The right side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic mountain foothills during climb-out from Chengdu and a delta/city view on descent into Guangzhou, while the left side offers only flat plains and featureless farmland throughout.
Flown TFU to CAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chengdu to Guangzhou is 725 miles (1,167 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The route crosses the karst hill country of Guizhou and northern Guangxi, where the plane flies over eroded limestone peaks and terraced valleys before descending toward the flatter Pearl River Delta near Guangzhou.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from TFU
RIGHTDeparting TFU southbound, the right (west) side faces the rugged foothills of the Longmen Shan range marking the edge of the Sichuan Basin and the Tibetan Plateau's eastern rim, giving a dramatic contrast to the flat farmland below. The left side only shows the featureless Chengdu plain receding into haze.
Landing at CAN
RIGHTOn approach into CAN from the north, the right side offers views over the hilly Guangdong terrain giving way to the dense Pearl River Delta, with glimpses of Guangzhou's skyline and the Pearl River's tributaries before touchdown. The left side mostly faces open delta farmland with less definition.
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 Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chengdu to Guangzhou. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic mountain foothills during climb-out from Chengdu and a delta/city view on descent into Guangzhou, while the left side offers only flat plains and featureless farmland throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in Chengdu?
During takeoff from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing TFU southbound, the right (west) side faces the rugged foothills of the Longmen Shan range marking the edge of the Sichuan Basin and the Tibetan Plateau's eastern rim, giving a dramatic contrast to the flat farmland below. The left side only shows the featureless Chengdu plain receding into haze. Notable sights include: Longmen Shan foothills, Sichuan Basin farmland patchwork, Tianfu New Area development, Min River tributaries.
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 terrain giving way to the dense Pearl River Delta, with glimpses of Guangzhou's skyline and the Pearl River's tributaries before touchdown. The left side mostly faces open delta farmland with less definition. Notable sights include: Pearl River tributaries, Guangzhou city skyline (Canton Tower area in distance), Baiyun Mountain, Pearl River Delta fish ponds.
How long is the flight from Chengdu to Guangzhou?
The flight from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 725 miles (1,167 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chengdu to Guangzhou flight path pass over?
The route crosses the karst hill country of Guizhou and northern Guangxi, where the plane flies over eroded limestone peaks and terraced valleys before descending toward the flatter Pearl River Delta near Guangzhou.