Guangzhou is a civilized ancient city with a history of more than 2,200 years, the same ages as the world-renowned ancient cultural city Rome of Italy. It was the earliest trade port in China that opening to the world, and was the starting port of the 'Silk Road on the Sea' since the Han and Tang Dynasties.

As early as in Chou Period, 9th century BC, there were exchanges between 'Baiyue' people at Guangzhou and people of Chu State, the name 'Chu Ting' originated, which was the earliest name of Guangzhou. In the thirty-third year of Emperor Qin Shihuang (214 BC), Qin unified Lingnan, Nanhai prefecture (capital was set up at 'Panyu' where it is today) was set up. In the year of 226, in order to strengthen the rule, Sun Quan decided to divide original Jiaozhou into two parts- Jiaozhou and Guangzhou, name of Guangzhou became known since then. In 1925, four years later when the municipal council was set up in 1921, Guangzhou really means the city today.

Guangzhou has other nicknames such as 'Yangcheng' (City of Ram) and 'Suicheng' (City of Rice Spike). There is a beautiful legend which goes like that, long long ago, there were five celestials riding five rams with rice spikes in their mouths and gave the rice to the local residents, and then they left behind the five rams that afterwards turned into stones. To its memory, a special Five-Ram Sculpture was built in Yuexiu Park. Since the flowers here keep blossoming all the year round, so it is also called 'Huachang' (City of Flower). 

The city is also a source of modern Chinese revolution. In this land, so many historic events took place, which are Sanyuanli Struggle against British invaders, Huanghuagang Uprising and Guangzhou Commune Uprising. Sun Yat-sen, a revolutionary forerunner, set up Huangpu Military Academy and the political powers for three times. Mao Zedong ran the Institute of Peasant Movement to train lots of key revolutionist. Zhang Tailei, Ye Ting and Ye Jianying were leaders of the famous Guangzhou Uprising. Famous writers such as Lu Xun, Guo Moruo and Yu Dafu came here to promote advanced cultural progress.