Abstract
Guangdong is one of the most developed tourism provinces in China. But the development level varies from city to city. In order to disclose the regional disparity, an index System was established, and the methods of principle component analysis, hierarchical cluster were also used. It revealed that the scale of development and ability of organizing were the major factors of tourism development in Guangdong. Based on regional disparities, 21 cities of Guangdong province were divided into four groups, which were matured, market-styled, destination-styled and undeveloped region. Some suggestions were put forward accordingly.

Key words: Guangdong province; tourism; principle component analysis; hierarchical cluster; regional disparities

By Zhang Zheng-sheng, College of Geography Zhongshan University, China Zhang Duan-yang, School of Humanities and law, Northeastern University, China