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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Politics & World • Cities

Guangzhou

Guangzhou is the capital and largest city of Guangdong province in southern China.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Guangzhou is the capital and largest city of Guangdong province in southern China. Also historically known as Canton, it is a major port, commercial center, and one of China’s oldest cities, with a history of more than 2,200 years. The city lies on the Pearl River in south-central Guangdong, northwest of Hong Kong and north of Macau.

History

Guangzhou has a history of more than 2,200 years and was an important terminus of the Silk Road and later the Maritime Silk Road. Its long commercial role helped make it one of China’s most internationally connected cities.

Geography

The city lies on the Pearl River in southern China, northwest of Hong Kong and north of Macau. It forms part of the Pearl River Delta, one of China’s most economically important regions.

Economy and trade

Guangzhou has long served as a major port and commercial center. It is widely associated with international trade and hosts the Canton Fair, a major trade exhibition.

Administration and status

Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong province and has sub-provincial administrative status. It is also designated as one of China’s National Central Cities.

Key facts

  • Guangzhou is the capital and largest city of Guangdong province in southern China.
  • It has a history of more than 2,200 years and is historically known as Canton.
  • The city is a major port and commercial center on the Pearl River.
  • Guangzhou hosts the Canton Fair and is linked to the Maritime Silk Road.
  • It is one of the largest cities in China by population.
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Canadian context

Guangzhou matters to Canadian readers as a major Chinese trade and travel hub, especially for business links, shipping, and cultural connections with Guangdong and the wider Pearl River Delta.

Frequently asked questions

What is Guangzhou?
Guangzhou is the capital and largest city of Guangdong province in southern China.
Is Guangzhou the same as Canton?
Yes. Canton is the traditional English name for Guangzhou.
How old is Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a history of more than 2,200 years.
What is Guangzhou known for?
It is known as a major port, trade city, and the host of the Canton Fair.
Where is Guangzhou located?
It is on the Pearl River in southern China, northwest of Hong Kong and north of Macau.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guangzhou
    Supports: Capital and largest city of Guangdong; location on the Pearl River; over 2,200 years of history; former name Canton.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Guangzhou
    Supports: Guangzhou as a regional center in southern China and its geographic position on the Pearl River.
  3. Jinan University — https://english.jnu.edu.cn/2016/1103/c1883a48471/page.psp
    Supports: Guangzhou as the capital and largest city of Guangdong; sub-provincial status; National Central City designation.
  4. China Today — https://www.chinatoday.com/city/guangzhou.htm
    Supports: Guangzhou as the capital city of Guangdong province and its common English name Canton.
  5. The China Journey — https://www.thechinajourney.com/guangzhou/
    Supports: Guangzhou’s history, role as a trade hub, and association with the Canton Fair.