Guangzhou to Nanjing is 669 miles (1,077 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
The left side offers a more varied experience overall — hints of the Nanling foothills on departure, a possible glimpse of the Poyang Lake basin during cruise, and the Yangtze River and Nanjing skyline on arrival — compared to the mostly flat, undifferentiated farmland visible on the right.
Flight Path
Hilly terrain of southern Jiangxi province and the broad wetlands surrounding Poyang Lake, China's largest freshwater lake, lying just west of the flight path near Nanchang.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CAN
LEFTClimbing out of Guangzhou heading north-northeast, the left side offers glimpses of the hilly terrain of northern Guangdong that leads into the Nanling mountain range, while the right side looks out over the flatter, more built-up Pearl River Delta sprawl.
Landing at NKG
LEFTOn approach into Nanjing, the left side gives a clear view of the Yangtze River curving past the city along with the Purple Mountain area northeast of downtown, while the right side mostly shows flat agricultural plains south of the airport.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to Lu Kou Airport (NKG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Guangzhou to Nanjing. The left side offers a more varied experience overall — hints of the Nanling foothills on departure, a possible glimpse of the Poyang Lake basin during cruise, and the Yangtze River and Nanjing skyline on arrival — compared to the mostly flat, undifferentiated farmland visible on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou?
During takeoff from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Climbing out of Guangzhou heading north-northeast, the left side offers glimpses of the hilly terrain of northern Guangdong that leads into the Nanling mountain range, while the right side looks out over the flatter, more built-up Pearl River Delta sprawl. Notable sights include: Nanling foothills, Pearl River Delta outskirts, Guangzhou's northern suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Lu Kou Airport in Nanjing?
When landing at Lu Kou Airport (NKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Nanjing, the left side gives a clear view of the Yangtze River curving past the city along with the Purple Mountain area northeast of downtown, while the right side mostly shows flat agricultural plains south of the airport. Notable sights include: Yangtze River bend, Nanjing city skyline, Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan).
How long is the flight from Guangzhou to Nanjing?
The flight from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to Lu Kou Airport (NKG) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 669 miles (1,077 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Guangzhou to Nanjing flight path pass over?
Hilly terrain of southern Jiangxi province and the broad wetlands surrounding Poyang Lake, China's largest freshwater lake, lying just west of the flight path near Nanchang.