Study in Guangzhou, Where a Millennium of Trade Blossoms
— A City Introduction for International Students (Condensed)
Guangzhou, the capital, sub-provincial city and national central city of Guangdong Province, is also known as the City of Rams and the City of Flowers. This renowned Lingnan city with a history of over 2,200 years has long served as a vital gateway for China’s foreign trade since ancient times, earning it the reputation of a “Millennium Commercial Metropolis”. Blessed with a warm and humid subtropical climate, the city boasts blooming flowers all year round. For international students, Guangzhou stands as an international metropolis ideal for studying, career development and living.
A City of Commerce, Culture and Flowers
A Millennium-Old Commercial Capital, a Starting Point of the Maritime Silk Road
As early as the Qin and Han dynasties, Guangzhou, known as Panyu in ancient times, was a key stronghold in Lingnan. During the Tang and Song dynasties, it ranked as China’s largest seaport. Vessels plying the “Maritime Route from Guangzhou to Foreign Lands” shuttled between China, West Asia and East Africa, establishing Guangzhou as a pivotal birthplace of the Maritime Silk Road.In the Qing Dynasty’s period of Single Port Trade, the Thirteen Hongs held exclusive control over all foreign trade across the nation. Launched in 1957, the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) hosts two sessions annually in spring and autumn. Hailed as “China’s No.1 Exhibition” and a barometer of China’s foreign trade, it carries forward the city’s unbroken commercial legacy spanning more than 2,000 years.
The Heart of Lingnan Culture, the Charms of the City of Flowers
Guangzhou stands as the heart of Lingnan culture. Cantonese Opera was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. A wealth of intangible cultural heritage items including Guangdong Music, Lion Dance, Guangdong Embroidery and Guangcai Porcelain shine brilliantly. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is hailed as a pearl of Lingnan architectural art, while arcaded buildings and Xiguan mansions tell tales of the prosperity of this modern trading port.The legend of five rams bearing grain gave Guangzhou its alias “City of Rams”, and the Five Rams Stone Sculpture atop Yuexiu Mountain serves as the city’s emblem. The 600-metre-high Canton Tower, affectionately nicknamed “Slim Waist”, the lush green Baiyun Mountain, and the dazzling night views along the Pearl River jointly shape the skyline of the Flower City in the new era.
A City of Universities and Youth
Guangzhou boasts abundant higher education resources, home to more than 80 general universities with over one million enrolled college students, ranking among the top cities nationwide in student population. Sun Yat-sen University was founded in 1924 by Mr. Sun Yat-sen himself. Jinan University is known as “the top university for overseas Chinese”. South China University of Technology, South China Normal University, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and other institutions each feature distinctive strengths, offering multi-level study programs for international students. In 2010, Guangzhou successfully hosted the 16th Asian Games, showcasing the city’s vitality and openness to the world.
A City of Gastronomy and the Ritual of Morning Tea
The reputation that “Eating in Guangzhou” is renowned at home and abroad. As the representative of Cantonese cuisine, Guangzhou dishes feature a delicate, fresh taste and embrace diverse flavors. The morning tea tradition of “one pot of tea with two dim sum dishes” is an indispensable daily ritual for locals. Slow-cooked nourishing soups, roasted meats, Sampan Congee and Wonton Noodles deliver endless delights to the taste buds. After meals, you may stroll among the European-style architectures on Shamian Island or enjoy the mild evening breeze along the Pearl River, where the comfort of life speaks for itself.
Closing Words
A millennia-old commercial hub, a vibrant City of Flowers.
Welcome to pursue your studies in Guangzhou. Amid the aromatic steam of morning tea, embark on an open, heartwarming overseas study journey.
Note: This text follows the structure of the Guangdong introduction on the “Study in China” website (www.studyinchina.edu.cn) and was rewritten with publicly available information about Guangzhou. All figures and honors are subject to the latest official releases. This is a rewriting sample only and does not represent any official statement.