Shisanxing [Sh í s ã nh á ng] historical place name.Located in the north of Shamian and Cultural Park, Liwan District, Guangzhou.In the 25th year of the Kangxi Reign of the Qing Dynasty (1686), a foreign goods store, also known as the Thirteen Trades, was opened near the southwest river of Guangzhou City.According to Tan Yuanheng's Historical Manuscript of the Thirteen Elements, "the Thirteen Elements in Guangzhou come down in one continuous line with the 'function' of the earlier Yuegang".The author believes that the word "thirteen elements" originated from Yuegang in the Ming Dynasty, covering 13 industries such as jewelry, cotton cloth, porcelain, silk, hoop (bean cake), casting tripod, sugar, silk thread, fish, paper, tea and shipbuilding."Thirteen Elements" is specifically called an industry and a function, that is, the unique mechanism and business of foreign trade in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Its meaning transcends the domain name, the number of commercial buildings, the name of the capital group and the name of the system, but it is the name of history and the continuation of tradition.[13]Thirteen are special indexes, not really thirteen firms.In the Qing Dynasty, the 13th Street and the foreign firms and commercial museum area in the south of the street have been formed.The 22nd year of Qianlong's reign (1757) - Qing Dynastybrilliance of virtueIn the 22nd year (1842), Guangdong Customs became the only port officially allowed by the Qing government to trade with the Western countries (today's Europe and the United States).In addition to the European Industrial Revolution that began in the 1860s, the Thirteenth Row region became the center of economic and cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries at that time, and maritime trade enjoyed unprecedented prosperity.In 1840, the emerging capitalist Britain launched the Opium War against China, forcing the Qing government to open five ports at sea for trade in 1842.In 1856, Britain and France launched the second Opium War against China, forcing the Qing government to sign the Guangzhou Shamian Lease in 1861.Since then, foreign businessmen have settled in Shamian, ending the flourishing history of foreign trade in the Shisanhang area.The original thirteen line area has been changed into Lingnan Cultural Relics Palace and Guangzhou Cultural Park.In 2016, the Shisanhang Museum was officially unveiled in Guangzhou Cultural Park.The Thirteen Row Street and Thirteen Row Road witnessed the historical changes.[11]
In January 2023, it was selected into the Guangzhou Toponymy Protection Directory (the first batch).[12]
Historically, China's foreign trade has been open and closed.clearKangxi heydayContinue the opening policy since Longqing of the Ming Dynasty, and implement the policy of opening up the sea to commerce.In 1685, with the increasingly frequent international business exchanges,Chinese historyThe earliest officialForeign tradeThe group - Guangzhou Thirteen Tour came into being.It isQing governmentEstablished onGuangzhou PortFranchiseImport and export tradeOur foreign goods firm is a semi official and semi commercial foreign trademonopoly organization。The Qing government stipulated that foreign goods dealers must be "wealthy and rich" to ensureYanghangBusiness details and reputation of foreign trade.
In the early years of the Qing Dynasty, the Thirteen Elements in Guangzhou were actuallySouth FujianBusinessmen dominated foreign trade, among which the most outstanding Wu and Pan families later became naturalized in Guangdong.During the period of the Thirteen Elements, there was also a saying of "Fu Chao Xing"Macao）FujianChaozhouBusinessmen are grouped together.The Thirteen Elements Merchants andareas north and south of the Huai RiverTogether with salt merchants and Shanxi and Shaanxi merchants, they were called the three major merchant groups in China in the Qing Dynasty, and were the richest merchant group in China before modern times[2]。
In 1757, the Emperor Qianlong announced to cancel the original coastal customs, leaving only GuangdongGuangdong CustomsOne port is open to foreign trade.As the Chinese and foreign trading place under the Yuehai Pass, Guangzhou Shisanhang became the only legal special foreign trade zone of the Qing Empire, where all the trade between China and the world gathered. Until the Opium War, this foreign goods firm had monopolized China's foreign trade for 85 years.[2]
foreign tradeAfter locking a Guangdong customs port, Guangzhou portforeign shipGathering, merchants and envoys kept coming and going.Merchant ships from various countries berth in May and June every yearGuangzhou Port, bringing handicrafts, local specialties and industrial products from other placesCommercial HallAfter the unloading transaction, with the luxury of Chinese silk, the elegance of porcelain and the fragrance of tea, we returned in September.This is the scene of China's foreign trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, and it is also held in Guangzhou every year today“China Import and Export Commodities Fair”Rudiment of[2]。One port tradeAfter that, after 13 linesTrade volumeRapid growth.
According to the Qing Palace archives, in 1754, 27 foreign ships arrived at the port, with only 520000 taels of tax and silver.In 1790, there were 83 foreign ships and 1.1 million taels of tax and silver.Before the Opium War, there were as many as 200 foreign ships a year, and the tax and silver exceeded 1.8 million taels[2]。"Foreign ships are berthed, merchants gather, and people are rich", which is the view of the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty in Guangzhou.Before modern times, this place was far away from the imperial capitalCommercial port, with its unique businessCultural details, andthe Forbidden CityThe royal life in Zhuhai has forged an indissoluble bond, known as "Jinshan Zhuhai, the Son of Heaven Nanku".[1]
Guangzhou Shisanhang, founded in the prosperous Kangxi era, was a professional firm licensed by the Qing government for foreign trade.In 1757, with the promulgation of the imperial edict that Emperor Qianlong only left Guangdong Customs for foreign trade, the foreign trade of the Qing Dynasty was locked in the Thirteen Branches of Guangzhou.be locatedPearl RiverAt the nearby Chinese and foreign trading places, foreign ships gathered at the Thirteen Row Port, almost all of themAsia、Europe、AmericaMain points ofcountries and regions Both of them had direct trade relations with the Thirteen Branches.It has access to EuropeLatin America、South Asia, Toyo andOceaniaThe global trade route of the Qing governmentClosed door policyThe only survivorMaritime Silk Road。For the court, there was a rich "Emperor Nanku" at the southern end of the Chinese mainland.
