About 4 centuries ago, Foshan had been a prosperous  fishing village and market and also one of earliest foreign trading ports. Commercial development of Foshan can date back to Tang and Song Dynasties when ancient manufactures of Foshan including ceramic, forging and spinning were in certain scale that were able to drive development of other industries. While Foshan foreign trading was also in certain scale so Song Dynasty decided to set up a custom office in Foshan.

During Tang and Song Dynasties, export ceramic and silk of Guangzhou were all provided by Foshan. During Ming and Qing Dynasties, commerce and manufacturing were all flourishing and there were more than 300 diverse industries expect the three central industries. 

Since Ming and Qing Dynasties, Foshan was listed in both four major towns and four major clusters. Foshan was a major product cluster and important logistics center that had various handicrafts even including officer robe, emperor’s clothes and things you could not find in Guangzhou.

In Kangxi, Qianlong period, Foshan had more than 100 thousand households and about 500 to 600 thousand population. Over the centuries, ships parking on Fenjiang River were as many as fish scales. Foshan had 6 markets, more than 20 bridges and 60 ferries while no one could no miss such prosperous view. Development of industry and commerce is guarantee of social economy. From a small fishing village into a famous town, hardworking and steadfast effort of every Foshan citizens are indispensable. We can sense those glorious history from regularization and standardization of Foshan commerce.

Author | Joey
Revisor | Jersey