Abstract: In 2022, the Pearl River Basin underwent extensive, severe and protracted rainstorms and floods. This study investigates the causes of this event, compares it with historical floods, and exemplifies the patterns of rainstorms and floods in the Pearl River Basin. To this end this study first presents the meteorological context and precipitation events leading to the flood. It then examines the flooding process, flood composition, the impact of water conservancy projects and comparisons with past rainstorms and floods. The results reveal that cumulative rainfall in the Pearl River Basin from late May to early July in 2022 was 50% higher than a normal year, with the Beijiang and Hanjiang River Basins experiencing the highest levels since 1961. The Pearl River Basin endured two major floods and eight numbered floods due to persistent heavy rainfall, with the Beijiang River encountering the largest flood since 1915. Flood composition analysis using national flood forecasting system of China shows that the primary inflow for the Xijiang River originates from the Hongshui River, Liujiang River, Yujiang River and Guijiang Rivers, with different flood volume proportions for each flood. The Beijiang River’s primary flood comes from the Lianjiang River, followed by the interval flow, while the Hanjiang River’s main flood arises from the Meijiang and Ting Rivers. In comparison with the 2005 and 2008 rainstorms and floods, the 2022 rainstorm duration was longer and had more floods. Moreover, the flood magnitude of the Beijiang River in 2022 was a heavy flood, which was more severe than that in 2005 and 2008, while the flood magnitude of the Xijiang River was less severe. The coordinated operation of flood control projects in the basin achieved significant flood control benefits, during this flooding process, preventing the simultaneous occurrence of severe floods in the Xijiang and Beijiang Rivers, and effectively ensuring the flood control safety in crucial areas.