Covering an area of 7,434.4 square kilometers, Guangzhou is home to more than 12 million people. It has direct jurisdiction over 11 districts,  namely Yuexiu, Liwan, Haizhu, Tianhe, Baiyun, Huangpu, Huadu, Panyu, Nansha, Conghua and Zengcheng. Click to know more about them.

Yuexiu district

Yuexiu district, located in the middle of Guangzhou, is the area where the original city came into being. [Photo/yuexiu.gov.cn]

Having incorporated the former Dongshan district in April 2005, the present Yuexiu district covers 33.8 square kilometers with a population of 1,173,100 (2020).

Located in the middle of Guangzhou, the Yuexiu district is the area where the original city came into being. As a result, it was an historic political center, and earlier in the Qin Dynasty (221 BC–206 BC) it was the capital of the Nanhai Prefecture. In the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-8 AD), the area was an administrative center built by Zhao Tuo, king of the Nanyue Kingdom.

Yuexiu district is also a cultural center in Guangzhou, the point from which Lingnan culture has spread. In history, many famous men of letters have worked or lived in this district. The district, therefore, boasts many sites of classic learning academies, private schools and other seats of learning. Thanks to its long history and rich culture, there are many scenic places and historical sites, including Guangxiao Temple, the Zhenghai Building, Wuxian Taoist Temple, remnants of the city wall dating from the Ming Dynasty, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and the Tomb of 72 Martyrs at Huanghuagang. 

Additionally, Yuexiu district is a prosperous business zone. In ancient times Guangzhou was the first city in China opened to foreign trade. And here too, the Chinese Export Commodities Fair is held every Spring and Autumn.

Since the initiation of the Reform and Opening-Up period, the economy in this district has experienced rapid development. The area spanning Beijing Lu and Zhongshan Wu Lu is the busiest commercial center with rich tourist resources. The international CBD located on Huanshi Dong Lu attracts lots of capital and enterprises engaged in logistics and information services. Compared with other districts, Yuexiu district boasts the strongest economy.

Liwan district

Liwan district is located in west Guangzhou where two other rivers merge with the Pearl River. [Photo/lw.gov.cn]

As the cradle of Lingnan (Southern China) Culture, Liwan district is a significant point on the so-called Silk Road on the Sea. 

Liwan district is located in west Guangzhou where two other rivers merge with the Pearl River. Since the district resided outside the west gate of ancient Guangzhou city, it was nicknamed as Xiguan (xi means west and guan means gate). Having integrated with the former Fangcun district, Liwan district presently covers 59.1 square kilometers, with a population of 891,500.

Due to the unique geographic environment, great Xiguan Culture and unique folk customs have developed over the past 2,000 years. As a typical representative of the Lingnan Culture, Xiguan culture combines ancient and modern civilizations and integrates western culture with eastern culture. Traditional buildings like Xiguan residences, Qilou, temples and shrines, and western style buildings on Shamian Island are scattered throughout this district.

Liwan district is also the birthplace of Cantonese Opera, Lingnan literature and Lingnan style paintings. The unique catering and traditional Chinese medicines in Xiguan are famous at home and abroad. People living in Xiguan enjoy collecting antiques which are available for tourists from home and abroad at the Xiguan Antique City (Xiguan Gu Wan Cheng) and Antique Street (Yuansheng Tao Ci Gong Yi Jie). Folk customs, including lion dances, are still passed down from one generation to another. 

Since ancient times, Liwan district has been one of the prosperous business zones in Guangzhou. Early in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it became a major port for promoting trade with foreign countries. For over 100 years in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it was the site of the famed foreign trade port, Thirteen Hongs, and the only region in China where foreign trade was permitted. At present, there are three business zones located on Shang-xia-jiu Shopping Street, Kangwang Lu and Zhongshan Qi Lu/Zhongshan Ba Lu.

The Liwan district Government places great importance on foreign trade, culture and tourism, trying to make Liwan district an ideal place for people to work and live.

Haizhu district

Haizhu Lake. [Photo/haizhu.gov.cn]

Located on the south bank of the Pearl River, Haizhu is the only district in Guangzhou that is on an island. It covers 90.40 square kilometers with a river-front of 47.35 kilometers. The population in this district is 1,693,600. 

Haizhu district enjoys a long history dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 BC).  There are many cultural relics and ancient buildings in the area including Yungui Bridge, Pazhou Tower and Chigang Tower, all built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD).  Additionally, the famous institution of higher learning, Sun Yat-sen University is in this district. 

