The right (west) side offers marginally more scenic continuity: distant mountain foothills near Beijing, a glimpse of Dongting Lake during cruise over Hunan, and a strong river-and-skyline view on final approach into Guangzhou.
Flown PKX to CAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to Guangzhou is 1,128 miles (1,815 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
The route crosses the Yangtze River near Wuhan, passes close to Dongting Lake in Hunan, and traverses the northern edge of the Nanling Mountains before descending into the Pearl River Delta.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PKX
RIGHTDeparting Daxing southbound, both sides show the flat North China Plain at first, but the right (west) side offers a slightly better view of the Taihang Mountain foothills as the aircraft climbs and turns onto its southerly track.

Landing at CAN
RIGHTOn approach into Baiyun from the north, the right (west) side gives a clear view of the Pearl River winding through Guangzhou's dense high-rise core, including the distinctive twin towers near Zhujiang New Town, while the left side mostly faces open farmland east of the city.
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 Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Guangzhou. The right (west) side offers marginally more scenic continuity: distant mountain foothills near Beijing, a glimpse of Dongting Lake during cruise over Hunan, and a strong river-and-skyline view on final approach into Guangzhou.
What can I see during takeoff from Beijing Daxing International Airport in Beijing?
During takeoff from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Daxing southbound, both sides show the flat North China Plain at first, but the right (west) side offers a slightly better view of the Taihang Mountain foothills as the aircraft climbs and turns onto its southerly track. Notable sights include: North China Plain farmland, distant Taihang Mountains foothills, Yongding River delta.
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 Baiyun from the north, the right (west) side gives a clear view of the Pearl River winding through Guangzhou's dense high-rise core, including the distinctive twin towers near Zhujiang New Town, while the left side mostly faces open farmland east of the city. Notable sights include: Pearl River, Guangzhou skyline and Zhujiang New Town towers, Baiyun Mountain.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Guangzhou?
The flight from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,128 miles (1,815 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Guangzhou flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Yangtze River near Wuhan, passes close to Dongting Lake in Hunan, and traverses the northern edge of the Nanling Mountains before descending into the Pearl River Delta.