The number of foreign ships arriving at Hong Kong has a direct impact on the tax revenue of Guangdong Customs, and customs trade tax has always been a considerable source of revenue for the Qing Dynasty.To this end,Emperor QingAsk about the number of foreign ships every year to understandImport and export goodsVarieties and trade taxes.Presented by Guangdong officials over the yearsMemorialFrom the list, we can see that the silver tax paid by the 13th line in the year exceeded one million yuan, and some of it was used as the royal expenditure, which was transported to the palace through the Guangdong Customs. The royal expenditure was about 600000 taels of silver every year.For GuangzhouTraderBefore formulating the policy of "one port for trade",QianlongThe emperor tried to increase the customs duties of Zhejiang to force foreign ships to concentrate in Guangzhou trade.He said, "If more people come to Zhejiang, Guangdong willForeign merchantsLose. "However, this strategy did not stop the ocean going northward.As a result, Qianlong resolutely closed the customs, leaving only Guangzhou open to the outside world.The reason is not only to maintain the southeast coastal defense, but also to ensure the business of Guangzhou Yanghang.
The merchants of the Thirteen Branches rose from the monopoly of foreign trade privileges, and their economic strength made them hugeDonor。In addition to the business talents of being shrewd and wealthy, successful merchants have the means and ability to cater to the imperial court.In order to ensure the stability of foreign trade privileges, every time there is a national event, the traders will lose no time tocentral governmentDonation for service.In 1787, they collectively became TaiwanLin ShuangwenFrom 1788 to 1820, more than 3.5 million taels of silver were donated in the name of Emperor Wanshou, Gurkha's military supplies, Sichuan Shaanxi bandits suppression, Henan bandits suppression, and Yellow River workers.During this period, Guangdong merchantsPublic welfare undertakingsDonation to the government in the name of, on average, more than 100000 taels of silver every year.The merchants were also commercialized through the rank of officials at that timeDonation system, a large sum of money donated for service, which brought a lot of moneyofficial rankAnd position.The two families of Pan and Wu, the magnates of foreign firms, have donated three gradesTopwear, a rising merchant in the middle and later period of the Thirteen ElementsLiang Jingguo, was promoted by the Qing government due to many donations of books,To write a letterTongfeng Doctor（From second gradeSeal), posthumous giftDoctor Guanglu（Authentic）。As a result, they became rich and expensive officials and businessmen with access to the imperial court.[1]
Westerners hurry to Beijing
Kangxi, Yongzheng, QianlongJiaqing、brilliance of virtueThe emperors were always curious about western learning and foreign goods. It was during this period that the Thirteen Elements in Guangzhou became the talents needed by the court because of their special business statusTransfer stationAnd exotic foreign goods.During the Kangxi period, when foreign ships were berthedthe westPeople will be assigned to the Thirteen Trades Hallcatholic churchLearn ChineseAfter finishing the study, he will report to the emperor so that he can serve in the court in the future.Before receiving the order to enter Beijing, the Thirteen Elements were the place for them to rest and study.Located in the commercial museum area, the Shisanhang Yiguan is a place for foreigners to live and live, which corresponds to the Shisanhang Commercial Museum.Thirteen line block isindustrial artThe manufacturing paradise is also the palaceartisan Our talent base.thereInn, Workshops are scattered all over the place, and there are many skilled craftsmen.Guangdong officials, entrusted with the imperial mandate, recommended the top talents to the palace and became the main force leading the palace manufacturing industry.
KangxiDuring the period, Cheng Xianggui and Zhou Jun, two glasssmiths transported by the Thirteen Elements, brought the European ground glass technique they had mastered to the Inner CourtGlass factory, manufacturing Chinese and foreign glassTechnology convergence"After rain, the sky is clearEngravingCup covering "reached the highest level of arts and crafts at that time.In Yongzheng's reign, the emperor wanted to burn this thing again, and it was a man's death.It seems that the supreme powerProcess technologyThere is nothing we can do about it.Many excellentEnamelThe technician comes from Shisanhang Street.Guangzhou merchants once played an important role in introducing western talents to the court.In 1766, there was a French man named BaxinsurgeonI went to Guangdong with my own merchant ship, but I didn't find a way to work in Beijing, so I took the ship back to China.The governor of Guangdong and Guangxi found out that he had lived in the French Yiguan within 13 lines for many days and had not exchanged information with the merchants in the commercial hall.For this reason, the palace had to continue to wait for the arrival of Western doctors.In order to send western talents in time, the Guangzhou government has established a strict system of reporting foreigners' information at any time.Finally, the French doctor came to the Forbidden City.Therefore, for westerners who came to China, the Thirteen Elements were the bridge to the capital of the Qing Dynasty.
