Guangzhou (Postal map spelling: Canton; Chinese: 广州; Mandarin pronunciation: [kwɑ̀ŋʈʂóʊ̯]; Cantonese pronunciation: [kʷɔ̌ːŋtsɐ̂u]; also spelt as Kwangchow is the capital and largest city of the Guangdong province, People's Republic of China. Located on the Pearl River, about 120 km (75 mi) north-northwest of Hong Kong and north-northeast of Macau, Guangzhou is a key national transportation hub and trading port. One of the five National Central Cities,it holds sub-provincial administrative status.