Guangzhou history

Guangzhou, known for centuries in the West as Canton, possesses a rich and multi-layered history spanning over two millennia. This metropolis in southern China has always played a key role in maritime trade and cultural exchange between the East and the West.

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city begins around 214 BC, when a city named Panyu was founded on this site. It became the capital of the ancient Nanyue Kingdom, which existed in what is now southern China and northern Vietnam. After the conquest by the Han Dynasty in 111 BC, the city was renamed Guangzhou and became an important administrative centre of the province. The name "Guangzhou" was first recorded in documents dating back to 226 AD.

Key Factors of Formation

Guangzhou owes its growth and prosperity to several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Its location in the Pearl River Delta provided the city with strategic access to the South China Sea, making it a natural gateway for international trade.
• Maritime Trade: Guangzhou was one of the main departure points of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Traders from the Roman Empire and India arrived here as early as the 2nd century. Later, especially during the Tang Dynasty (618–907), trade with Arab and Persian merchants flourished in the city.
• Trade Monopoly: For a long time, particularly from the mid-18th century under the "Canton System", Guangzhou was the only port in China open to trade with foreigners, which brought it immense wealth and influence.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From its earliest years, Guangzhou was not just a trading hub but also a cultural centre. The constant influx of foreign merchants, missionaries, and travellers turned it into a true "melting pot" of cultures. One of the oldest mosques in China, the Huaisheng Mosque (627 AD), was built here. The city's economy focused on the export of silk, porcelain, tea, and other Chinese goods. Thanks to its unique status and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Guangzhou became the place where China met the world, defining its distinct character.

Key Milestones in the History of Guangzhou

Guangzhou, one of China's oldest and most significant cities, has been a centre of trade, culture, and political events for thousands of years. Its history is filled with ups and downs, ranging from its role as a key port on the Maritime Silk Road to being a centre for revolutionary movements and a modern economic miracle.

• 214 BC — Foundation of the city under the name Panyu following the conquest of the region by the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty.
• 204 BC — Panyu becomes the capital of the independent Kingdom of Nanyue (Nam Viet), which lasted for nearly a century.
• 226 AD — The name "Guangzhou" officially appears for the first time when the city becomes the administrative centre of the new Guang Province.
• 627 AD — Foundation of the Huaisheng Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in China, evidencing early ties with Arab and Persian traders.
• 8th Century — Guangzhou establishes itself as a major port on the Maritime Silk Road, facilitating active trade in silk, porcelain, and tea.
• 1516 — The first Portuguese traders arrive in Guangzhou, opening the era of direct maritime trade with Europe.
• 1757 — An imperial decree introduces the "Canton System", making Guangzhou (Canton) the sole port open for foreign trade.
• 1839–1842 — The city becomes the central arena of the First Opium War, which ends with the Treaty of Nanking and the cessation of Guangzhou's trade monopoly.
• 1924 — Sun Yat-sen, the first president of the Republic of China, founds the National Guangdong University in Guangzhou, later renamed Sun Yat-sen University.
• 1949 — Guangzhou comes under the control of communist forces and is established as the capital of Guangdong Province within the PRC.
• 1957 — The city hosts the first Chinese Export Commodities Fair, known as the Canton Fair, becoming a symbol of the new China's foreign trade.
• 2010 — Guangzhou hosts the 16th Asian Games, stimulating massive modernization of urban infrastructure and attracting global attention.

Key Stages of Guangzhou's Development

The development of Guangzhou is a story of continuous transformation, turning an ancient trading port into one of the world's leading metropolises. Economic reforms, cultural shifts, and large-scale urban planning have defined its modern appearance.

Centre of World Trade (from the 18th Century)

In 1757, the "Canton System" was introduced, making Guangzhou (then known as Canton) the only port in China open to international trade. This monopoly turned the city into a global hub for the trade of tea, silk, and porcelain, contributing to its economic prosperity and cultural exchange with the West.

Window to the World: The Canton Fair (since 1957)

Since 1957, Guangzhou has hosted the China Import and Export Fair, or the Canton Fair, twice a year. It has become the main "barometer" of the country's foreign trade and a crucial platform for Chinese goods to enter the global market, reinforcing the city's status as a key economic hub. Hosting the fair also stimulated the development of urban infrastructure, including the hospitality sector and transport.

Vanguard of Economic Reforms (since the late 1970s)

Guangzhou became one of the first cities to initiate economic reforms under the "Opening Up" policy. Proximity to Hong Kong and Macau helped attract foreign investment and establish special economic zones. This led to rapid industrial growth, particularly in the light and automotive industries, transforming the city into a manufacturing centre of global significance.

Transport and Infrastructure Boom (1990s – 2000s)

In 1997, the Guangzhou Metro opened, becoming the fourth in mainland China. In 2004, the new Baiyun International Airport was launched, one of the largest in the country. The active development of the transport network, including high-speed railways, strengthened Guangzhou's position as the main transport hub of South China.

Transformation for the Asian Games (2010)

Hosting the 16th Asian Games in 2010 became a powerful catalyst for the massive modernization of the city. New sports facilities were built, including the famous Canton Tower, the Pearl River embankments were improved, the metro network was expanded, and the urban environment was enhanced. This event not only refreshed the look of Guangzhou but also drew world attention to it.

