Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong province and the nation's southern gateway, is a metropolis with a population of more than 16 million.

The city has become an important center for shipping, logistics and trade after more than 30 years' development since China began reforms and opening-up in 1978.

To be host city of the 2017 Fortune Global Forum late next year, the city had secured 797 projects funded by Fortune Global 500 companies by June. Over the past six years, Guangzhou topped the list of China's best cities for business for five times, according to the Forbes magazine.

Guangzhou has established friendly relations with 63 cities around the world and more than 120 regional and international NGOs or friendship institutions. A total of 54 countries have set up consulates general in the city.