Guangzhou: China’s Strategic Southern Gate with a Global Outlook for Innovation

Guangzhou, situated in the southern part of China, boasts a captivating history that spans more than 2,200 years, tracing its origins back to the Qin Dynasty (Kerr, A short history of China, Oldcastle Books, Harpenden, 2013). This historical significance has shaped the city’s identity and contributed to its multifaceted character. As a key port for international trade, Guangzhou has been a hub of commerce, attracting merchants from distant corners of the world (Szto, China. International Journal of Social Welfare 16:55–64, 2007; Kielman, Sonic mobilities: producing worlds in Southern China, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2022). Its cosmopolitan nature reflects the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas that have occurred within its lively streets. From ancient times, Guangzhou’s strategic location along the Pearl River Delta has facilitated trade routes and positioned it as a gateway to the global marketplace (Zhang, Megaregions, Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham, 2015; Li et al., Res Transp Econ 94, 2022). Today, as the capital of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou plays a crucial role in China’s economic landscape. Its bustling markets, iconic landmarks, and dynamic atmosphere make it a vibrant center for business, culture, and innovation (Huang 2006). The future of history: cultural heritage tourism in Guangdong (Doctoral dissertation, Auckland University of Technology).; Chen et al., China. Cities 102, 2020).