Because the great-circle route from Shanghai to Guangzhou cuts inland through Jiangxi and Fujian's hill country rather than following the coast, the right/west side offers more sustained terrain interest — forested ridgelines and river valleys during cruise — plus a strong scenic finish with Baiyun Mountain and the Guangzhou skyline on approach, outweighing the left side's brief coastal glimpse at takeoff.
Flown PVG to CAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Guangzhou is 748 miles (1,203 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Hilly terrain and river valleys of southern Jiangxi and northern Guangdong, including forested ridges near the Nanling mountain range that separates the Yangtze and Pearl River watersheds
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
LEFTClimbing out of PVG on the southbound runways, the left/east side looks out over Hangzhou Bay and the muddy Yangtze delta coastline, while the right side just shows flat farmland and Shanghai's outer suburbs.
Landing at CAN
RIGHTOn the descent into CAN from the north, the right/west side gives a clear view of Baiyun Mountain and the northern edge of Guangzhou's skyline including the Pearl River, while the left side mostly shows flat delta farmland with fewer distinguishing features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Guangzhou. Because the great-circle route from Shanghai to Guangzhou cuts inland through Jiangxi and Fujian's hill country rather than following the coast, the right/west side offers more sustained terrain interest — forested ridgelines and river valleys during cruise — plus a strong scenic finish with Baiyun Mountain and the Guangzhou skyline on approach, outweighing the left side's brief coastal glimpse at takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Climbing out of PVG on the southbound runways, the left/east side looks out over Hangzhou Bay and the muddy Yangtze delta coastline, while the right side just shows flat farmland and Shanghai's outer suburbs. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay, Yangtze River Delta wetlands, Shanghai's southern suburbs, East China Sea coastline.
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 the descent into CAN from the north, the right/west side gives a clear view of Baiyun Mountain and the northern edge of Guangzhou's skyline including the Pearl River, while the left side mostly shows flat delta farmland with fewer distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Baiyun Mountain, Pearl River, Guangzhou skyline and Canton Tower, Pearl River Delta farmland.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Guangzhou?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 748 miles (1,203 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Guangzhou flight path pass over?
Hilly terrain and river valleys of southern Jiangxi and northern Guangdong, including forested ridges near the Nanling mountain range that separates the Yangtze and Pearl River watersheds