Haizhu district is also famous for its unique ecosystem composed of rivers, inlets, forests and gardens, all of which make Haizhu district an ideal place for people to work and live.

Haizhu district boasts a well-developed waterway system. Through complicated waterways, goods can be shipped to any places within the urban area as well as to the ports on the Pearl River Delta and area coastal ports. Ships at ferry terminals in the district can send passengers to coastal cities including Shantou (in Guangdong Province), Haikou, Sanya (in Hainan Province) and Xiamen (in Fujian Province).

At present, Haizhu district is working to develop Binjiang Lu into a street featuring Lingnan Culture characteristics, providing services in entertainment and tourism. Jiangnan Dadao, Jiangnan Xi Lu and Baogang Dadao are sites where shopping malls and business services are centered. Guangzhou Da Dao Nan is slated to be a center for collecting and distributing goods. Pazhou is currently engaged in exhibition services as well as information and business services. Xingang Lu, neighboring Sun Yat-sen University, will be developed into a science and technology center.

Tianhe district

Tianhe Park. [Photo/tianhe.gov.cn]

Located in east Guangzhou, Tianhe district boasts a rapidly developing downtown and covers 137.38 square kilometers with a population of 1,746,600.

Tianhe district is where the Guangzhou develops towards the east. Meanwhile, it is also the core of the new urban area that stretches from north to south, boasting major functions and scenic sites. Such geographic advantages will surely strengthen its economic competitive advantages in the new urban area.

Tianhe district is an emerging business center. Gathered in this district are many prosperous venues, including the Guangzhou East Railway Station, the Tianhe Metro Station, the Tianhe Sports Center, the Teem Mall, Grand City Plaza, Guangzhou Books Center and many luxury hotels. 

Real estate has enjoyed rapid development with many high-grade residence communities spreading throughout Tianhe district.

Most of the primary and secondary schools in the district are above city level, which means the schools feature high teaching quality. There are also many research institutions and institutions of higher learning located in the district, including South China University of Technology, South China Normal University, South China Agricultural University, Jinan University and Guangzhou University.

Tianhe district is also reputed as a center of high-tech industry. In recent years, the Tianhe Science and Technology Park and the Tianhe Software Park have embraced rapid development.

Baiyun district

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. [Photo/ baiyun.gov.cn]

Located to the north of downtown Guangzhou, Baiyun district has a total area of 795.79 square kilometers and a population of 2,714,300. Its name originates from the Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area that is a principal of the district.

Baiyun district has a variety of landforms. In its east and north-east are hilly regions, where the Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area and Maofengshan are located. The region features gentle slopes, dense woods, lush fruit trees, countless ponds and reservoirs. Dotted with beautiful lakes and hills, the scenery is very pleasant. In its central part is located the Guanghua plain. In the west part of Baiyun district is the Pearl River water system and the western course of the Pearl River, the Bajiang River and the Liuxi River all flow through this area. All sorts of waterways intertwine here with irrigation and transportation systems being the most prominent. The Liuxihe River, running through this area, is the main source of drinking water for Guangzhou citizens. 

Baiyun district is a transport hub, boasting the Beijing-Guangzhou electrified railway and many primary and secondary highways, such as Beijing-Zhuhai, Guangzhou-Huizhou, the North Ring, and the Huanan Expressway. Several of the national and provincial highways lead to Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Henan, Anhui and Shanxi provinces. The Metro Line 2 and the airport expressway also cross this district.

According to Guangzhou's planning scheme, Baiyun New Town, located in the central area of Baiyun district, will be a key development project for north Guangzhou. The Baiyun International Exhibition Center has been completed. In the future, importance will be placed on the development of the economy of the airport area. The development of trading and logistics centers and low-density residential buildings will also be promoted. High-quality domestic and international enterprises are also slated to be introduced to increase the district's market competitiveness and to promote the optimization of the functional layout and space structure of the entire northern region.

Huangpu district

Huangpu tops Guangzhou in the number of patents. [Photo/huangpu.gov.cn]

On September 1, 2015, the unveiling ceremony of Huangpu district was held, marking the formal launch of the new district in Guangzhou. The previous Huangpu and Luogang districts were combined to form the new Huangpu district, becoming the eastern center of Guangzhou for propelling its development along the Pear River.

The new Huangpu district covers an area of 480.56 square kilometers. In future, the Huangpu district will make a greater effort to attract investment, technology and talent. 

Huangpu tops Guangzhou in the number of patents and leads in Guangzhou in the amount and profits of high-tech manufacturing enterprises above designated size. 

