With the song of a phoenix Lingnan rings,Over the Pearl River and the White-Cloud Mountains.A tuneful melody the phoenix plays,While winging its way in winds and rains.
Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS/Guangwai), founded on the basis of Guangzhou Institute of Foreign Languages (GIFL) and Guangzhou Institute of Foreign Trade (GIFT) in May, 1995, is a key provincial university with distinctive international characteristics and a pivotal base of international talent cultivation and of research on foreign languages and cultures, international trade, international strategies, and international rule of law in South China. GIFL, established in November, 1964 and starting its admission in July, 1965, was one of the 36 universities under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Education. GIFT, established in December, 1980, was under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (now the Ministry of Commerce).
Since its founding, GDUFS has adopted the socialist orientation to higher education, implemented the educational guidelines of the Party and the state, and met the needs of social development and higher education update. Based in Guangdong endowed with a wealth of talent and fantastic landscapes, and rooted in Lingnan culture underlining pragmatic and enterprising attitudes, GDUFS has unswervingly pursued innovation, accelerated disciplinary construction, improved the quality of teaching and scientific research, and built capacity for social service. On different campuses down the ages, GDUFS has made unique contribution to China’s foreign affairs, international trade, and international cultural exchange.