The left side tracks the southern edge of the route where the Qilian Shan, the Hexi Corridor's mountain-flanked desert, and the Tian Shan near Urumqi are all visible, while the right side mostly overlooks the flatter Gobi and North China Plain with fewer distinct landmarks.
Flown CAN to URC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Guangzhou to Urumqi is 2,037 miles (3,278 km), a flight of about 5 hours 10 minutes.
Sichuan Basin, Qinling Mountains, Hexi Corridor between the Qilian Shan and the Gobi Desert, and the western Gobi approaching the Tian Shan
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CAN
LEFTDeparting CAN to the northwest, the initial turn typically banks over the Pearl River Delta, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Guangzhou's dense urban core and the river's braided channels before the climb continues over the hilly Guangdong countryside.
Landing at URC
LEFTThe approach into URC comes in from the east across the Gobi, then curves south of the runway threshold, putting the snow-capped Tian Shan range squarely on the left as the aircraft descends toward Diwopu's east-west runways.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to Diwopu (URC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Guangzhou to Urumqi. The left side tracks the southern edge of the route where the Qilian Shan, the Hexi Corridor's mountain-flanked desert, and the Tian Shan near Urumqi are all visible, while the right side mostly overlooks the flatter Gobi and North China Plain with fewer distinct landmarks.
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. Departing CAN to the northwest, the initial turn typically banks over the Pearl River Delta, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Guangzhou's dense urban core and the river's braided channels before the climb continues over the hilly Guangdong countryside. Notable sights include: Pearl River, Guangzhou city skyline, Baiyun Mountain foothills.
What can I see when landing at Diwopu in Urumqi?
When landing at Diwopu (URC), sit on the Left side for the best views. The approach into URC comes in from the east across the Gobi, then curves south of the runway threshold, putting the snow-capped Tian Shan range squarely on the left as the aircraft descends toward Diwopu's east-west runways. Notable sights include: Tian Shan range, Urumqi city basin, Gobi desert fringe.
How long is the flight from Guangzhou to Urumqi?
The flight from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to Diwopu (URC) takes about 5 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,037 miles (3,278 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Guangzhou to Urumqi flight path pass over?
Sichuan Basin, Qinling Mountains, Hexi Corridor between the Qilian Shan and the Gobi Desert, and the western Gobi approaching the Tian Shan