Guang'an lies between the hills of central Sichuan and the gorges area of the east.

Its population, as of the 2020 census, was 3,254,883, of whom 976,370 lived in the built-up (or metro) area made up of two urban districts.

A 9.955 km (6.186 mi), seven-station monorail is under construction as part of the planned two line Guang'an Metro.

Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping's birthplace and former residence museum is located in Paifang village (牌坊村) in Xiexing town (协兴镇).

Guang'an also has beautiful natural scenery, including many mountains and gorges designated as parks.