Elkeson put Guangzhou in front from the penalty spot before Fabio Cannavaro’s side were reduced to 10-men when defender Zhang Linpeng was sent off in the 37th minute.
Italian forward Eder equalised before former Barcelona midfielder Paulinho pounced on an error from Jiangsu goalkeeper Gu Chao to net his fourth goal of the season and ensure Guangzhou maintained their grip on top spot in Group A.
In other sixth-round games, former Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini converted a late penalty to guide Shandong Luneng to a 2-1 victory over Henan Jianye for their third straight win.
Henrique Dourado cancelled out Moises’ opener. Shandong were awarded another penalty seven minutes from time and Fellaini made no mistake.
Shenzhen FC snapped a four-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over Rafa Benitez’s Dalian Pro.