There are at least 11 speculations on the etymology of the name. Established in the Qin Dynasty in 214 BC, Panyu is one of the oldest cities in China. It became the capital of Nanyue in 204 BC. The archaeological evidence states that it was a burgeoning commercial center: among the present material object remnants there are those of Southeast Asian, Indian and even African origin.
As of April 28, 2005, the new district of Nansha was established out of parts of Panyu
