While takeoff offers good mountain views, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery with the Yangtze River system and Shanghai's urban landscape. The left side captures the most visually distinctive features of the entire route.
Flown CTU to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chengdu to Shanghai is 1,059 miles (1,704 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Anhui Plain (agricultural flatlands), Yangtze River crossings near Anqing and Jiujiang (major bends visible), Poyang Lake (large freshwater lake in Jiangxi Province), transition from inland terrain to Yangtze Delta lowlands
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CTU
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Longquan Mountains immediately east of Chengdu as the aircraft climbs. The range rises distinctly above the Chengdu Plain and provides excellent relief and texture during the initial 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at PVG
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River and its major tributaries as the aircraft descends toward Shanghai. The river system becomes increasingly prominent and visually striking in the final 30 minutes of approach, with the Huangpu River junction visible near the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shuangliu (CTU) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chengdu to Shanghai. While takeoff offers good mountain views, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery with the Yangtze River system and Shanghai's urban landscape. The left side captures the most visually distinctive features of the entire route.
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 capture the Longquan Mountains immediately east of Chengdu as the aircraft climbs. The range rises distinctly above the Chengdu Plain and provides excellent relief and texture during the initial 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Longquan Mountains (eastern range), Chengdu urban sprawl (grid pattern below), Min River valley (winding waterway), Qingcheng Mountains (distant northern peaks).
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River and its major tributaries as the aircraft descends toward Shanghai. The river system becomes increasingly prominent and visually striking in the final 30 minutes of approach, with the Huangpu River junction visible near the airport. Notable sights include: Yangtze River (major waterway with visible bends), Huangpu River (tributary junction), Shanghai urban development (high-rise clusters), Hangzhou Bay (broad water body to the south).
How long is the flight from Chengdu to Shanghai?
The flight from Shuangliu (CTU) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,059 miles (1,704 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chengdu to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Anhui Plain (agricultural flatlands), Yangtze River crossings near Anqing and Jiujiang (major bends visible), Poyang Lake (large freshwater lake in Jiangxi Province), transition from inland terrain to Yangtze Delta lowlands