Panyu district

Panyu district, located in the south-central part of Guangdong province, is in the geometric center of Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao and the Pearl River Delta. It is a transport hub of the Pearl River Delta region, as well as a bridge linking east and west Guangdong. Currently, a comprehensive transport system, including road, rail, sea, air, pipeline and other modes, has been formed. Panyu is a key region of Guangzhou's "southward expansion project", gathering together Guangzhou's emerging industries and service providers. To be built into a new urban center suitable for working and living, the district has very promising prospects.

Panyu, China's earliest county, was built in 214 BC (the 33rd year of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's reign) and now has over 2,200 years of history. Since long ago, it has been an important port city, a famous "breadbasket" and one of the birth places of Lingnan culture.

The Pearl River Delta accommodates a variety of industries and its secondary and tertiary industries are highly developed. With one tenth of the world's consumer goods being made here, the delta is one of the world's manufacturing centers. Panyu, located at the center of the Pearl River Delta region, owns complete industrial supporting facilities, having clear advantages in digital information, machinery equipment, digital optics, fine chemicals, electricity transmission, distribution and transformation. The gold and silver jewelry processing industry is a highlight of the district. In 2005, its jewelry processing and export value reached $1.06 billion , accounting for a quarter of the entire country and the processing amount accounted for 60 percent of Hong Kong's exported jewelry.

The tourism industry of Panyu is developing rapidly. The district has the Chime Long 5A-class state tourist resort, the state 4A-class Lotus Hill and the Baomoyuan Garden, one of four famous gardens in Guangdong.

Panyu is famed for its superior living environment. It features many recreational sites and beautiful international communities with complete facilities and convenient transportation. Supporting facilities also help to create a good living and working environment for businessmen and international friends in Panyu.

Huadu district

Huadu district has two economic development "engines" and three major industrial clusters centering on the auto, aircraft, jewelry and leather industries. [Photo/huadu.gov.cn] 

Huadu district, located in northern Guangzhou, is an important transport hub. This is a place suitable for working and living and a modern district featuring hills, rivers and green surroundings. It has recreation and living facilities of an international standard. The "district of flowers" is also well-known for being the home of about 300 thousand overseas Chinese in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and other foreign countries.

Huadu has a beautiful environment and pleasant scenery. The Wangzi Mountain Forest Park and the Furong tourist resort are located here. Historic sites include the late Qing Dynasty residence of Hong Xiuquan, a peasant revolutionary leader, the Zizheng Daifu Ancestral Temple, the Pangu Temple and the Yuanxuan Taoist Temple.

Huadu has a developed transport network. With complete water, land and air transportation networks, it is the northern gate of the Pearl River Delta to other parts of China. Both the new international airport of Guangzhou, one of China's three major airports, and the North Railway Station, one of Guangzhou's three starting railway stations, are located here. The railway artery of China, the Beijing-Guangzhou railway, goes through the district. Huadu port, a State Grade 2 port, provides services for 1,000-ton cargo ships heading directly to Hong Kong and Macao.

Currently, Huadu has two economic development "engines" and three major industrial clusters centering on the auto, aircraft, jewelry and leather industries. The development of a 100-square-kilometer airport economy zone has been placed on the agenda, and a provincial auto industry base has been established. The Shiling Town of Huadu has become China's largest leather industry base with most of its enterprises being privately owned. The town's annual output value exceeds RMB10 billion. 86 renowned domestic and foreign enterprises have settled in the Huadu Jewelry Industrial Park. In the past three years, both the average annual growth of output value and export value of jewelry products were over 50 percent. The optimization and upgrading of the industrial structure has brought great changes to Huadu's economy and is also a strong driving force to its real estate market.

Zengcheng district

Zengcheng Square in Zengcheng district, Guangzhou. [Photo/zengcheng.gov.cn]

Zengcheng is located to the east of Guangzhou. It is called the "Golden Aisle" linking Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Zengcheng was established in 201 A.D. and boasts a history of over 1,800 years. The climate here is mild and it is known as the hometown of lichee, fish and rice. The area boasts many attractive features and there are green mountains and clear waters with beautiful landscapes all around. Forests cover 48 percent of the area hosting forest parks and nature reserves such as Jiaoshiling, Dafengmen and Nanxiang Mountains. It is the "Green Lung" of east Guangzhou and also an oasis of nature in the greater economic circle of the Pearl River Delta.

