Located in the northwest of Dongguan, Guancheng has a history of over 1,700 years since its establishment in the second year early in the Tang Dynasty. Guancheng was called “Daoyong” in ancient times, meaning “the port where the Dongjiang River flows”. It covers 13.5 square kilometers, and with a registered population of 152,000 and a temporary population of 98,000. Serving as the political, economic and cultural center of Dongguan, various resources such as talent, capital and information are gathered here. In recent years, Guancheng has focused on developing industry and commerce, education, cultural and management facilities.
There are a number of famous schools in Guancheng, which include Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan Middle School and Guancheng Central Elementary. Moreover, (there are 3 first class provincial schools, 1 regional kindergarten and 18 private kindergartens in Guancheng.)
Guancheng has established the Cultural Weekends Project, aiming to develop Dongguan into a new cultural city. For over 6 years, Cultural Weekends have become a model for the cultural development in Guancheng. The project includes performances, newspaper, magazine, youth choir, training centers, 100 caravans, a seminar, a cultural center and a club. The project was awarded the “Third Innovation Award” from the Ministry of Culture for its concept, content and operation model. The constantly emerging cultural initiatives have given birth to more and more classical cultural brands and events in Guancheng. Promotion of mass culture and arts has also built several cultural brands in Guancheng, such as “The Phoenix Call” in the Cultural Plaza, “The Charm of the Night” and “Stone Museum” at the East Gate Plaza.