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CAN → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Guangzhou) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior panoramic experience, featuring the majestic snow-capped Tianshan and Caucasus mountain ranges, the vast expanse of the Caspian Sea, and a scenic entry into Istanbul over the Black Sea.
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Gobi Desert Fringes
Stunning vistas of the harsh, colorful desert terrain in northwestern China.
Tianshan Mountains
Spectacular views of the 'Heavenly Mountains' with glaciers and some of the world's highest peaks.
Caspian Sea
A long crossing over the world's largest inland body of water, often showing coastal infrastructure.
Greater Caucasus
Breathtaking peaks of the Caucasus range, including potential views of Mount Elbrus in the distance.
Black Sea Coastline
The beautiful northern coastline of Turkey as the aircraft prepares for its arrival into Istanbul.
The Bosphorus
If the approach pattern allows, a stunning view of the strait dividing Europe and Asia.
The right side is ideal for morning arrivals in Istanbul, as the rising sun illuminates the Caucasus Mountains. Most flights are overnight; aim for a window seat to catch the sunrise over the Black Sea. Be sure to check the flight path as northern routes provide better views of the Tianshan range.
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Pearl River Delta
Aerial views of the massive urban sprawl of Guangzhou and Foshan immediately after takeoff.
Qinling Mountains
The natural boundary between northern and southern China with rugged peaks and deep valleys.
Karakum Desert
The vast, arid landscapes of Turkmenistan featuring rolling sand dunes and sun-baked plains.
Mount Ararat
On clear paths, the legendary snow-capped dormant compound volcano near the Turkish border.
Anatolian Plateau
The rugged, high-altitude heartland of Turkey with its unique geological formations.
Choose the left side for southern views of the Tibetan Plateau fringes. As most flights depart Guangzhou in the late evening, the left side provides better views of the illuminated cities of inland China. During the final descent into Istanbul from the east, this side may offer a glimpse of the Sea of Marmara.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 7,882 km (4,898 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 16 min
Departure: CAN (23.39240074157715, 113.29900360107422)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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