The congress was hosted by Chen Duxiu, with participation from Li Dazhao, Zhang Guotao, Tan Pingshan, Cai Hesen, Chen Tanqiu, Luo Zhanglong, and Henk Sneevliet (representing the Comintern).

Sneevilet briefed congress regarding the inquiries by the Comintern related to the cooperation between the CCP and Kuomintang.

[1] In early-June 1923, Mao Zedong, along with Zhu Shaolian, represented the party division at Zhengxiang and left Shanghai for Guangzhou to attend the event.

Congress was dismissed when representatives sang The Internationale at the Martyr's Tomb of the Huanghuagang Park.

After congress ended, Mao, Chen, Li and Xiang Jingyu remained at Guangzhou.