Guangzhou Facts & Worksheets

Premium

Download the Guangzhou Facts & Worksheets

Click the button below to get instant access to these worksheets for use in the classroom or at a home.

Download This Worksheet

This download is exclusively for KidsKonnect Premium members!
To download this worksheet, click the button below to signup (it only takes a minute) and you'll be brought right back to this page to start the download!

Sign Me Up

Already a member? Log in to download.

Download

Edit This Worksheet

Editing resources is available exclusively for KidsKonnect Premium members.
To edit this worksheet, click the button below to signup (it only takes a minute) and you'll be brought right back to this page to start editing!

Sign Up

Already a member? Log in to download.

Edit

This worksheet can be edited by Premium members using the free Google Slides online software. Click the Edit button above to get started.

Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is the capital of Guangdong province in southern mainland China. It has long been one of China’s main commercial and trading centers, due to its position at the meeting point of inland rivers and the sea.

See the fact file below for more information on Guangzhou, or you can download our 28-page Guangzhou worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

BRIEF OVERVIEW

• Guangzhou is also known as Canton. The capital of Guangdong province, it is also the largest city.
• Guangzhou’s city center lies near the head of the Pearl River Delta (also known as Canton Delta).
• Guangzhou is at the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, the most populated built-up metropolitan area in the world. 
• Guangzhou also plays an important role, serving as a major port and transportation hub for China, with a significant history as a major terminal of the maritime Silk Road (a network of Eurasian trade routes).

HISTORY

• In 214 BCE, Guangzhou (then called Panyu) was founded. It served as the seat of the Qin Empire’s Nanhai Commandery. 
• In 204 BCE, when the Qin Empire fell, General Zhao Tuo built the Kingdom of Nanyue and made Panyu the capital of it.
• In 111 BCE, as the Han expanded southward after the Han-Nanyue War, Panyu became the provincial capital of the Han Dynasty.
• In 226 CE, the city was named Guangzhou when the Wu state of the Three Kingdoms period established a prefecture named Guangzhou. During this period, Guangzhou’s economy and population grew as it became an important trade port in southern China.
• Under the Song dynasty, the population and increase in foreign trade in Guangzhou resulted in the enlargement of the city.
• Under the Ming dynasty, Guangzhou underwent reconstruction and expansion, including the creation of a large walled city, which was the result of the combination of the old town and the two auxiliary districts. 
• The city was recognized under the Qing dynasty as it was declared the capital of the Viceroyalty of Guangdong and Guangxi.
• Throughout the 18th century, various foreign nationals established trade relationships with Guangzhou, which became later known as the Thirteen Factories.
• The Thirteen Factories, also known as Canton Factories, was the legal site of the majority of Western trade with China and included different warehouses and stores such as the Creek Factory, Dutch Factory, and Swedish Factory.
• During the first Opium War, around 1839 to 1842, Guangzhou was able to avoid its total destruction by paying a large ransom.
• In 1842, the Treaty of Nanjing with the United Kingdom turned Guangzhou to be a treaty port. Similar treaties were obtained by France and America in 1844.
• In 1856, the second Opium War happened between China and Britain, and France which resulted in Guangzhou being occupied by Anglo-French up until 1861.
• From 1895 to 1925, Guangzhou was under the leadership of Sun Yat-sen, wherein Sun turned the city into his training ground for his drive to overthrow the Manchu dynasty. 
• The 1911 Guangzhou Uprising paved the way for the success of the revolution.
• In 1925, upon the death of Sun Yat-sen, Guangzhou became the center of a power
  struggle between the communists and the nationalists.
• In 1937 the war against Japan broke out, resulting in Guangzhou’s fall and occupation until 1945.
• In the early 1980s, as China adopted economic reform policies, Guangzhou benefited from this adoption as the city became the home of several special economic zones.

GEOGRAPHY

• The places adjacent to Guangzhou are Qingyuan, Shaoguan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, and Foshan.
• The central district of the city spans along a waterfront that runs south to east along the Pearl River. 
• Guangzhou is located in the southern central part of the Guangdong province.

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS

• Guangzhou is a sub-provincial city and is considered to be the second most populated prefectural-level division.
• Guangzhou is divided into 11 districts,135 subdistricts, and 35 towns.
• The 11 districts include Yuexiu, Liwan, Haizhu, Tianhe, Baiyun, Huangpu, Panyu, Huadu, Nansha, Zengcheng, and Conghua. 
• The Yuexiu district is considered to be the commercial, political, and cultural center of Guangdong.
• The Liwan district is divided into two parts by the Pearl River: (1) Xiguan which is in the northeastern part and (2) Fangcun in the southwestern part.
• The Baiyun district which was named after the Baiyun Mountain is located in the northern suburbs of Guangzhou.

ECONOMY

• Guangzhou is the main manufacturing hub of the Pearl River Delta, which is known to be one of China’s main commercial and manufacturing regions.
• Guangzhou is one of China’s booming cities. In fact, Guangzhou is expected to be one of the world’s top 10 cities in terms of nominal gross domestic product (GDP).
• The Canton Fair, also called China Import and Export Fair, is a trade fair held in Guangzhou. This is also considered the largest and oldest trade fair in China, not to mention the most representative also.
• Guangzhou is also known as the hub for international businesses, housing over 30,000 foreign-invested companies. 
• Guangzhou is also known for its handicraft products, including ivory carvings and jade and porcelain sculptures.
• In addition, Cantonese embroidery is labeled one of China’s four main embroidery styles.

