From Ancient Panyu to China's Oldest Active Port
Guangzhou's roots trace back to the city of "Panyu," founded by general Zhao Tuo in 214 BCE. It emerged as a major starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, and is credited with the title of "the world's oldest continuously active port."
Arab and Persian Merchants and Huaisheng Mosque
As the Maritime Silk Road flourished under the Tang dynasty, large numbers of Arab and Persian merchants flocked to Guangzhou. Huaisheng Mosque stands as one of the oldest mosques in the world according to the traditional account, which attributes its founding to Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, may God be pleased with him.
The Canton System.. Monopoly on Foreign Trade under the Qing
In 1757 CE, the Qing dynasty imposed the "Canton System," which restricted China's foreign trade to the port of Guangzhou alone. This monopoly lasted until the First Opium War, ending with the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842.
Modern Guangzhou.. from Industrialization to the Canton Fair
The Canton Fair launched in 1957, and today has grown into China's largest trade fair, with Guangzhou reclaiming its role as a major gateway for trade with the Arab world.