Nestled at the northern edge of China’s Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou stands as the cradle of Lingnan culture, with roots tracing back over two thousand years to the ancient Nanyue Kingdom.
Guangzhou has been an international trading center for centuries and is home to China’s largest trade event, the Canton Fair. Though modern Guangzhou is often associated with its skyscrapers and sprawling shopping districts, the city also offers a rich cultural landscape.
The new Guangzhou skyline with the Canton Tower and Zhujiang New Town Guangzhou or Canton (广州) , the capital of Guangdong Province, is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai with a population of more than 12 million.
The Diplomat: Guangzhou Shows Why China Is So Attractive to the Global South
Guangzhou also has the fifth largest number of skyscrapers in the world. As an important international city, Guangzhou has hosted numerous international and national sporting events, the most notable being the 2010 Asian Games, the 2010 Asian Para Games, and the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Recommending the top things to do in Guangzhou; top activities include visiting the Chimelong Resort, Shamian Island, and the Canton Fair.
The average annual rainfall is about 64 inches (1,625 mm). Farmers in the Guangzhou area enjoy a year-round growing season. Flowers can be seen blooming throughout the year in Guangzhou, which has given rise to its nickname “city of flowers” (huacheng).
Check the top 15 things to do in Guangzhou, including watching from Canton Tower, visiting Chen Clan Academy Hall, shopping at Beijing Road, etc. to plan your Guangzhou Tour in 2026/2027.