Guangzhou ivory carvingCraftsmen entered the court during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng.In 1729,Customs supervisionZu Binggui sent the dentist Chen Zuzhang.At that time,SuzhouToothsmiths Shi Tianzhang and others have been working in the palace for many years. After Chen Zuzhang entered the toothwork, it was not easy to show his skills under the control of the Su School toothsmiths.Manufacturing OfficeIt is recorded in the "Detailed List of Each Work" that in 1740, Chen Zuzhang's monthly salary was silver, and Shi Tianzhang, a Suzhou dentist, retired after eating the inferior money and food, indicating that Guangzhou dentists had occupied a major position in the palace.In 1741, Chen Zuzhang and his son carved out the famous masterpiece, "The Book of Enjoyments in the Moon", which describes the life of aristocratic ladies from January to December. It has a strong folk flavor andInterest in life。This oneIvory carvingIt is still preserved inBeijing Palace MuseumInside.The spread of Guangdong's woodwork throughout the country also originated from the entry of craftsmen into the court.In 1729,Guangdong Customs SupervisionRecruit Huo Wu and others from Guangzhou shop to enter the manufacturing office.At the same time, byMinistry of WorkRight valetNian XiyaoSix people including She Jiegong, a carpenter, were sent to Suzhou.Similar to Yazuo, Jiangsu and Guangdong coexist and have distinct camps.[1]
Purchase official property
Guangzhou Foreign Trade Agency delivers foreign goods to the court every year, which is called "purchasing official goods", most of which arered sandalwood, ivory, enamelSnuff, clocks, instrumentsGlassware、Gold and silver ware、Woolen goodsAnd pets, etc.According to the specific requirements of the emperor and empress, the merchants of foreign firms bought one by one according to the style issued by the imperial courtGovernor of Guangdong and Guangxi、Governor of GuangdongAnd the Guangdong Customs to supervise four times a year.Looking through the "Purchase Order" and "Tribute File" of the Qing Palace, it can be found that almost all the foreign goods enjoyed by the imperial palace were transported by Guangzhou Foreign Trade Firm after the trade was opened.During the reign of Qianlong,WarehouseEvery year, more than 1000 foreign goods are imported, and hundreds of them are presented by Guangdong officials as tribute.[1]
As the logistics center of foreign trade, the Thirteen Behaviors provided a large number of rare foreign goods for royal life.The imperial court life of the Qing Dynasty was extravagant and extravagant, and the local officials spent every New Year's Day, LongevityDuanyangEach festival should offer local products to the emperor, so as to win the favor and trust of the emperor and achieve the goal of increasing official rank. This actually became a system in the Qing Dynasty.The emperor, empress and concubineImported goodsThe desire of Guangdong Governor and Guangdong Customs to rely on the Thirteen ElementsForeign goods marketThe competition for imported goods has led to a craze for foreign goods in the palace.In particular, after Guangdong was restricted to one port for trade, the Thirteen Elements became the only place where the royal family could rely on to supply exotic tools.[1]
As the logistics center of foreign trade, the Thirteen Behaviors provided a large number of rare foreign goods for royal life.In 1729, the foreign firm was ordered to purchase 40 jin of Jianan incense, which was a rare foreign product at that time.The undertakers were all trembling. One month later, they finally bought enough.In 1765,Minister of Military AircraftAn imperial edict was sent that the Guangzhou foreign firm would serve the courtHome Affairs OfficePurchase and importred sandalwood70000 jin of wood.In 1787, the Guangdong Customs supervised Foning's domestic slaves to bring back the oracles from the capital and asked him to present some small watches with official memorials.The Guangdong Customs Supervision disclosed to the emperor thatspecial provisionFinally, the merchants are responsible for undertaking the project.The Thirteen People's Bank of Guangzhou is considered to besouth ChinaThe source of business prosperity, which brought endless enjoyment to the royal life, became the "Emperor Nanku" on which the emperor and empress depended.This is also one of the reasons why the Qing Emperor adopted the policy of closing the country to the outside world, but Guangzhou was the only one.In modern times, the national situation has declined, and the Thirteen Merchants Hall has experienced prosperity and vicissitudes.The Opium War, triggered by the Sino British trade conflict, ended with China's defeat.In 1842, the Qing government was forced to sign an unequal《Treaty of Nanjing》, which stipulates that British businessmen can go to five coastal ports in Chinafree tradeAnd abolish the privilege of Guangzhou merchants to monopolize foreign trade.In 1856, the 170 year old commercial hall was burned to ashes, and the Thirteen Halls of Guangzhou disappeared from the commercial stage, and its brilliance in foreign trade became history.[2]
Detailed Introduction of the Thirteen Elements
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Since the Tang Dynasty,GuangzhouHas always been the most importantcommercial portIn the period from the late seventeenth century to the middle of the nineteenth century, the Thirteenth Row of Guangzhou was also a special organization in China's foreign trade.The Thirteen Merchants Hall is concentrated in the southwest corner of Guangzhou suburb, close to the Pearl River, where is a busyWater wharf。In 1684, the Guangdong government recruited 13 powerful traders, appointed them to do business with foreign businessmen on foreign ships and collect customs duties on behalf of the customs.In 1757, the Qing Dynasty implemented the policy of closing the door to the outside world, and only Guangzhou was retained as a foreign trade port, while the Thirteen Branches was the only legal foreign trade channel in China at that time. Its real name was“Overseas travel”。Later, the number of merchants varied from four to more than twenty, but the "thirteen elements" has always been the agreed title of this merchant team.In the 22nd year of Qianlong's reign (1757), Qianlong ordered "one port for trade", and only one of the four customs offices was left in Guangdong.In the following 100 years, the Thirteen Elements provided 40% of the tariff revenue to the Qing government.
