Fuzhou old trades

Author: Fang Binggui, written by Fang Xianghong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-05-01
Features: This book is divided into eight parts: "Clothing, Food, Housing, and Transportation," "Lifestyle Services," "Neighborhood Chats," "Weddings, Funerals, and Elderly Care," "Cultural and Recreational Activities," "Traditional Farming," "Industry and Manufacturing," and "Appendix." Regarding the trades in Fuzhou, by the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, there were already countless industries. According to the records in Fuzhou Industrial and Commercial History (Association History Special Issue), Volume 1, there were 95 trade associations established at that time. Adding those that were not established, those deemed "unqualified" to form (such as sweepers, coffin bearers, and matchmakers), and those omitted from the records, how could there be only "360 trades"? The first seven parts of this book contain nearly 130 entries, and many entries include multiple trades, with each trade further divided into several sub-trades. Therefore, the actual number far exceeds "360 trades." Additionally, most trades and sub-trades were established for the purpose of earning a living and making profits. However, there were also public welfare initiatives, such as police stations, fire brigades, and many cultural and recreational activities, which were not profit-driven but were still grassroots public welfare efforts. If they are considered "businesses," can they not also be classified as "trades"?