Durban, or Part Natal in former times, is the largest city and a major seaport in South Africa Natal Province. Built in 1835, it was announced as a city in 1935. Close to the Indian Ocean Natal Bay, Durban faces south to bluff hills and extends to the northern part of the plateau over Tim, the river. The executive authorities and the business districts are concentrated on the flat. At present, the Durban covers a total area of 1,366 square kilometers with 3.6 million total population of urban areas and satellite town. It is the second largest urban area in South Africa and has become the one of the world’s fastest-growing regions. Durban enjoys a tropical climate, and there are University of Westville, Natal University and several museums in the city. Durban seaport was established in 1855 and has now become the African continent's busiest port as well as the world's No. 9 largest one, with 57 berths, 14 cargo distribution centers, 21 kilometer-long coast and 892 hectares water surface. In recent years, Asian takes up the largest proportion in the aggregate amount of import and export from Durban seaport. In 1996, the amount of import and export from or to Asian through Durban seaport occupied separately 38.3% and 37.9% of the total volume of Durban seaport.

After World War I, Durban changed from a Victorian town to a modern metropolis. Durban's economic strength, developed transport infrastructure and hotel facilities provide an ideal place for work, rest and entertainment to the local, domestic and foreign people. Durban attaches great importance to developing business, which rely on the organization of international meetings and tourisms. Durban is now making strides to become an international and local conference center, especially after August, 1997 when the world-class international conference center was established and a series of major international conferences and exhibitions have been successfully held. So far, this center has received more than 50 significant international meetings that would be held before 2008.

In addition, the tourism industry, which emphasis on cultural heritage, accounted for an important position in the city. Durban people enjoy a rich and colorful life. Food, music, crafts and construction and other aspects of the culture are all full of cultural colors. Durban is a city of cultural diversity.

In July, 2000, Durban and Guangzhou Municipality became sister cities.
 

【Development History】

In July， Mr. Lin Shushen, Mayor of Guangzhou, led a delegation to Durban to sign the agreement to establish two cities’ sister city relationship
In the year of 2001
In March, Zulu King of South Africa led a delegation to Guangzhou and was welcomed by Secretary General Huang Huahua and Mr. Lin Shushen, Mayor of Guangzhou.

In October, Mr. Obeid Rabah, Mayor of Durban, led a government delegation attended the opening ceremony of the 4th China International Garden &Flower Expo. Mr. Lin Shushen, Mayor of Guangzhou, met with the delegation.

【Development History】

In the year of 2003
In September, Mr. Su Jizhong, Deputy Director of Guangzhou People's Congress Standing Committee led a delegation to Durban and participated the Durban Day activities.

In the year of 2008 
During July 6 and 12, Guangzhou Football Team for Kids attended the U-15 International Youth Football Competition held in Durban and ranked the fifth in the competition.