Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, A Front Runner in Economi Growth

Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, is the largest metropolis in South China, and more importantly, a key city in China's foreign trade and cultural exchanges.

Twenty years of reform and opening up has elevated Guangzhou to third place among the 10 largest Chinese cities, next only to Shanghai and Beijing. A member of the World Association of Metropolises, Guangzhou is moving ahead with an ever changing face.

The rise of Shenzhen has created a legend of the 1980s. In 1980, Shenzhen became China's first Special Economic Zone and in 10 years' time, this small town grew into one of the most developed cities in the country and a window of modern China. Tourism in Shenzhen grew from nothing to a shocking model complete with varied attractions.

Zhuhai, bordering Macau, is a newly-emerged sea- side garden city. Since becoming a Special Economic Zone in 1980, it has changed from a former fishing village to a modern city. During modernisation, Zhuhai has preserved and improved the beauty of its environment, thus winning a United Nations prize for the best urban environment.

A number of cities have unmistakably put themselves on the tourist map. Guangzhou Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Zhaoqing have even won awards issued to "China's Out- standing Tourist Cities".

1. In urban planning and modernisation, the protection and improvement of the environment is a key issue. Zhongshan City has been awarded by the United Nations for the best human environment.

2. The Nuclear Power Station at Daya Bay is China's first electricity generator operated with nuclear power.

3. Old enterprises are transforming themselves to keep up with the pace of modern industry. This is the Guangzhou Petro-Chemical Works.

4. Speedy progress of an agriculture characterised by high quality, high yield and high efficiency has allowed production bases of various quality produce to mushroom.

5. The development of real estate has been most visible and cities change their outlook almost everyday. (Ersha Island in Guangzhou)

6. Guangdong is a spring board for foreign investment in China. Large numbers of foreign funded industrial and commercial enterprises have been established here.

1 Securities, financial and futures markets have become integral to business. Shenzhen plays a crucial and critical role in China's economy. (Large photo: Shenzhen Stock Exchange Centre/ Small: A Guangzhou futures market)

2. Large-scale, well designed and scientifically managed garden like residential areas have sprung up in the suburbs of cities on the Pearl River Delta.

3. The increasingly affluent urban population enjoys a wide variety of night life. (Shenzhen)

4.Many cities have built commercial pedestrian-only streets. (The Shangxiajiu Commercial Street in Guangzhou)

5. Many new shopping centres have been built to meet the demand of today's consumer. Cities on the Pearl River Delta have become shopping havens for visitors. (Guangzhou's Liwan Square)