Guangzhou (Canton) is the capital of Guangdong Province in the southern part of China, nicknamed Yangcheng (City of Rams) or Huacheng (City of Flowers). It is a port on the Pearl River, navigable to the South China Sea and is located northwest of Hong Kong. Guangzhou is the most populous city in the province and the third most populous metropolitan area in mainland China.

Guangzhou is the economic center of the Pearl River Delta and is the heart of one of mainland China's leading commercial and manufacturing regions. China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) has been held each spring and autumn since 1957 and it is a major event for the city.

It is also a cultural center of Guangdong Province. Guangzhou Higher Education Mega is home to 10 of the province's universities' campuses, including Sun Yat-sen University. The city is renowned for its arts and crafts, namely the Canton embroidery, ivory-carving and ceramics. Cantonese cuisine, Cantonese opera and Guangdong music are representatives of the unique culture of Guangdong.