While the left side gets the London skyline at takeoff, the right side wins overall because the cruise phase tracks past the Tian Shan and Pamir ranges visible to the south of the flight path, and the descent into Guangzhou offers a dramatic delta and skyline view that outweighs a single takeoff highlight.
Flown LHR to CAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Guangzhou is 5,900 miles (9,496 km), a flight of about 11 hours 45 minutes.
Ural Mountains foothills, Kazakh steppe, Tian Shan range, edge of the Gobi Desert, Loess Plateau of northern China
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTEastbound departures from Heathrow's westerly runways typically loop back over London before heading east, and that turn puts the Thames, the City, and Canary Wharf on the left side of the aircraft as it climbs out.
Landing at CAN
RIGHTArrivals into Guangzhou Baiyun commonly approach from the north over the Pearl River Delta, and the final turn onto the runway brings the dense high-rise skyline of Guangzhou and the winding Pearl River into view on the right side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Guangzhou. While the left side gets the London skyline at takeoff, the right side wins overall because the cruise phase tracks past the Tian Shan and Pamir ranges visible to the south of the flight path, and the descent into Guangzhou offers a dramatic delta and skyline view that outweighs a single takeoff highlight.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Eastbound departures from Heathrow's westerly runways typically loop back over London before heading east, and that turn puts the Thames, the City, and Canary Wharf on the left side of the aircraft as it climbs out. Notable sights include: River Thames, Central London skyline, Canary Wharf, Greater London suburbs.
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. Arrivals into Guangzhou Baiyun commonly approach from the north over the Pearl River Delta, and the final turn onto the runway brings the dense high-rise skyline of Guangzhou and the winding Pearl River into view on the right side. Notable sights include: Pearl River, Guangzhou skyline (Canton Tower area), Baiyun Mountain, Pearl River Delta waterways.
How long is the flight from London to Guangzhou?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) takes about 11 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,900 miles (9,496 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Guangzhou flight path pass over?
Ural Mountains foothills, Kazakh steppe, Tian Shan range, edge of the Gobi Desert, Loess Plateau of northern China