Located near the center of the province, Guangzhou has been the political, economic and cultural hub of South China for more than 2,800 years.

The Guangdong capital is also often dubbed as the "Capital of the Third World" because of its many foreign residents from the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia, as well as from Africa.

Home to country's first ever customs house, the city has a history of being China's window to the outside world. As a result, Guangzhou grew to become the largest commercial city and trading port in China.

Guangzhou is the center of Cantonese culture along the Pearl River and the most outstanding example of Lingnan culture. The Lingnan area loosely refers to Guangdong and Hainan provinces as well as Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

The city is home to the Cantonese dialect, opera, cuisine, Lingnan calligraphy, art schools, architecture, miniascapes, as well as music and handicrafts.

The Five Rams Sculpture, a symbol of Guangzhou

Attractions: The Museum of the Nanyue King Mausoleum, Five Rams Sculpture, Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Whampoa Military Academy