The right side captures the Longquan Mountains during departure and offers continuous views of the Taihang Mountains throughout the flight's western horizon. While the left side has advantages during landing, the takeoff scenery from the right is more dramatic and sustained.
Flown CTU to PKX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chengdu to Beijing is 936 miles (1,506 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Sichuan Basin's eastern edge, then traverses the North China Plain. Notable features include the Daba Mountains (northern Sichuan) visible to the left during mid-flight, the Han River valley (Shaanxi Province) as a linear feature, and the Taihang Mountains running north-south along the western edge of the North China Plain for the entire approach phase. The terrain transitions from basin topography to flat plain around the Shaanxi-Henan border.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CTU
RIGHTClimbing northeast from Chengdu, right-side seats face the Longquan Mountains and the Chengdu Plain spreading eastward. The left side shows only the western foothills and urban sprawl with less dramatic relief.
Landing at PKX
LEFTDescending into Beijing Daxing from the southwest, left-side seats offer views of the North China Plain, the Taihang Mountains on the western horizon, and the approach corridor over Hebei farmland. Right seats face only flat terrain and urban sprawl with minimal visual interest.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shuangliu (CTU) to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chengdu to Beijing. The right side captures the Longquan Mountains during departure and offers continuous views of the Taihang Mountains throughout the flight's western horizon. While the left side has advantages during landing, the takeoff scenery from the right is more dramatic and sustained.
What can I see during takeoff from Shuangliu in Chengdu?
During takeoff from Shuangliu (CTU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing northeast from Chengdu, right-side seats face the Longquan Mountains and the Chengdu Plain spreading eastward. The left side shows only the western foothills and urban sprawl with less dramatic relief. Notable sights include: Longquan Mountains (eastern rim of Sichuan Basin), Chengdu urban grid, Min River valley, Dujiangyan irrigation system visible as linear features in the plain.
What can I see when landing at Beijing Daxing International Airport in Beijing?
When landing at Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Descending into Beijing Daxing from the southwest, left-side seats offer views of the North China Plain, the Taihang Mountains on the western horizon, and the approach corridor over Hebei farmland. Right seats face only flat terrain and urban sprawl with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Taihang Mountains (western horizon), North China Plain agricultural grid, Yongding River valley, Beijing metropolitan area expanding northward.
How long is the flight from Chengdu to Beijing?
The flight from Shuangliu (CTU) to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 936 miles (1,506 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chengdu to Beijing flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Sichuan Basin's eastern edge, then traverses the North China Plain. Notable features include the Daba Mountains (northern Sichuan) visible to the left during mid-flight, the Han River valley (Shaanxi Province) as a linear feature, and the Taihang Mountains running north-south along the western edge of the North China Plain for the entire approach phase. The terrain transitions from basin topography to flat plain around the Shaanxi-Henan border.