The takeoff climb over the Longquan Mountains provides more dramatic and sustained scenic value than the landing approach. The mountains are closer to the flight path during departure and offer better visual definition during the critical early climb phase.
Flown CTU to PEK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chengdu to Beijing is 968 miles (1,558 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Qinling Mountains (southern boundary of North China Plain, crossed at cruising altitude around 32,000 feet), Shaanxi Province plateau terrain, Wei River valley, transition from Sichuan Basin's humid subtropical landscape to the drier North China Plain
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CTU
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Longquan Mountains immediately east of Chengdu as the aircraft climbs northeast. The terrain rises distinctly on this side, providing clear visual separation from the flat Chengdu Plain to the west.
Landing at PEK
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Yanshan Mountains southwest of Beijing during descent. These mountains form a dramatic backdrop to the capital and are clearly visible during the final approach from the south.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shuangliu (CTU) to Capital (PEK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chengdu to Beijing. The takeoff climb over the Longquan Mountains provides more dramatic and sustained scenic value than the landing approach. The mountains are closer to the flight path during departure and offer better visual definition during the critical early climb phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Shuangliu in Chengdu?
During takeoff from Shuangliu (CTU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Longquan Mountains immediately east of Chengdu as the aircraft climbs northeast. The terrain rises distinctly on this side, providing clear visual separation from the flat Chengdu Plain to the west. Notable sights include: Longquan Mountains (eastern rim of Sichuan Basin), Chengdu urban sprawl (visible as grey-brown grid below), Min River valley threading through foothills, Qingbaijiang District industrial zone to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Capital in Beijing?
When landing at Capital (PEK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Yanshan Mountains southwest of Beijing during descent. These mountains form a dramatic backdrop to the capital and are clearly visible during the final approach from the south. Notable sights include: Yanshan Mountains (southwest of Beijing), Ming Tombs area in the foothills, North China Plain extending eastward, Yongding River valley cutting through the mountains.
How long is the flight from Chengdu to Beijing?
The flight from Shuangliu (CTU) to Capital (PEK) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 968 miles (1,558 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chengdu to Beijing flight path pass over?
Qinling Mountains (southern boundary of North China Plain, crossed at cruising altitude around 32,000 feet), Shaanxi Province plateau terrain, Wei River valley, transition from Sichuan Basin's humid subtropical landscape to the drier North China Plain