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IST → CAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Guangzhou)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior view of the dramatic Caucasus range and the massive snow-capped Tianshan mountains of Central Asia, which are often better illuminated during the eastbound journey.
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Black Sea Coastline
Striking views of the Turkish coastline and the deep blue waters of the Black Sea immediately after takeoff.
Greater Caucasus Range
Jagged, snow-capped peaks of Georgia and Russia, including the potential to spot Mount Elbrus.
Northern Caspian Sea
The vast expanse of the world's largest inland sea, showing the transition from water to the Kazakh steppe.
Tianshan Mountains
A massive system of ice-covered peaks and glaciers spanning the border of Kyrgyzstan and China.
Gobi Desert Fringe
The northern edge of the Gobi, featuring unique geological formations and reddish-brown terrain.
Most flights depart IST late at night, meaning the first few hours are dark. Sunrise typically occurs as you cross over Central Asia. Sit on the left to witness the sun rising over the Tianshan mountains. In winter, these ranges are heavily snow-covered, providing incredible contrast against the clear sky.
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Anatolian Plateau
The rugged, high-altitude interior of Turkey, visible if there is moonlight or during early morning arrivals.
Karakum Desert
The vast 'Black Sand' desert of Turkmenistan, characterized by its arid and desolate beauty.
Taklamakan Desert
One of the world's largest shifting-sand deserts, viewed from high altitude over Western China.
Kunlun Mountains
Remote and high mountain chains that border the Tibetan Plateau to the north.
Guangdong Mountains
The lush, green, and jagged karst-like hills of Southern China during the final descent into Guangzhou.
The right side is ideal for viewing the southern deserts of the Silk Road. As the flight approaches Guangzhou in the afternoon, the right side offers better lighting of the rolling green hills and the Pearl River Delta without the harsh glare of the setting sun, which would be on the right if it were later in the day, but usually, arrivals are mid-day or afternoon.
Book Hotels in GuangzhouDistance: 7,882 km (4,898 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 16 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: CAN (23.39240074157715, 113.29900360107422)
Route Type: International
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