The right side captures the flight's most dramatic terrain changes during cruise — the Tien Shan foothills, the Taklamakan Desert's dune fields, and the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau's ridgelines — culminating in the Pearl River Delta on arrival, whereas the left side stays over comparatively featureless Kazakh and Chinese plains.
Flown SVO to CAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Moscow to Guangzhou is 4,352 miles (7,003 km), a flight of about 8 hours 30 minutes.
Kazakh steppe, Tien Shan mountain range, Taklamakan Desert, eastern Tibetan Plateau foothills, Sichuan basin ridgelines
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SVO
LEFTDeparting SVO on runway 24 toward the southwest, the aircraft typically banks left onto its southeast routing, giving left-side passengers a brief look back at Moscow's northern suburbs and the Moskva River basin before the city fades into forested plains.
Landing at CAN
RIGHTOn approach into CAN from the north, the right side offers views over the hilly Guangdong countryside and the Pearl River Delta's dense urban sprawl and waterways as the aircraft lines up for landing, while the left side mostly faces less distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sheremetyevo (SVO) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Moscow to Guangzhou. The right side captures the flight's most dramatic terrain changes during cruise — the Tien Shan foothills, the Taklamakan Desert's dune fields, and the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau's ridgelines — culminating in the Pearl River Delta on arrival, whereas the left side stays over comparatively featureless Kazakh and Chinese plains.
What can I see during takeoff from Sheremetyevo in Moscow?
During takeoff from Sheremetyevo (SVO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing SVO on runway 24 toward the southwest, the aircraft typically banks left onto its southeast routing, giving left-side passengers a brief look back at Moscow's northern suburbs and the Moskva River basin before the city fades into forested plains. Notable sights include: Moscow northern suburbs, Moskva River, Klязьма reservoir, birch forest plains.
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 CAN from the north, the right side offers views over the hilly Guangdong countryside and the Pearl River Delta's dense urban sprawl and waterways as the aircraft lines up for landing, while the left side mostly faces less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou skyline (Canton Tower area), Baiyun Mountain, delta waterways and fish ponds.
How long is the flight from Moscow to Guangzhou?
The flight from Sheremetyevo (SVO) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) takes about 8 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,352 miles (7,003 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Moscow to Guangzhou flight path pass over?
Kazakh steppe, Tien Shan mountain range, Taklamakan Desert, eastern Tibetan Plateau foothills, Sichuan basin ridgelines