Zengcheng has abundant tourism resources. The Provincial Level Baishuizhai Tourist Resort is a new Eco-Tourism location in the Pearl River Delta. The old Hexiangu Temple (dedicated to a Fairy lady surnamed "He"), the Panlong Rattan, the Gualv Seed Lichee Tree in Xiyuan, the Ancient Sea Cave, Zhengguo Temple of Buddhism and other famous spots and relics are housed within the district.

Zengcheng is close to well-developed regions such as the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development district, Huangpu district and Dongguan City. It has a solid industrial foundation. It hosts pillar industries such as automobiles, motorcycles and accessories, jeans, sportswear and fine chemicals. It is especially known for clustering the automobile, motorcycle, IT and other high-tech industries all of which are growing. Its jeans and sportswear output accounts for more than 50% of the total national output.

Zengcheng is energetic in the modern development of urban agriculture of which the main production base is vegetables, fruits, various varieties of fowl and birds and fresh goods, the majority of which are shipped to Guangzhou and the Pearl River Delta region. It has fostered an agricultural development model of "companies and bases, plus farmers". Gualyu Lichees have long enjoyed a reputation for their quality and Simiao Rice has long been famed as "the Jade of Rice".

With the advance of Guangzhou's strategy for developing the city's eastern areas, Zengcheng has been designated as one of nine key development districts in Guangzhou. It will be built into a comprehensive industrial base, regional modern logistics center, eco-tourism resort and a model of modern urban agricultural production, eventually becoming a modernized urban area in east Guangzhou.

Conghua district

Beautiful scenery in Conghua district. [Photo/Conghua.gov.cn] 

Conghua became a district of Guangzhou on August 12 of 2015, with nearly 2,000 square kilometers, making it the largest district of Guangzhou. It is the north gateway and a sub-center of Guangzhou providing huge potential for Guangzhou's further development.

Conghua district is located in the northeast of Guangzhou, a transition zone from the Pearl River Delta to the northern mountain areas of Guangdong Province. Conghua is famed as "The Pearl on the North Tropic Of Cancer" and "The Urban Xanadu", and is Guangzhou's Rear Garden" with the rainfall of a temperate zone and the sunshine of a torrid zone.

Conghua has a long history. Cultural relics unearthed here can date back to the New Stone Age, about 7,000 to 8,000 years ago. Conghua was under the original jurisdiction of the ancient Guangzhou Prefecture when it was established 500 years ago.

Conghua is surrounded with green hills and clear water. It has a beautiful landscape and is famous for its hot springs. There are 13 hot springs in the Hot Spring Scenic Resort. The daily water volume of the underground hot spring reaches 10,000 cubic meters, which provides service for 7 million people annually. The water temperature can reach up to 70 Celsius degrees. There are weak radioactive radon and other elements beneficial to the human body in the hot spring which are of significant medical values.

There are over 10 cultural and tourism spots in Conghua, featuring mountains, water, forests, fruit, springs and lakes. The seven scenic spots of Guangyu Ancestral Hall, Wuyue Palace and others are listed as provincial level or Guangzhou municipal level major sites to be protected. Conghua Spring, the famed "Lingnan No. 1 Spring", is a world famous spring of saleratus and radon. The Liuxihe National Forest Park is called "Second Lushan Mountain". The Guangzhou Pumped Storage Power Station Resort is assessed as a AAA national key scenic resort. The Shimen National Forest Park, Liuxi Hotspring Holiday Resort, Tianhu Falls, Liuxi's Incense Snow, Xianmu Garden, Sanyatang Dell Explorations, Ancient Qiantang Villages and other areas are drawing increasing numbers of tourists from both home and abroad. Conghua also has a group of high class holiday resort hotels.

The favorable physiognomy and soil texture of Conghua are suitable for the growth of crops including lychee, longan, vegetables and flowers.

Nansha district

Night view in Nansha district. [Photo/nansha.gov.cn]

Nansha district is under the jurisdiction of Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province. It is located at the southernmost part of Guangzhou, and at the intersection of three tributaries for the Pearl River, Xijiang River, Beijiang River and Dongjiang River.

The district is a hub connecting almost all port cities along the Pearl River in Guangdong province. It borders Zhongshan and Foshan to the west and is adjacent to Dongguan in the east.

It is also the city's only access to the sea, 38 nautical miles from Hongkong and 41 nautical miles from Macao.

Nansha district governs six towns and three subdistricts spreading across 784 square kilometers of land. In 2018, it had a population of 751,700.

The most popular attractions of the district are the Nansha Wetland Park, Huangshanlu Forest Park, Tianhou Temple and the Site of Humen Fort.