The origin of Chinese embroidery can be traced back over 2,000 years of history. The Beijing, Suzhou, Hunan and Guangdong schools of embroidery are the nation's top four that contribute to the fame of this specialty. Guangdong embroidery (also known as Cantonese embroidery) is a generic term for folk techniques found in Guangzhou and neighboring Nanhai, Panyu and Shunde. "All birds paying homage to the phoenix" and the double-faced "Golden Fish" are typical of Guangdong Embroidery.

Guangdong embroidery is famous for its rich content, bright colors, vivid patterns, clear threads, and delicate stitches, and use on garments, articles for everyday use, ornaments, pictures, and costumes. Major professional makers of Guangdong embroidery include Guangzhou Embroidery Products Factory, Zhonghua Costume Craft Factory, and Guangzhou Machine Embroidering Factory.

Guangdong embroidery falls into four categories: floss embroidery, gold and silver thread embroidery (also known as Panjin embroidery and Dingjin), pearl embroidery, and machine embroidery. Its varieties have increased steadily in recent years yet, for example, there are no needle embroidery, brocade embroidery, machine embroidery, embroidered clothes, silk embroidery, pearl embroidery, and hand-woven embroidery categories included in the styles produced by Guangzhou houses. Pearl-embroidered footwear and evening wear are immensely popular in the international market, enjoying brisk sales in more than 50 countries and regions including Europe, the United States, Australia, and Asia.