In 1760 (the 25th year of Qianlong's reign), nine foreign businessmen, including Pan Zhencheng, applied to Guangdong Customs for establishmentCohong , the bank has the function of being both official and commercial.In 1770, the public bank was abolished, and all businesses were operated separately.Until 1782Public institutionIt was finally established.The official bank had the obligation to the government to underwrite and pay taxes and rates on foreign ships, regulate etiquette, convey government decrees, deliver foreign official documents on behalf of foreign businessmen, and manage foreign merchant ship personnel, and played the role of intermediary in the negotiations between the Qing government and foreign businessmen.On the other hand, it enjoys the privilege of foreign trade, through which all imports and exports are traded.It started as a dentist, and laterProprietary trading。
When the Thirteen Branch of Foreign Goods was founded, the Guangdong government stipulated that it was engaged in importing foreign goods and exporting local goods (including Guangzhou goods and Hainan goods)Intermediary tradeFirm.The trade objects originally designated to be operated by the Thirteen Branches of Foreign Goods actually include foreign countries, Hong Kong and Hainan.
In order to rectify the foreign bank system and further strengthen theDirect managementIn the 10th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign, the Qing government selected five merchants from more than 20 merchants in Guangzhou asUnderwriterAnd establish a merchant insurance system.The responsibility of the underwriters is to underwrite foreign merchant ships' trade and tax payment in Guangzhou, underwrite imported foreign goods, purchase export silk tea, provide warehouses and housing for foreign businessmen, and hire trade workers.The insurer has the priority right to the insured foreign merchant shipping goods, and must advance the payment in advance when other dealers who distribute the goods cannot pay the import cargo tax.All foreign businessmen who have submitted reports to the government shall be ordered to send them on their behalf and be responsible for restraining foreign businessmenWrongful act。
operating mechanism
The Thirteenth Bank of Guangzhou receivedGuangdong CustomsJurisdictionoperating mechanismSuch as the contractor system, the merchant guarantee system, the general merchant system, the contractor system, and the official bank system, in essence, were the ways that the Qing government ensured the realization of controlling foreigners with commerce and ensuring tax revenue.
The contractor system refers to the system of thirteen merchants "contracting foreign goods";The merchant insurance system stipulates that the traders should first be responsible for all the acts of foreign businessmen in China;The number of head merchants is generally one to three, which is held by the most powerful merchant among the merchants, and is responsible for leading the merchants to trade with the barbarians;The system of soliciting merchants refers to that the merchants undertake all the links of a transaction;The establishment of the public bank is to standardize the foreign trade market, grasp the bargaining power, and realize the businessMaximize benefits。[3]
Public institution
In the early Qing Dynasty, the traders in Guangzhou monopolized the whole foreign trade of Guangzhou by relying on the privileges granted by the government in their foreign trade activities, forming a "official" trade system.
Gongxing was established in the 42nd year of Kangxi.In 1703, Yi officially designated one person as the foreign trade operator.He paid 40000 liang of silver to become an official, and took over the power of foreign trade.Later, from their own interests, all businesses jointly organized to establish aguildA group is the so-called "public conduct".According to historical records, on November 26, 1720, the merchants took the oath of blood sipping and made 13 rules:
Article 1: Huayi businessmen and civilians, all of whom live on the soil of Mao, should respect and honor the emperor's benevolence,Disassembly drawingReport.
Article 2: In order to make the boundary between public and private interests clear, we have established regulations,CophaseCompliance.
Article 3: Chinese and foreign businessmen are treated equally. If foreign businessmen can buy cheap goods and sell expensive ones, they will lose money, and they are afraid of confusion. Therefore, all the businessmen and foreign businessmen gather together to negotiate the price of goods. If they act alone, they should be punished.
Article 4: When businessmen from other places or provinces come to the province to trade with foreign businessmen, the Bank shall negotiate with them to order prices so as to obtainSelling priceFair. Those who set their own prices or buy goods secretly will be fined.
Article 5: After the price of the goods is settled through negotiation, the goods should be authentic. Those who cheat foreign merchants with inferior goods should be punished.
Article 6: For the sake of preventing smugglersShip hourAll mustThose who intentionally evade or have unclear procedures shall be punished.
Article 7:handicraft industryProducts such as fans, lacquerware, embroidery, and traditional Chinese paintings can be sold by ordinary businesses at will.
Article 8: Porcelain to be specially appraised (refer toAncient porcelain）No one is allowed to sell on his own, but the seller must pay 30% of the selling price to the Bank no matter whether he wins or loses.
Article 9:Green TeaThe net amount shall be reported from the actual situation, and violators shall be punished.
Article 10: When unloading the cargo from the planing ship and signing the loading contract, the payment shall be made in advance, and then the balance shall be paid off. Violators shall be punished.
Article 11: If a barbarian ship wants to choose a merchant exclusively for trading, the merchant may bear half of the cargo of the ship, but the other half must be shared by the colleagues of the Bank. Those who monopolize the whole cargo of the ship will be punished.
Article 12: Among the traders who are most responsible for the public bank and have the largest funds, they are allowed to hold a whole share in foreign trade, the second half, and the other quarter.
Article 13: The first class, that is, those who hold a whole share, are all five;Five of the second grade;Six of the third grade;New entrants to the public sector should pay 1000 taels of silver as public expenditure funds and be included in the third tier banks.
