Guangzhou
The historic Silk Road terminus and trade hub of southern China.
Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is the capital and largest city of Guangdong in southern China. Located on the Pearl River, it has a history of over 2,200 years and was a major terminus of the Silk Road.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Port province
- State
- Guangdong
- Default nation
- China
- Coast
- South China Sea
- Geographic feature
- Pearl River Delta
- Strategic role
- Maritime trade hub; fleet anchor
Lore & Background
Guangzhou was captured by the British during the First Opium War and lost its monopoly on foreign trade after the war, ceding trade to ports such as Hong Kong and Shanghai. It continued to serve as a major entrepôt. The city was originally known as Panyu, founded in 214 BC, and was the capital of the Nanyue kingdom. It became the seat of Guang Prefecture in AD 226.
Reader's Guide
Guangzhou is a city, not a province. It is one of China's three largest cities and a major transportation hub. Its port was historically the only Chinese port accessible to Europeans for a long time. The city is part of the Pearl River Delta Economic Zone and holds subprovincial status.
Did You Know?
- Guangzhou is also known as Canton, a name derived from Portuguese pronunciation of Guangdong.
- The city's nickname 'City of Rams' comes from a Taoist legend about five immortals who rode sheep or goats.
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport briefly became the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic in 2020.
- The annual Canton Fair, held in Guangzhou, is the oldest and largest trade fair in China.
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