Canton is the historical English name for Guangzhou, a well-known city in China and the capital of Guangdong Province in the south. Situated on the Pearl River, Guangzhou has been an important port city and a key industrial and commercial center for a long time. With a history of over 2,000 years, it is particularly important as a main stop on the Maritime Silk Road, contributing significantly to trade and cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world.