Marcello Lippi's side – who are seeking a fourth successive Chinese Super League crown – were the highlight in a disappointing week for Chinese clubs in Asian football.
Evergrande, who are also trying to defend the Champions League, topped Group G, despite a nervy campaign to date with a 2-1 win over Yokohama F. Marinos of Japan on Tuesday.
Two wins, two defeats and a draw from their first five group matches did not fill Lippi with confidence, but his players produced when it mattered most, as a first-half double from Brazilian Elkeson saw them finish two points ahead of K-League outfit Jeonbuk Motors.
Elimination was a very real prospect for Evergrande heading into the final match, but with their progression now secure, Lippi's men can turn their attention back to league matters.
And they visit a Liaoning side who are hovering just one point above the relegation zone, with six wins in seven enough for Guangzhou to top the table – two points ahead of Shandong Luneng.
The third-placed Beijing Guoan lost 2-1 to FC Seoul of Korea to also bow out of the Champions League, but should recover with a trip to rock-bottom Harbin Yiteng – yet to register a point this term - ahead on Sunday.
Guizhou Renhe coach Lei Gong will need to boost his side's morale after they were hammered 5-0 by Australia's Western Sydney Wanderers to prop up the rest of Group H.
