Chinese freehand painting art - A Comprehensive Guide to Chinese Painting Art

Author: Zhang Shuheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Yangzhou, anciently known as Guangling, is situated at the strategic junction of the Yangtze and Huaihe rivers, where the Grand Canal meets the Yangtze River. It has long been a key town in southeastern China. During the transition from the Ming to the Qing dynasty, although Yangzhou suffered severe destruction due to its resistance against the Qing forces, by the mid-Qing period, it once again flourished. The city's economy and commerce were highly developed, with thriving industries and a rich cultural scene, making it one of the most important economic and cultural centers in the country. The prosperity of Yangzhou's economy and culture in the 18th century was primarily due to the flourishing salt trade. At that time, Yangzhou was the hub of the salt trade in Jiangnan, with the office of the Salt Administration Commissioner for the Two Huai Provinces (Shu) located here. Salt merchants from all over the country gathered in Yangzhou for the convenience of trade and distribution.