Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Alma-ata to Guangzhou. While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery, the landing approach over the Pearl River Delta and Guangzhou's sprawling urban landscape provides more sustained visual interest over a longer portion of the descent. The delta's complex river system and the contrast between industrial zones and modern skyline make the final 30 minutes of flight more rewarding from the right side.

During takeoff from Almaty (ALA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range rising directly south of Almaty. The peaks are dramatic and snow-capped, especially visible during climb-out when the aircraft banks southeast toward the flight corridor. Notable sights include: Trans-Ili Alatau peaks (3,000–4,500 m elevation), Big Almaty Lake (turquoise alpine lake at 2,511 m), Turgen Gorge, Almaty city grid and surrounding steppe.

When landing at Baiyun (CAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides the best approach views of the Pearl River Delta and Guangzhou's urban landscape. As the aircraft descends on final approach from the north, the right side reveals the river system, industrial zones, and the city's high-rise districts spreading across the delta plain. Notable sights include: Pearl River (Zhujiang) and its delta channels, Guangzhou urban skyline and Tianhe District, Baiyun Mountain (visible as a low forested ridge), South China Sea coastline in the distance.

The flight from Almaty (ALA) to Baiyun (CAN) takes 5h 45m.

The flight path crosses the Tian Shan mountain range's eastern foothills, then traverses the Tarim Basin's northern edge and the Gobi Desert. Around the midpoint, the aircraft passes over the Taklamakan Desert's northern margin and the Altyn Tagh range. As the flight continues southeast toward Guangzhou, it crosses the Qinling Mountains and the Yangtze River valley, with views of central China's agricultural plains and river systems before descending into the Pearl River Delta.