Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chengdu to Shannan (Gonggar). While takeoff offers good views of the Chengdu Plain and foothills, the landing approach into Lhasa provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery: the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley, the Potala Palace area, and the Himalayan peaks create a more memorable visual experience. Left-side seats capture the best of the approach corridor.

During takeoff from Shuangliu (CTU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Chengdu Plain and the eastern approach to the Longquan Mountains as the aircraft climbs westward. The terrain rises progressively, offering clear views of the transition from flat agricultural land to foothills. Notable sights include: Chengdu urban sprawl (visible as grid pattern below), Longquan Mountains (eastern range, rising to the west), Min River valley (threading through foothills), Dujiangyan irrigation system (visible as linear water channels in the plain).

When landing at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Lhasa Gonggar. The approach from the east brings the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley into clear view, along with the dramatic Himalayan peaks surrounding the Lhasa basin. Notable sights include: Yarlung Tsangpo River (major river valley, visible as a distinct green corridor), Lhasa city and Potala Palace area (urban settlement on the north bank), Gonggar airport valley (the descent corridor itself), Himalayan peaks to the south and west (including Chomolhari massif region).

The flight from Shuangliu (CTU) to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Longquan Mountains, then the Qionglai Mountains, before entering the high Tibetan Plateau. Notable midpoint features include the Dadu River valley (visible around 45 minutes into flight), the transition to sparse plateau vegetation around Kangding area, and the gradual rise to 12,000+ feet altitude as the aircraft crosses into the Lhasa basin approach. The terrain becomes progressively more barren and mountainous, with fewer visible settlements after the initial climb phase.