At the beginning, the public bank had no legal common leader, and did not obtain a completely unified deployment. The organization was quite loose, and it was scattered from time to time.Until the 45th year of Qianlong's reign (1780),Governor of GuangdongLi HuWe asked you to clearly set up a scientific article, suggesting that "since this year, when foreign ships arrived, we should still listen to the foreign people who are familiar with the trip to live, but bring all things, so that their business owners can sell at the same price, and the goods they bought back home should also be bought by the business owners at the same price", that is to say, we should re-establish the business.Two years later, with the approval of the Qing government, the official business was officially resumed, which lasted until 1842《Treaty of Nanjing》It has never been dissolved before the signing.
Thirteen Elements Merchant
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Pan, Wu, Lu and Ye, the four major traders of the Thirteen Elements,Pan Youdu、Lu Guanheng、howqua Ye Shanglin is known as "the four richest people in Guangzhou", whose total family assets are more than the national treasury income at that time, which is a genuine "rich country".Ye Shanglin's ancestral home is Qianzhou, Yuzhang CityNan'an Mansion, run a righteous business.stayPantangBuilt Ye FamilyvillaGarden is the only successful retired owner of a foreign firm.The luxurious villa of the Pan family, one of the magnates of the foreign firms, was built near the Pearl River in Guangzhou. It was magnificent. Imperial envoys, governors, governors and foreign envoys often met here.The Wu Family Mansion and Panyuan are a large buildingGarden architecture, can be compared with《The Dream of Red Mansion》InGrand View GardenComparable.howqua In 1834, the assets were about 26 million taels of silver, which was called "the richest man in the world" by the westerners at that time.In the mid-19th century, in the United States, tea with the Five Family Map could sell at a high price.In 2001, the United States《Asia Wall Street Journal》Sethowqua It was rated as one of the 50 richest people in the world in the millennium.The Hall of Thirteen Merchants is also Jinshan Zhuhai, full of money.A Guangdong official told the emperor that the Chinese and foreign opium wars triggered by the sale of cigarettes in Guangdong had bypassed Guangdong and had a large number of stores in the Thirteen Merchants Hallforeign firmsOur wealth is not irrelevant.[2]Along with salt merchants from the Huaihe River and the Huaihe River and Shanxi and Shaanxi merchants, the thirteen line merchants were known as the three major merchant groups in China in the Qing Dynasty, and were the richest merchant group in China before modern times.Thirteen line merchants rose from monopoly of foreign trade privileges, and Thirteen line Street became the world's“Wall Street”Large firms have assets of tens of millions of silver taels, and a number of world-class millionaires have emerged.[2]
Guangzhou Shisanhang Merchant[10]
Merchant Classification
During the Qing Dynasty, there were more than 5000 shops in Guangzhou Shisanhang that specialized in export commodities, covering various industries such as lacquer, silver, porcelain, textile, painting, sculpture, etc.According to the business items, Guangdong merchants in the Ming and Qing Dynasties can be divided intocommercial broker, salt merchants, iron merchants, rice merchants, sugar merchants, silk merchants, ceramics merchants, tobacco merchantsPawnbroker, cloth merchants, drug dealers, among which the tooth dealer is the most famous.
The so-called dental traders originally refer to the middlemen who negotiate for the buyers and sellers in urban and rural markets and draw commissions from them, also known as dental workers.During the Ming and Qing Dynastiescommodity economyWith the further development of, the number of dentists has greatly increased, forming a specialized business called dentistry.The famous Thirteen Branches in Guangdong in the Qing Dynasty refers to the thirteen dentists who engaged in import and export trade.
From the early years of the Qing Dynasty, all foreign businessmen who came to China to trade or handle other affairs had to be licensed by the Qing government“Cohong ”The "business trip", commonly known as the "Thirteen Leagues", is located on the Thirteen Leagues Road in the southwest of Guangzhou CityLiuer 3rd Road、ShameenAdjacent.It's officially licensedMonopolyThe main function of commercial organizations is to negotiate export prices and pay taxes on behalf of Chinese and foreign businessmen.In addition to doing business, the Thirteen Branches also have to deal with foreign businessmen in China, from goods sales toDaily livingEverything must pass through the 13 lines.
The number of foreign firms is not a fixed 13. In the 38 years included in the statistics from the 59th year of Kangxi (1720) to the 19th year of Daoguang (1839), there were about 400 foreign firms. The maximum number of foreign firms was 26 in the 22nd year of Qianlong's reign (1757), and the minimum number was 4 in the 46th year of Qianlong's reign (1781). The real number of foreign firms was only 13 in the 18th year of Jiaqing's reign (1813) and the 17th year of Daoguang's reign (1837)Two years.The name of the line often changes, laterImmediateXinglong, Lianxing, Dexing, ZhengxingTongxing, YuanchangJinyuan, Yihe, Baoshun, etc.
sevenPan WentaoZhonghe Bank of China, famous businessmen and officials,
eightMazzoGoody Shun Tai Hang, a famous business official,
ninePan WenhaiHis benevolence and conduct, his business name and official position,
10. Wu Tianyuan's Tongshun, Shang Mingshuangguan
11. Fu Tai Hang of Yi Yuanchang, a businessman named Kun Guan,
12. Luo Futai's Dongchanghang, a businessman named Lin Guan,
13. An Changxing, who is bright, is a famous official.
Formation of business gang
Guangdong has superiorHuman geographical environment，Commercial agricultureIt developed vigorously. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the imperial court was open to GuangdongForeign trade policySince then, Guangdong businessmen have risen to dominate the business circles at home and abroad, forming China's "Five Major Enterprises"Merchant gang”One ofCantonese merchants。In addition, the formation of Guangdong Business Group is also related to Guangdong's long business tradition and strongCommodity consciousnessThere are close connections.Since the Qin and Han Dynasties, Guangdong has always been an important city for foreign trade.Thousands of years of commercial deposits gave birth to a strong sense of doing business in Guangdong, and promoted the development of Guangdong merchants in the Ming and Qing dynasties.During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Guangdong merchants worked hard forAncient Chinese CommerceHas made great contributions to the development of.
