Pearl River Delta, River delta in Guangdong, China
The Pearl River Delta is a river delta and free economic zone in Guangdong province, southern China, covering a wide network of waterways. The region connects several major cities through canals, river branches and shallow bays that flow from the river into the South China Sea.
Before 1980, the region was mostly agricultural, with rice paddies and small fishing villages along the waterways. The designation as a Special Economic Zone changed the landscape fundamentally, turning rural areas into industrial centers and densely populated cities.
The name comes from the river that divides into several branches, forming a pattern that resembles a pearl necklace. Along the banks, residential neighborhoods, warehouses and small workshops alternate, while cargo ships pass alongside traditional fishing boats on the water.
The area is best explored by trains that run between the cities, stopping regularly at most major stations. Visitors who want to see the water itself can find public promenades and parks along several banks, with views of the canals and passing ships.
The region produces a major portion of Chinese exports, even though it occupies only a small fraction of the country geographically. This economic concentration is visible in the many container terminals and industrial facilities along the banks.
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