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Guangzhou is the capital city of Guangdong province, located in the south of China. It's one of the most ancient and populous cities in the world and is a vibrant, cosmopolitan hub. It is the country’s economic, transportation, and cultural centre in the south. Since ancient times, Guangzhou has been influencing other cities around the world. It is famous for its blend of striking skyscrapers and ancient structures that stand side by side to highlight its rich history. Some of its famous landmarks include the amazing Canton Tower, Baiyun Mountain, Pearl River, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.
According to the census conducted in 2010, Guangzhou had a population of 12,701,920. Guangzhou is known for its diversity, with a large number of migrant workers from different parts of China. The religious beliefs in Guangzhou are diverse, with most people identifying themselves as Buddhist, Taoist, and Christian. According to the data collected, 43.7% people in Guangzhou identified themselves as non-religious, 20.8% as Buddhist, 13.6% as Taoist, 0.9% as Christian and 0.2% follow Islam. As one of the most diverse cities in China, Guangzhou houses over 14 million residents, who collectively speak numerous dialects, including Cantonese, Mandarin, Hakka, and of course Standard Chinese. The city of Guangzhou is divided into 11 districts. Each of these districts has a distinct character and offers a unique glimpse into the city's past and present.
The administration of Guangzhou is structured in two tiers, citywide and local. Citywide governance is managed by the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government, while local administration is carried out by district-level People's Governments. The Guangzhou Municipal People's Government consists of the Mayor, who has executive powers, and the Guangzhou Municipal People's Congress, the legislative branch. The Mayor's office is responsible for urban planning, public transportation, sanitation, and economic development. On the other hand, the district-level governments are responsible for local services such as education, healthcare, local roads, and public safety.
Guangzhou has always been a commercial city and is one of the most significant economic hubs in China. The city is a major manufacturing and transportation hub and has a GDP of over 2.15 trillion CNY, which is about 20 percent of the Guangdong province’s total GDP. The size of its economy is larger than that of several Asian nations. The Port of Guangzhou is the largest comprehensive hub port in South China, handling over 590 million tons of cargo every year.
Guangzhou is known for its excellent infrastructure, with its comprehensive transportation network consisting of roads, subways, buses, ports, and airports. The Guangzhou government has made significant investments in infrastructure development, including the construction of the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, and the Guangzhou South Railway Station, one of the largest railway stations in Asia. The city also boasts an extensive subway system, with 14 lines in operation. Moreover, the city has a well-developed digital infrastructure, with a strong focus on promoting the digital economy.