Guangzhou, long known in the Western world as Canton, is one of China’s oldest and most significant cities. Its history spans over 2,200 years, dating back to its establishment as Panyu during the Qin Dynasty (214 BCE).
The city owes its strategic importance primarily to its geographic location in the Pearl River Delta, which served as a natural harbor. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), it developed into a major international trading center and became the southern terminus of the “Maritime Silk Road.”
Among the earliest surviving buildings, the Guangxiao Temple stands out, with origins dating back to the 4th century CE, although its current form is the result of multiple reconstructions. Another notable historical structure is the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees (Liurong Si), with its pagoda dating from the 6th century. The 32-meter-high octagonal pagoda is an exceptional example of Tang Dynasty architecture.
The city’s commercial importance continued to grow during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In 1757, the Qing government designated Guangzhou as the sole port permitted to conduct foreign trade, giving it a monopoly on Western commerce. The famous “Thirteen Factories” trading quarter, where foreign merchants operated, dates from this period.
Parts of the city’s ancient walls are still visible today, though much has been lost to modern urban development. However, the old city’s structure can still be recognized in the layout of narrow streets and traditional quarters.
Guangzhou’s historical significance is demonstrated by its centuries-long role as the only window through which the Western world could glimpse the Chinese Empire, serving as the channel through which Chinese silk, tea, and porcelain flowed to Europe and the rest of the world.
Today, with a population of approximately 16 million, Guangzhou remains one of China’s largest cities, though not the largest, as it is surpassed by both Shanghai and Beijing in terms of population.
The city engraving website collects historical engravings of the most significant cities, bringing them together in one place to offer visitors a kind of time travel experience.