During the Qing Dynasty, there were more than 5000 shops specializing in export commodities in Guangzhou Shisanhang, and about 250000 craftsmen were specialized in the production and production of export handicrafts, involving various industries such as lacquer, silver, porcelain, textile, painting, sculpture, etc.Guangxiu EmbroideryyesFour Famous Embroideries in ChinaOne, originated in the Tang Dynasty, and was famous overseas in the Ming Dynasty.1600, Queen of EnglandElizabeth II like Guangdong very muchGold and silver threadEmbroidery, personally initiated the establishment of British embroidery industryGuild, according to Guang Embroidery WorkshopFormal organizationroyal familyEmbroidery Shop, imported silk and silk thread from China, and embroidered aristocratic costumes;King of Englandcharles i Further promote Guangzhou embroideryArt communicationreachBritish Isles, praised by Western scholars as "China's gift to the West".In the early Qing Dynasty, the British brought the tailored clothes to GuangzhouEmbroidery workshopIt was processed and embroidered. Some nobles even wanted to embroider their business cards, which later developed into embroideryVirgin、JesusLike kings and ministers.QianlongDuring the year, there were more than 50 embroidery workshops and workshops in Guangzhou, with more than 3000 employees.17. In the 18th century, embroidered shawls were popular among European ladies, and the sales of wide embroidered shawls increased day by day.Around 1772, the sales volume of Guangxiu shawls in Europe reached 80000, of which France accounted for a quarter.By 1776, onlyEnglandThe company alone has input 104000 entries.The Guangxiu embroidery exported through Guangzhou Customs in 1900 was worth 496750 taels of silver.[5-6]
Guangzhou satin is a kind of high grade made in GuangzhouSilk fabric。The full name of Guangcai is“Guangzhou Weaving Gold Colored Porcelain”, produced in Qing DynastyKangxiYears.In the Qing Dynasty,the westEnamelIt was introduced into China from Guangzhou.In the 16th century, a large number of lacquerware produced in Guangdong was sold to Europe, known as "Guangqi".Guangzuo refers to those produced in GuangzhouWooden furniture, also known asCantonese style furniture。Wide carvingIt refers to the products produced in GuangzhouLingnanFeatured carving handicrafts, includingIvory carving, jade carving, wood carvingOlive carving, stone carving, brick carvingBone carving、Shell carvingAmong them, the most famous ones are ivory carvings, jade carvings and wood carvings.Since the Middle Ages, fans have been regarded as an indispensable clothing ornament by women in Europe. Because of the high price, European court ladies often use a luxurious and exquisite fan as the capital to show off and compete.
In the 19th century, Jingyuan Street and Tongwen Street near the Thirteenth Line in Guangzhou had at most two or three thousand export painters.Guangzhou painters use western painting pigments and techniques to draw pictures with Chinese flavor and sell them to foreigners coming to China, including canvas oil paintings, ivory oil paintingsGlass oil painting, Tongcaopainting in water colours, PaperGouache、Line tracingwait.Since the middle of the 16th century, Chinese wallpaper has been exported from SpainNetherlandsThe thirteen line painting workshop in Guangzhou was very active in the Qing Dynasty. Its wallpaper was sold in Europe and the United States, and was very popular with the nobility.After the establishment of the 13th Guangzhou Branch,TraderThe commercial museum area has formed a "silver market" focusing on export silver, with silver shops concentrated in Tongwen Street, Jingyuan Street and Henan ProvinceFlower fieldOne Belt.In the Qing Dynasty, the Thirteen Travelers in Guangzhou became all over the countrytea merchantIn addition to Britain, Portugal, the NetherlandsRussiaBoth are big tea consumers.
In the eyes of many Westerners, China is a silk countryChina, as well as a variety of beautiful handicrafts andtraditional culture。The Thirteenth Brigade loaded these treasures on ships sailing to the West and spread the oriental civilization to the world.In the 18th and 19th centuries, Chinese silk was famous for its smooth color, lightness, elegance, and eleganceUpper class societyLuxury goods purchased at the expense of heavy money.However, the Qing government imposed export restrictions on silk, which made this commodityinternational marketMore popular on.UK, USSwedenAccording to businessmen from other countries,Europe and AmericaAll countries are "countries that are not good at weaving", and the "glory of clothing" of the nobility has always depended on ChinaSilk FabricMarket.Shisanhang used to be a distribution center for foreigners in China, and was the first foreign trade envoyTrade warehouseIt has developed into a window for cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries, and foreign businessmen have become absorbed by the Westscientific culture A pioneer of.
The foreign trade tradition formed in history has bred the merchants of foreign firms with a broader vision and broad insight. They were the first to accept the outside world from the needs of business and the times.Many traders can deal with foreign businessmen in fluent English, and Yanghang also has professionals engaged in foreign language translation.Yi pavilions in various countries have different styles in appearance, interior decoration and lifestylenational style。It is like an exposition of world business organizations, which is opposite to the Thirteen Elements Chinese Commercial Hall, forming a combination of Chinese and Westernplaces of historic figures and cultural heritage。In 1762, Emperor Qianlong chartered the foreign merchant ships of the Thirteen Trades to export 2000 jin silk goods each in order to make "people far away have money for daily use". The foreign merchants in the foreign stores could not help but "cheer and admire".In an era when the whole country was banned, the Thirteen Elements, as the starting point of the admirable "Maritime Silk Road", was undoubtedlyChinese cultureA passage to the world.
