Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province in southern China, is a thriving metropolis that is steeped in history yet pulsates with modern life. Known historically as Canton, this city has played a pivotal role as a major trading port and was the only Chinese port open to foreign traders during the Qing dynasty, particularly during the infamous period of the Opium Wars. Today, Guangzhou is a hub of innovation and commerce, famed for its Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China, which draws business people from around the globe.
