With a rich history of over 2,230 years, Guangzhou has been awarded State Council recognition as a National Famous Historic and Cultural City. Under the reign of Emperor Qinshihuang in 214 BC, the State of Qin conquered the region of Lingnan. The construction of Panyu Town soon followed under the order of Nanhai Governor Ren Xiao. That town, commonly referred to as Ren Xiao town, is the first origins of what would later become a prosperous grand harbor of the Maritime Silk Road and the thriving metropolis of modern-day Guangzhou.
An ancient legend tells of five celestial beings descending upon Guangzhou riding five rams of differing colors. In the mouths of the rams were sheaves of rice. It is said the celestial beings bestowed the sheaves of rice to the people of Guangzhou so that the city would be forever free from famine. A sculpture of five rams currently stands in the city's Yuexiu Park, and along with this legend has earned Guangzhou the nickname "The City of Rams".
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