The significance of the thirteen lines in Guangzhou

The meanings of Guangzhou Thirteen Lines are as follows:

Guangzhou 13th Bank is a specialized foreign trade bank in Qing Dynasty, and it is a monopoly institution designated by the Qing government to specialize in foreign trade. The development of Shisanhang is closely related to Guangzhou's foreign trade. In its heyday, Thirteen Banks almost monopolized Guangzhou's foreign trade, and became Tianzi Nanku with direct trade relations with major countries in Asia, Europe and America. In order to strictly control foreign trade during the closed door period of Qing Dynasty, the government appointed thirteen dental offices to take charge of foreign trade, which is the origin of Guangzhou Thirteen Banks. These thirteen dental shops are all "official shops" with business licenses issued by the government, while other businesses engaged in foreign trade are called "private shops" or "foreign firms".

Thirteen banks have strict regulations on their operations. For example, they are only allowed to deal in designated commodities and sell them at the prices set by the government. In addition, the thirteenth bank is also responsible for providing goods to foreign investors and buying the goods they need, and handling related import and export procedures and tax issues. In the history of Guangzhou Thirteen Lines, it was not only a commercial organization, but also played a diplomatic and political role. When dealing with disputes with foreign businessmen, the thirteenth bank sometimes needs to mediate or even negotiate with foreign businessmen on behalf of the Qing government.

Characteristics of Guangzhou Thirteen Lines:

1, officially designated, monopolized.

Guangzhou 13th Bank is a foreign trade organization designated by the Qing government, which has a monopoly nature. This feature makes Shisanhang have high authority and control in foreign trade, and can effectively manage and regulate trade behavior.

2, business restrictions, strict supervision

There are strict regulations and restrictions on the operation of thirteen banks in Guangzhou. For example, only designated goods are allowed to be sold at the price set by the government. In addition, the thirteenth bank is also responsible for providing goods to foreign investors and buying the goods they need, and handling related import and export procedures and tax issues. This kind of strict supervision and restriction makes Thirteen Banks have high credibility and maneuverability in foreign trade.

3. Diplomatic and political roles

Guangzhou Shisanhang is not only a commercial organization, but also plays a diplomatic and political role. When dealing with disputes with foreign businessmen, the thirteenth bank sometimes needs to mediate or even negotiate with foreign businessmen on behalf of the Qing government. This feature makes Guangzhou Thirteen Banks have high influence and discourse power in foreign trade.