The 360 trades of old Beijing

Author: Li Desheng / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: The concept of "Three Hundred and Sixty Trades" has long existed in Chinese history, referring to various industries such as handicrafts, commerce, services, and cultural entertainment, all rooted in an agrarian economy. As for its origin, Xu Ke of the Qing Dynasty wrote in Qing Ba Lei Chao·Nong Shang Lei: "The 'Three Hundred and Sixty Trades' encompass all professions. If categorized by specialization, there are thirty-six trades; doubling that number gives seventy-two; multiplying by ten results in three hundred and sixty—all based on rounded figures. It is not a fixed or precisely defined allocation in folk tradition." Thus, "Three Hundred and Sixty Trades" was a colloquial term for the diverse laborers and tradespeople in urban life, not a strict enumeration.
As the "Imperial Capital," Old Beijing adapted to the needs of the imperial family, nobility, and urban life, attracting the finest trades from all regions and ethnic groups across the nation. By the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, with societal changes and the influx of Western economic and cultural influences, social specialization became increasingly refined, and the trades of Old Beijing far exceeded the "Three Hundred and Sixty Trades." Some trades vanished, while new ones emerged, demonstrating the evolution of society with the times.
This book selects two hundred distinctive Old Beijing trades from this vast array of professions, categorizing them into ten major groups: "Clothing," "Food," "Housing," "Transportation," "Agriculture," "Industry," "Education," "Entertainment," "Healthcare," and "Miscellaneous." Accompanied by over five hundred precious and exquisite old illustrations, it presents a grand panoramic scroll resembling the River Scene at Qingming Festival of a century-old Old Beijing. It vividly recreates the lively urban life and the myriad social dynamics of that era.
It allows modern readers to witness the people's hardworking livelihoods, their diligence, and many lost craftsmanship techniques. It serves as a living historical record for studying the society and folk customs of that time, as well as a precious cultural heritage with unique Beijing characteristics.
As time passes, the old shadows of the past capital have faded into distance. If you are interested, this book can take you through the historical timeline to explore the unique charm and vibrancy of Old Beijing's bustling streets and the industriousness of its trades.