The left side wins overall because the Chongqing arrival view of the two rivers and the dramatic hillside city is genuinely spectacular and rare. The takeoff right-side London view is good but familiar. Across the cruise, the left side also picks up better views of the Tibetan Plateau's southern edge and the Qilian Mountains depending on exact routing.
Flown LHR to CKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Chongqing is 5,306 miles (8,538 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The route typically tracks northeast over the North Sea, then across southern Scandinavia or the Baltic states, over Russia south of Moscow, across Kazakhstan's steppe, then descends toward western China over the Tian Shan mountain range and the Tarim Basin (Taklamakan Desert), before crossing the eastern Tibetan Plateau foothills and the Sichuan Basin into Chongqing. The Tian Shan range and the vast empty Tarim Basin are the most visually dramatic midpoint features, followed by the transition from plateau to the green Sichuan Basin.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTHeathrow typically departs eastbound on runways 09L/09R, meaning a right-side seat gives you a clear view south over central London as the aircraft climbs and turns. You'll track over the Thames, with the city spread out to your right before the turn northeast.
Landing at CKG
LEFTJiangbei Airport sits north of the Yangtze-Jialing river confluence, and aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast. A left-side seat gives you the view over Chongqing's dramatic hilly urban core and the two rivers as you descend, which is the most visually striking geography around the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Jiangbei (CKG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Chongqing. The left side wins overall because the Chongqing arrival view of the two rivers and the dramatic hillside city is genuinely spectacular and rare. The takeoff right-side London view is good but familiar. Across the cruise, the left side also picks up better views of the Tibetan Plateau's southern edge and the Qilian Mountains depending on exact routing.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Heathrow typically departs eastbound on runways 09L/09R, meaning a right-side seat gives you a clear view south over central London as the aircraft climbs and turns. You'll track over the Thames, with the city spread out to your right before the turn northeast. Notable sights include: Thames River snaking through central London, Wembley Stadium arch visible to the north, Windsor Castle and Great Park to the southwest briefly before the turn, the City of London skyline cluster.
What can I see when landing at Jiangbei in Chongqing?
When landing at Jiangbei (CKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Jiangbei Airport sits north of the Yangtze-Jialing river confluence, and aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast. A left-side seat gives you the view over Chongqing's dramatic hilly urban core and the two rivers as you descend, which is the most visually striking geography around the airport. Notable sights include: Yangtze and Jialing river confluence at Chaotianmen, Chongqing's densely built hillside urban districts, the broad Yangtze River valley, terraced hillsides and gorge topography south of the city.
How long is the flight from London to Chongqing?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Jiangbei (CKG) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,306 miles (8,538 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Chongqing flight path pass over?
The route typically tracks northeast over the North Sea, then across southern Scandinavia or the Baltic states, over Russia south of Moscow, across Kazakhstan's steppe, then descends toward western China over the Tian Shan mountain range and the Tarim Basin (Taklamakan Desert), before crossing the eastern Tibetan Plateau foothills and the Sichuan Basin into Chongqing. The Tian Shan range and the vast empty Tarim Basin are the most visually dramatic midpoint features, followed by the transition from plateau to the green Sichuan Basin.