Lingnan culture has a long history. In the process of its development, it constantly absorbs the culture of the Central Plains and foreign cultures, and gradually forms its own pragmatic, open, interactive and innovative characteristics. Geographically, Lingnan culture can be divided into three parts: Guangdong culture, Guangxi culture and Hainan culture, mainly belonging to Guangdong culture, Guangdong culture and Chaozhou culture, mainly Hakka culture, which is the main body of Lingnan culture. Lingnan culture has three major cultural sources: one is native culture, the other is culture south of the Central Plains, and the third is foreign culture. Lingnan culture and art are elegant and refined, with strong local characteristics. It is deeply influenced by modern Chinese culture. As the largest overseas Chinese in Guangdong, it has a long history and is deeply rooted in China culture.

The emblem of Guangzhou Asian Games, designed by designer Zhang Qiang, is designed with soft lines, forming an outline similar to the torch of Wuyang. The composition is a combination of abstraction and concreteness, which symbolizes the burning life of the Asian Games and never goes out. It not only embodies the symbol of Guangzhou city, but also expresses the melody of Guangzhou people's good wishes.

Cantonese opera is a unique traditional opera in Lingnan culture, and the Guangzhou Asian Games marks the embryonic form of Cantonese opera facial makeup. It symbolizes that the Games will welcome friends from afar with an open attitude, and expresses that the Guangzhou Asian Games is not only a grand gathering of Asian multicultural exchanges, but also a unique and wonderful Lingnan cultural activity for tourists at home and abroad.

The cultural orientation of the opening and closing ceremonies of Guangzhou Asian Games is "based on China culture, integrating Asian culture and highlighting Lingnan culture".