The Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation, jointly initiated by Guangzhou, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), and Metropolis, aims to exchange advanced experiences in urban innovative development. 

It recognizes the successful practices of cities and local governments in promoting innovative development and advocates for scientific concepts of urban innovation. It encourages global comprehensive, harmonious, and sustainable development of cities.

The Guangzhou Award is held biennially, targeting cities and local governments worldwide. Eligible practices for the award must be those successful in urban innovation, either ongoing or completed within the last two years, having generated tangible results or significant impact, and possessing originality with demonstrable and replicable value.

Each edition's jury, composed of international experts, operates independently. It begins with a technical committee selecting 15 shortlisted cities and 30 expert-recommended cities from eligible entries. The jury committee makes the final decision, choosing five winning cities from the shortlisted ones. Each winning city receives a prize of $20,000, a trophy, and a certificate.

Since its inception in 2012, the Guangzhou Award has held five sessions of the competition. Each session has seen participation from over 150 cities across more than 50 countries and regions, bringing the total number of urban innovation projects entered to over 1,000. These projects span various themes such as infrastructure and public services, urban planning and good governance, partnerships, technology, resilient cities, social inclusion, and gender equality.