The spelling of the word "Kwangtung" is based on the Wade-Giles romanization system used for Mandarin Chinese. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /kwɑŋˈtʊŋ/. The first syllable, "kwang," is pronounced with a nasalized "a" vowel sound followed by a "w" sound and ending with a voiced velar plosive "g" sound. The second syllable, "tung," is pronounced with an unstressed "u" vowel sound, followed by a voiced alveolar plosive "t" sound and ending with a nasalized velar stop "ŋ" sound.
Kwangtung, also known as Guangdong, is a province located in the southern region of the People's Republic of China. With a population of over 113 million people, it is the most populous province in the country.
The name "Kwangtung" is derived from the Cantonese pronunciation of Guangdong, which literally means "Expanse East." The province is bordered by the South China Sea to the south and is adjacent to the provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangxi, and Hainan.
Kwangtung has a rich cultural and historical heritage and is considered one of the most developed provinces in China. It has played a significant role in China's economic growth and development due to its strategic location and robust industrial base. The province is known for its manufacturing industries, including textiles, electronics, toys, and textiles, with several major cities, including Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, and Foshan serving as important economic hubs.
Kwangtung is also renowned for its diverse cuisine, which has had a significant impact on the global perception of Chinese food. Cantonese cuisine, characterized by its delicate flavors and meticulous preparation methods, is widely recognized and enjoyed worldwide.
In addition to its economic and culinary contributions, Kwangtung also boasts picturesque landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and coastal areas. Its subtropical climate makes it an attractive tourist destination, attracting visitors with its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant cultural traditions.
The word "Kwangtung" is derived from the Cantonese pronunciation of two Chinese characters: 廣 (gwong) and 東 (dung).
The character 廣 (gwong) means "extensive" or "wide", and 東 (dung) means "east". Put together, 廣東 (gwong dung) is pronounced "guǎngdōng" in Mandarin Chinese and "gwong dung" in Cantonese.
Kwangtung is an older romanized spelling of Guangdong, which is now the official name of the province in southern China.