From the 18th to the early 19th century, GuangzhouHaizhu District、XiguanThere once emerged a grand and elegantPrivate garden, including Panjia GardenWujia Garden、Haishan Fairy HallMany famous gardens are called "Xingshang Garden".They are not onlyLingnan GardenThe peak work of“Chinese style”The grand occasion of the garden.Foreign businessmen often gather in the merchant's courtyard. Chinese and foreign painters meticulously depict the gardens, and issue scenic "export paintings" to the world, so that Guangdong gardens can go abroad and become famous.British architect from 1742 to 1744ChambersHe came to Guangzhou twice to inspect garden buildings.General ChambersChinese architecture The design style was brought to Europe and greatly influenced the 18th centuryWestern ArchitectureThe development of "Chinese style" has made Chinese style gardens popular in Europe for nearly a century[4]。
Integration of Chinese and Western cultures
Shisanhang used to be a distribution center for foreigners in China. Trade and trade made the original trade warehouse a window for cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries, and foreign businessmen became pioneers in absorbing western science and culture.The foreign trade tradition formed in history has bred the merchants of foreign firms with a broader vision and broad insight. They were the first to accept the outside world from the needs of business and the times.Many traders can deal with foreign businessmen in fluent English, and Yanghang also has professionals engaged in foreign language translation.
In 1772, a merchant of foreign firmsPan ZhenchengUsed for the first time when dealing with British businessmenLondonThe bill of exchange paid for the goods, which was only known at that timesilverAsMeans of paymentIt is unimaginable for Chinese businessmen.During the Opium WarGuangdong NavyEquipment, enhancingCombat capabilityForeign businessmen took the lead in donating money to introduce the Westadvanced technique, and purchase American style plywood boats, which is the first major initiative of China to purchase European and American warships.In 1842, traders sought to imitate the most advanced steamer in the world at that time.The Emperor Daoguang said in his edict: "The fire steamer made in Guangdong is also applicablemappingPresent ".[2]
With the prosperity of international trade in Guangzhou in the Qing Dynasty, foreign painters also came here to make a living, and received apprenticeships and trained the first batch of Chinese oil painters.After the 1830s, British paintersGeorge CheneryTo teach in ChinaGouacheThe techniques have greatly improved the level of "export paintings" in Guangzhou. Lin Gua is his master apprentice《Old man's head》Selected in the UKRoyal Academy of Fine ArtsThe exhibition is the first Chinese painter to appear at the European Painting Exhibition.At that time, famous export painters included Yu Gua, Lin Gua, Ting Gua, Xin Gua, etc.Qua is written in foreign language. It comes from the Portuguese word Quadro. When Europeans see the sign of qua, they know that the shop is engaged in foreign painting business.
The Thirteen Elements also created a business culture that combines Chinese and Western cultures.In order to facilitate foreign businessmen to carry out business, the merchants of foreign firms set up another business hall in the inn area for foreigners to operate and live in, known as the "Thirteen element Yiguan".Yi pavilions in various countries have different national styles in appearance, interior decoration and lifestyle.It is like an exposition of the world's business institutions. It is opposite to the Thirteen Elements Chinese Commercial Hall, forming a cultural landscape that combines Chinese and Western culture.[2]
historical event
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Anti-smoking movement
Before the Opium War, China exported silk and porcelain to Britain, France, Spain and other European countriesbalance of trade surplusStatus, the result is globalsilverThere is a continuous flow of precious metal into China, while Europe has a shortage of precious metal currency, soBritish East India CompanySmuggling opium to China for silver to reverse trade with Chinaout-off-balance。
On the 25th day of the first month of the 19th year of Daoguang era (March 10, 1839), an imperial envoyLin ZexuArrive in Guangzhou and carry out immediately and vigorouslyAnti-smoking movement 。[8]
On March 18, 1839, Lin Chuan met with the Wu family and other traders and denounced them for covering upOpium tradeTheir sins should be corrected.He also ordered Wu Shaorong to wait until the merchant's office to summon foreign opium dealers to hand over smoking utensils within three days.On the 19th, foreign cigarette traders came to the trading house and asked the Chinese government "what price will be paid for the opium to be handed in".The 21st is the last day of the payment period.Lin announced that if he did not pay his cigarettes the next day, he would punish two of the traders.[9]
In order to tide over difficulties,howqua They urged foreign businessmen to hand over a small amount of opium to deal with it.At night, he even ran to the flagmake prosperousIn the office of J. C. Green, the shareholder, asked him to promise to pay 150 boxes of opium in addition to the amount of opium he turned in, and he would pay 105000 yuan.Next, all the merchants should pay to the trade hall and discuss with the foreign businessmen the countermeasures for the tobacco payment order of Fu Lin.The merchant suggested to the foreign merchant that he should hand over 1000 cases of opium to get through the customs and said, "You will not suffer any loss, and we will pay compensation later.".The foreign businessmen adopted this suggestion.On the 22nd, Haoguan and other traders took 1037 boxes of opium to see Lin Zexu, who was severely criticized by Lin.[9]
