Dongguan is a modern manufacturing city. It has been considered as such for the past 21 years, and for 1251 years before that it was considered a town. Originally though, Dongguan was founded during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (331 AD) as a county named Bao’an. It was only during the 7th century, Tang Dynasty rule, that it was renamed to its present name. The word ‘Dongguan’ originates from the abundance of Tabernaemontanus Bulrush (Guan) and from being located in the east (Dong) of Guangzhou.

Historically, Dongguan is attributed with having given birth to the culture of southern Guangdong province, being it an essential cradle for all southern Chinese culture. Much of the region’s advances, history and natural heritage are in evidence today. For instance, Dongguan’s insatiable economic drive spanning from the start of the 19th century till today is known by many. However, Dongguan is perhaps best known historically for its contributions to the Opium Wars.

The settlement’s early and middle ages were quite uneventful, but once the 1840’s arrived, Dongguan’s path changed. Turbulent times arouse when the burning of opium took place in Humen Town. The Opium War. This event led to the opening of a new chapter in modern Chinese history. The Opium War Museum, the Shajiao Emplacement and the Weiyuan Emplacement serve as reminders of this period. They are located on the site of the original ancient battlefield, today’s most complete and well-preserved battle site.

Other important relics of Dongguan’s past are the massive Humen Bridge, the Humen Naval Battle Museum which investigates and exhibits naval combat during the Opium War, and the former residence of Jiang Guangnai, a respected general that was once bodyguard to Sun Yat-sen.

In more recent times, Dongguan, like other prominent Chinese cities, has seen huge growth under national reforms and the economic opening of China, with rapid development in both industry and commerce. The region distinguishes itself from the rest by its clothing and textile industries, having some of the world’s largest clothing factories and comprehensive shopping complexes.