The school was founded by Gao Jianfu at the command of the Guangzhou Municipal Government, and in early 1947, it was established in Yuexiu Mountain Zhenhai Building and later moved to Haizhu North Road.

There is a total student population of more than 7,600 and consists of The academy consists of Changgang Campus and University Town Campus and occupies an area of 564 mu (92.9 acres) and the floor space totals 362,500 square meters.

The librarian swapped the landscapes and calligraphies of 17th and 20th-century Chinese artists, namely Zhang Daqian, Qi Baishi, and Zhu Da, with his own forgeries.

He chose the easier works of art that were capable of being forged over a weekend and avoided the well-known pieces.

China Guardian and Zhejiang Yitong, both auction houses, were mentioned in court as having played a role in the selling of the artwork though none were accused of wrongdoing.