Daba Mountains. For the best views of Chengdu's skyline, choose a window seat on the right as the plane usually approaches CTU from the northeast.
Book Hotels in ChengduZhejiang Uplands
Initial ascent over the scenic rolling hills and tea plantations of western Zhejiang.
Poyang Lake Basin
Aerial views of China's largest freshwater lake system near the Jiangxi-Anhui border.
Wuling Mountain Range
Rugged karst topography and limestone peaks visible as the flight enters central China.
Sichuan Basin Patchwork
The characteristic 'Green Basin' landscape with its intricate network of terraced farms.
On morning flights, the left side will experience significant sun glare, making photography difficult. This side is best for seeing the rural landscapes of southern Hubei and northern Hunan. Look for the transition from the jagged peaks of the Wuling range to the flat, misty plains of the Sichuan Basin in the final 45 minutes of the flight.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,554 km (966 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 4 min
Departure: YIW (29.3446998596, 120.031997681)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: Domestic
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