The right side wins primarily on the strength of the Guangzhou approach past Baiyun Mountain and the Pearl River Delta's urban sprawl, since the Amsterdam departure is scenically minor on both sides and the long Eurasian cruise offers similar distant terrain regardless of seat side.
Flown AMS to CAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Amsterdam to Guangzhou is 5,679 miles (9,140 km), a flight of about 10 hours 55 minutes.
Ural Mountains foothills, Kazakh steppe, Gobi Desert margins, and the Qinling Mountains of central China are crossed along the great-circle routing before descent into the Pearl River Delta.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
LEFTDeparting Schiphol southbound, the left side offers a brief glimpse of Amsterdam's canal ring and the IJsselmeer before the aircraft climbs over the flat Dutch polder landscape. The right side mostly shows featureless farmland with little contrast.
Landing at CAN
RIGHTOn approach into Guangzhou from the north, the right side reveals the forested slopes of Baiyun Mountain (the airport's namesake, 'White Cloud Mountain') just before the descent flattens over the Pearl River Delta's dense urban sprawl. The left side mostly shows the flatter eastern delta with less topographic 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 Schiphol (AMS) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Guangzhou. The right side wins primarily on the strength of the Guangzhou approach past Baiyun Mountain and the Pearl River Delta's urban sprawl, since the Amsterdam departure is scenically minor on both sides and the long Eurasian cruise offers similar distant terrain regardless of seat side.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Schiphol southbound, the left side offers a brief glimpse of Amsterdam's canal ring and the IJsselmeer before the aircraft climbs over the flat Dutch polder landscape. The right side mostly shows featureless farmland with little contrast. Notable sights include: Amsterdam canal ring, IJsselmeer, Dutch polder farmland.
What can I see when landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou?
When landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Guangzhou from the north, the right side reveals the forested slopes of Baiyun Mountain (the airport's namesake, 'White Cloud Mountain') just before the descent flattens over the Pearl River Delta's dense urban sprawl. The left side mostly shows the flatter eastern delta with less topographic interest. Notable sights include: Baiyun Mountain, Pearl River, Guangzhou city skyline, Pearl River Delta farmland.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Guangzhou?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) takes about 10 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,679 miles (9,140 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Amsterdam to Guangzhou flight path pass over?
Ural Mountains foothills, Kazakh steppe, Gobi Desert margins, and the Qinling Mountains of central China are crossed along the great-circle routing before descent into the Pearl River Delta.