TOURISM

• Guangzhou is home to several tourist destinations.
• The Eight Views of Ram City is a term often used in East Asian countries to refer to the most beautiful or significant attractions and is also called the Eight Sights of Guangzhou.
• The Eight Views of Ram City have changed several times since the Song dynasty, and the modern list was chosen in 2011.
• Tayao Xincheng is also known as “Tower Shining Through The New Town.”
• “Pearl River Flowing and Shining” refers to the Zhujiang, or the Pearl River, the third-longest river in China.
• Yunshan Diecui refers to “Baiyun Mountain Green and In Arranged Well.”
• Yuexiu Fenghua refers to the “Elegance and Talent of Yuexiu Mountain.”
• Guxi Lufang refers to “Ancient Academy Leaving a Good Name,” which points to the Chen Clan Academy and Guangdong Folk Craftwork Museum.
• Liwan Shengjing or “Wonderful Scenery of Liwan.”
• Kecheng Jinxiu, or “Science City as Splendid as Brocade,” refers to the Guangzhou Science City.
• Shidi Changwan, or “Wetland Singing at Night,” refers to Nansha Wetland Park.
• Other than the places named in the Eight Views of Ram City, Guangzhou is also
  home to several parks and gardens, including People’s Park (a public park in
  Yuexiu District), South China Botanical Garden, and Yuexiu Park or Yuexiu Hill.
• Guangzhou, every year, attracts millions of visitors due to the many tourist attractions
  in the city.
• Some Guangzhou tourist attractions include the Canton Tower, Chimelong Paradise,
  Guangdong Provincial Museum, Mulberry Park, Sacred Heart Cathedral, and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.

EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

• Guangzhou is one of the major research and innovation centers in the Asia-Pacific.
• Guangzhou houses the Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, also known as the Guangzhou University Town, a massive education complex housing different campuses, including the Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, South China Normal University, South China University of Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, and Xinghai Conservatory of Music.
• Other universities and colleges in Guangzhou include the Guangdong Institute of Science and Technology, Guangzhou Medical University, Jinan University, South China Agricultural University, and Southern Medical University.

CULTURE

• Guangzhou’s notable cultural aspects include the Cantonese language, Cantonese cuisine,
  Cantonese opera, and Xiguan (ancient town).
• The four main religions in the city include Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.
• One of the most popular and significant Taoist temples is the Temple of the Five Immortals. 
• Buddhism is the leading religion in Guangzhou.
• Guangzhou has hosted several sports events, including the 1987 6th National Games of China, the 1st FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991, the 2001 National Games of China, the 49th World Table Tennis Championships in 2008, and the 11th Sudirman Cup in 2009.

NOTABLE PERSONALITIES

• Guangzhou is also the birth city for several notable personalities.
• Choh Hao Li was a Chinese-American biochemist best known for his studies of pituitary-gland hormones.
• Zhi Cong Li is a racer who competed in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship.
• Yeung Sze, better known as Bolo Yeung, is a Hong Kong-based former competitive bodybuilder, martial artist, and martial arts film director. 
• Kuang Sunmou or also referred to as K.Y. Kwong was a railway engineer, businessman, and bureaucrat. 

Guangzhou Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Guangzhou across 28 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Guangzhou. It has long been one of China’s main commercial and trading centers, due to its position at the meeting point of inland rivers and the sea.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Guangzhou Facts
2. Eleven Districts
3. T or F?
4. Eventful Timeline
5. Oh, So Tall!
6. Hmmm, I Think
7. Cantonese Culture
8. Fill the Blanks
9. Three Pillar Industries
10. Let’s Go!
11. Colorful Life

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Guangzhou located?

Guangzhou is located in southern China and is the capital city of the Guangdong Province. It is situated along the Pearl River, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) northwest of Hong Kong.

What is Guangzhou’s population?

As of September 2021, Guangzhou’s population was estimated to be over 15 million people. However, please note that population figures can change over time due to growth and migration.

What is Guangzhou famous for?

Guangzhou is renowned for several reasons. It is one of China’s most important commercial and manufacturing hubs, known for its industries, trade fairs, and export activities. The city has a rich history and cultural heritage, and it has been an important center of trade and commerce for centuries. Guangzhou is also famous for its delicious Cantonese cuisine, which is enjoyed both locally and internationally.

What are some popular attractions in Guangzhou?

What are some popular attractions in Guangzhou? A: Guangzhou offers a mix of modern and historical attractions. Some popular places to visit include:

• The Canton Tower: An iconic modern landmark and one of the tallest towers in the world.
• Chen Clan Ancestral Hall: A beautiful historic building showcasing traditional Cantonese architecture.
• Yuexiu Park: A large park with the Five Rams Sculpture and the Zhenhai Tower, offering a pleasant escape in the city.
• Shamian Island: A historical area with well-preserved colonial architecture and tree-lined streets.
• Temple of the Six Banyan Trees: A famous Buddhist temple known for its ancient pagoda and ornate architecture.

How is Guangzhou connected to other cities in China and the world?

Guangzhou is well-connected by air, rail, and road. It has an international airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, with flights to numerous destinations around the world. The city is a major transportation hub in southern China, and it has high-speed train connections to various cities within the country, making it easily accessible for travelers. Additionally, Guangzhou’s port is one of the busiest and most important ports in China, facilitating international trade and shipping.

Link/cite this page

If you reference any of the content on this page on your own website, please use the code below to cite this page as the original source.

Link will appear as Guangzhou Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, August 23, 2023