Core of the "Greater Bay Area" (Present Day)

Today, Guangzhou is one of the key cities within the strategic "Greater Bay Area" initiative, which unites Hong Kong, Macau, and nine cities in Guangdong Province. This project aims to create a leading global economic and innovation cluster, where Guangzhou plays the role of a centre for industry, logistics, science, and culture.

The architectural appearance of Guangzhou is a kaleidoscope of styles, reflecting its centuries-old history as a trading port and a modern metropolis. Here, traditional southern Chinese buildings coexist with European colonial heritage and ultra-modern skyscrapers, creating a unique urban landscape.

Traditional Lingnan Architecture

Historically, Guangzhou is characterized by the Lingnan architectural style, perfectly adapted to the hot and humid subtropical climate. Its key features are qilou (arcade buildings), where the upper floors project over the pavement, creating shaded galleries for pedestrians. Also typical are the Xiguan mansions with their narrow facades, internal courtyards for ventilation, and distinctive elements such as massive wooden sliding gates and coloured "Manchurian" stained-glass windows. These structures, built from dark brick, can still be seen in the old districts of the city, for example, in Liwan.

Colonial European Style (19th – Early 20th Centuries)

The brightest example of European influence is Shamian Island. After the Opium Wars, British and French concessions were located here. As a result, the island turned into an "open-air architectural museum", built up with mansions, churches, and administrative buildings in Neoclassical, Gothic Revival, and Baroque styles. A walk through its shady streets allows one to see the buildings of former consulates and trading companies, which contrast sharply with traditional Chinese architecture.

Modern and Postmodern Architecture (Late 20th – 21st Centuries)

With the start of economic reforms in the late 20th century, Guangzhou experienced a construction boom that completely transformed its skyline. The new business district, Zhujiang New Town, became a showcase of modern architecture. Iconic landmarks that have shaped the new face of the city are concentrated here:

• Canton Tower: An elegant hyperboloid structure 600 metres high, which has become the symbol of modern Guangzhou.
• Guangzhou Opera House: A futuristic building by architect Zaha Hadid, resembling two smooth pebbles eroded by the river.
• CTF Finance Centre: One of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, dominating the business district.
• Guangdong Museum and Guangzhou Library: Examples of monumental modern architecture with unique forms and complex structural solutions.

Guangzhou's urban development demonstrates a transition from organically expanded historical quarters to strictly planned modern districts like Zhujiang, reflecting its status as one of the leading global megacities.

Notable Figures Associated with Guangzhou

Guangzhou and Guangdong Province as a whole have given China and the world many outstanding politicians, reformers, thinkers, and masters. These people played a key role in major historical events that determined the fate of the country.

Sun Yat-sen (1866–1925)

Although Sun Yat-sen was born in a village near Guangzhou, it was this city that became the centre of his revolutionary activities. He is the "Father of the Nation", the first provisional president of the Republic of China, founder of the Kuomintang party, and ideologue of the "Three Principles of the People". In Guangzhou, he founded Sun Yat-sen University and prepared forces to unify the country. The Memorial Hall in his honour is one of the city's main attractions.

Hong Xiuquan (1814–1864)

A native of Guangdong Province, Hong Xiuquan was the ideological inspiration and leader of the Taiping Rebellion — one of the most massive in world history. After receiving Christian tracts in Guangzhou, he created his own doctrine and declared himself the younger brother of Jesus Christ. His movement, directed against the Manchu Qing Dynasty, swept through a significant part of China and led to the creation of the "Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace".

Kang Youwei (1858–1927)

An outstanding thinker, philosopher, and leader of the reform movement at the end of the Qing era, Kang Youwei was born in Nanhai County (Guangdong Province). In 1891, he founded a private school in Guangzhou, where he combined the teaching of Confucianism with the study of Western sciences. His ideas on the necessity of modernizing the country while preserving cultural identity formed the basis of the famous "Hundred Days' Reform", supported by the Guangxu Emperor.

Zhan Tianyou (1861–1919)

Known as the "Father of China's Railroads", Zhan Tianyou was a distinguished engineer educated in the West. He was born and began his journey in Guangdong. His main achievement was the design and construction of the first railway in China created without foreign assistance — the Beijing-Zhangjiakou line. His name has become a symbol of engineering innovation in China, and the highest state award in the field of civil engineering is established in his honour.

Su Shi (1037–1101)

One of the greatest poets, artists, and statesmen of the Song Dynasty, also known by the pseudonym Su Dongpo. Although he was not a native of Guangdong, his biography is closely linked to this region. In 1094, due to political disagreements with the court, he was exiled to the south, including Guangdong. It was in exile that he created many of his famous works, imbued with philosophical optimism. His words "I would not mind remaining a native of Lingnan forever" testify to his deep connection with this land.

Ip Man (1893–1972)

A martial arts master who made the Wing Chun style world-famous. Ip Man was born and lived for a long time in Foshan, a city located in the immediate vicinity of Guangzhou and part of the same cultural and economic agglomeration. He was the mentor of the legendary Bruce Lee. Although his main activity in popularizing Wing Chun unfolded later in Hong Kong, his roots and development as a master are inextricably linked to Guangdong Province.