Sydney to Guangzhou is 4,671 miles (7,517 km), a flight of about 9 hours 50 minutes.
The right side wins both the Sydney departure, with its harbour and skyline views, and the Guangzhou arrival, with Hong Kong's hills and the Pearl River Delta, giving it more consistent scenic value across the flight compared to the left side's brief Blue Mountains glimpse and mostly flat Macau-Zhuhai approach.
Flight Path
Central and northern Australian outback, Gulf of Carpentaria coastline, Arafura Sea, volcanic islands of Indonesia (Sulawesi/Borneo region), South China Sea, Hainan Island approach corridor
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWU
RIGHTDeparting BWU and turning north toward Asia, the right side offers a sweeping view of Sydney Harbour, the CBD skyline, and the coastline toward Botany Bay, while the left side shows the Blue Mountains escarpment fading into the distance as the aircraft climbs away from the basin.
Landing at CAN
RIGHTOn approach into Guangzhou from the south, the right side faces east toward the Pearl River Delta's most dramatic terrain, with the hills of Hong Kong's Lantau Island and Shenzhen's skyline visible before the aircraft lines up over the flatter delta farmland near CAN.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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 Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Guangzhou. The right side wins both the Sydney departure, with its harbour and skyline views, and the Guangzhou arrival, with Hong Kong's hills and the Pearl River Delta, giving it more consistent scenic value across the flight compared to the left side's brief Blue Mountains glimpse and mostly flat Macau-Zhuhai approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
During takeoff from Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing BWU and turning north toward Asia, the right side offers a sweeping view of Sydney Harbour, the CBD skyline, and the coastline toward Botany Bay, while the left side shows the Blue Mountains escarpment fading into the distance as the aircraft climbs away from the basin. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, Sydney CBD skyline, Botany Bay, Blue Mountains (distant, left).
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 south, the right side faces east toward the Pearl River Delta's most dramatic terrain, with the hills of Hong Kong's Lantau Island and Shenzhen's skyline visible before the aircraft lines up over the flatter delta farmland near CAN. Notable sights include: Lantau Island hills, Shenzhen skyline, Pearl River Delta waterways, Humen Bridge area.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Guangzhou?
The flight from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) takes about 9 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,671 miles (7,517 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Guangzhou flight path pass over?
Central and northern Australian outback, Gulf of Carpentaria coastline, Arafura Sea, volcanic islands of Indonesia (Sulawesi/Borneo region), South China Sea, Hainan Island approach corridor