In view of the businessmen colluding with foreign opium traffickers to play tricks, on March 22, Lin Zexu decided to subpoena the big British opium traffickersBumpy ground。On the 23rd, in order to further exert pressure, Wu Shaorong and others were removed from their posts and arrested.Take off Wu Bingjian and Mao Guan's top clothes, put on the chains, and order them to go to the Bao Shunyang Pavilion, urging them to enter the city.On the 24th, when the law of righteousness arrived in Guangzhou, Lin Zexu released Wu Shaorong and ordered him to take the message to the commercial hall. He ordered the foreign businessmen to hand over all the opium and get a reply within three days.That night, Yilv tried to run away with Diandi, and Lin immediately blocked the shop.On March 28, the Yilv told Lin Zexu that he was willing to hand over 20283 boxes of opium (costing about 6 million yuan).[9]
However, the law of the British General Trade Supervision in China did not ask British businessmen to hand over opium directly to China, but first to the law of justice, and then to the Chinese government in the name of the British General Trade Supervision in China. The law's approach is to turn the opium dispute into a problem between the Chinese and British governments, and create an excuse for the next plot to launch the war of aggression against China.From April to May, Lin Zexu destroyed all the 20000 boxes of opium confiscated in Humen.[8]
Previous fires
The Great Fire of 1822
During the more than 200 years from the formation of the Thirteen Branches in Guangzhou to their gradual demise, the Thirteen Foreign Branches in Guangzhou had many fires.The fire was raging.In 1822, a bakery near the Thirteen Elements caught fire, which affected the Thirteen Elements. The fire burned for two consecutive days, and many Yiguan and western-style shops were burned down, causing heavy losses.According to the later statistics, only 5 of the 11 foreign firms were not burned.All the goods of the foreign businessmen were burned down, and all the merchant houses and warehouses became ashes, involving more than 1000 houses and shops nearby.The second fire wasOpium WarLater, more than 100 British soldiers robbed the fruit shop opened by the Chinese before the foreign firm and cut the owner with a knife, which aroused the indignation of the people in Guangzhou.In the middle of the night, the people in Guangzhou set fire to the British Commercial Hall, and the officers and soldiers of the Qing government in Guangzhou went to fight the fire. They were blocked by the dense stones thrown by the people, making it unable to move forward.The fire lasted until the next day.
The third fire wasThe Second Opium WarDuring this period, the British troops stationed in the Thirteen Elements Area demolished a large area of residential buildings around the Thirteen Elements Area to prevent Chinese military and civilian attacks on foreign commercial buildings, leaving an open space to prevent Chinese military and civilian sneak attacks.Late at night on December 14, Guangzhou people who hated the invaders ignited the fire from the demolished shop site, and the fire spread to the Shisanhang Foreign Commercial Museum Area in Shunjian.On July 13, 1915, when Guangzhou was suffering from floods, a fire broke out in the area of the Thirteen Elements, which caused a disaster to the exclusive salekerosene, matches, etc.Oil tank explodes, oil floats on the water, and fire flows with oil.The fire is connected from head to tail on the Pearl Rivercraft It spread to Dajitou, Henan, and the two sides of the Pearl River became a sea of fire.At the same time, because the streets were several feet deep, it was difficult to rescue. The fire lasted for two days and two nights. 25 streets, large and small, became the scene of fire, burning down more than 2000 businesses and households, causing significant livesproperty loss。It is required to "rent" theShameenRebuild the new commercial museum area.
Historical site
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Nylon Guild Hall
Nylon Guild HallBuilt in the first year of Yongzheng in the Qing Dynasty (1723), it was the guild hall of the silk weaving industry in Guangzhou in the Qing Dynasty (that is, the "nylon shop"), the meeting place for the bosses of the silk weaving industry, and the only surviving guild building in Guangzhou in the Qing Dynasty.Huangpu Ancient PortIt was the foreign trade port of Guangzhou in the Qing Dynasty. Foreign merchant ships were only allowed to stop at the Whampoa berthpass checkLater, local boats pulled goods and people to the Thirteen Branches for business.On September 30, 2016, Guangzhou Shisanhang Museum was officially opened to the public. The museum is located inGuangzhou Cultural ParkExhibition Center.
Related documentaries
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Special film premiered by CCTV record channel in 2011《Imperial Firm》It shows people the "Thirteen Travels of Guangzhou" in Chinese history. This group of businessmen, which has gradually become unknown and forgotten, once operatedQing DynastyIn its heyday, the only externalTrading portIt was once very active on the stage of Chinese and Western trade. This film reproduces the process of "Guangzhou Thirteen Elements" from its peak to its decline in the middle and late Qing Dynasty.
Current situation of the Thirteen Elements
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Today's Thirteen Elements
Today's Shisanhang is a clothing wholesale center, located inGuangzhoucityLiwan DistrictThirteen RoutesThe familiar people are generally referred to as "thirteen elements".Centered on the Thirteen Route,Guyi Street、Doulan ShangjieLogistics surrounded by clothing malls on Heping East RoadBusiness circleIt has become the clothing wholesale distribution center with the longest history in Guangzhou.Thousands of tons of goods are imported and exported here every day,visitors flowrateIt has reached hundreds of thousands of person times, and clothes are sold at home and abroad.
Guangzhou Shisanhang Business District is mainly composed ofNew China BuildingAnd Hongguantian Building.Retail and wholesale shops from the first floor to the third floor of "New China" every morninghalf past sixWe open the door for business, and the big families above the fourth floor open at 8 o'clock.The first and second floors of "Hongguantian" are also retail and wholesale shops. They usually open at 6:30 a.m., while the business of office buildings above the third floor is relatively stable. They mainly undertake "packing" business to large wholesale customers across the country. They seldom do retail, and most of them open after 7:30 a.m.
