First tier city

In 2017, Guangzhou was first shortlisted to become a ‘world city’ by Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) Research Network, following Beijing and Shanghai.

In 2018, it was listed as an ‘Alpha’ world city, ranking 27th among the world's first tier cities.

A host of big name events

[Photo: Nanfang Daily]

In December 2017, the Fortune Global Forum was first held in Guangzhou, attended by 152 top 500 companies and over 1,000 representatives from all walks of life. The number of top 500 companies and CEOs reached the highest level recorded in recent years.

[Photo: Nanfang Daily]

In October 2019, the Understanding China Conference opened in Guangzhou. Nearly 200 political, business and academic leaders and representatives of outstanding international organizations gathered here to listen to China's voice and Guangzhou's story.

5G

[Photo: Nanfang Daily]

In November 2019, 5G officially launched in Guangzhou. Users can now access 5G network with 5G mobile phone, with a maximum speed of up to 800Mbps, about 20 times the current average speed of 4G network.

Digitalised Transport Card

[Photo: Nanfang Daily]

In 2017, forgetting or losing your Yangchengtong travel card was a commonplace annoyance.

[Photo: Nanfang Daily]

In 2019, Guangzhou people can simply use an app on their mobile phone to take the busier metro.

Metro

[Photo: Nanfang Daily]

In December 2017, four new Metro lines opened in Guangzhou, such as the South extension of line 4, the 1st phase of line 9, and the Knowledge city branch of line 14. Guangzhou Metro’s total mileage amounted to 400 km.

In 2019, the north extension project of line 8, from Fenghuang new village to Cultural Park, and the section Yuan village to Zhenlong west of line 21 are under planning. By then, the operational mileage of Guangzhou urban rail transit will exceed 500km.

Check-in to trending spots

[Photo: Nanfang Daily]

In 2018, Yong Qing Fang, "the most beautiful old street in Guangzhou", became a new hot spot for so-called ‘cultural tourism’ inGuangzhou’s historical districts.

In 2019, Redtory, a Cultural Landmark of this city, announced its closure. In the future, there will be a park and museum themed on industrial heritage in the area. 54 historical buildings will be repaired and put to proper use.

Easier access to Conghua, the northernmost district of Guangzhou

In 2017, people could only travel there by bus, likely experiencing severe traffic jams on the way.

In 2019, with the opening of the 1st phase of line 14 at the end of 2018, citizens can finally take the metro to Conghua!

Author：Hannah

Editor：Simon