While the takeoff briefly favors the right side for the London skyline glimpse, the left side wins overall thanks to the more consistent scenic value during the long cruise over the Ural foothills and Siberian river systems, plus the stronger, more geographically interesting Pearl River Delta approach into Guangzhou.
Flown LGW to CAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Guangzhou is 5,902 miles (9,499 km), a flight of about 11 hours 40 minutes.
Ural Mountains foothills, West Siberian Plain river systems, Mongolian steppe and edge of the Gobi Desert before descending into central China's Yangtze basin terrain
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick's typical departure toward the west (runway 26) requires a turn back east that swings north of the airport, giving right-side passengers a brief but genuine view of London's skyline and the Thames corridor before the aircraft settles onto its eastbound track. The left side mostly shows the rural Sussex/Surrey countryside and the North Downs, which is pleasant but less distinctive.
Landing at CAN
LEFTWith summer southerly operations common at Guangzhou, arrivals descend from the north, and the left side faces east toward the sprawling Pearl River Delta, giving views of the river's many channels, the dense urban grid of Dongguan and distant Shenzhen haze, before the final turn onto the runway. The right side instead faces the more monotonous hill terrain west of the city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Guangzhou. While the takeoff briefly favors the right side for the London skyline glimpse, the left side wins overall thanks to the more consistent scenic value during the long cruise over the Ural foothills and Siberian river systems, plus the stronger, more geographically interesting Pearl River Delta approach into Guangzhou.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gatwick's typical departure toward the west (runway 26) requires a turn back east that swings north of the airport, giving right-side passengers a brief but genuine view of London's skyline and the Thames corridor before the aircraft settles onto its eastbound track. The left side mostly shows the rural Sussex/Surrey countryside and the North Downs, which is pleasant but less distinctive. Notable sights include: London skyline (Shard, City cluster), Thames Estuary, North Downs, Gatwick's surrounding Sussex 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 Left side for the best views. With summer southerly operations common at Guangzhou, arrivals descend from the north, and the left side faces east toward the sprawling Pearl River Delta, giving views of the river's many channels, the dense urban grid of Dongguan and distant Shenzhen haze, before the final turn onto the runway. The right side instead faces the more monotonous hill terrain west of the city. Notable sights include: Pearl River Delta channels, Guangzhou's Baiyun Mountain, dense delta urban sprawl, distant Humen Pearl River Bridge.
How long is the flight from London to Guangzhou?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) takes about 11 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,902 miles (9,499 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Guangzhou flight path pass over?
Ural Mountains foothills, West Siberian Plain river systems, Mongolian steppe and edge of the Gobi Desert before descending into central China's Yangtze basin terrain