广东外贸一千年威水史：谁是初代“带货王”？｜粤讲粤明

Core Insights - The article highlights the historical significance of Guangdong's foreign trade over the past thousand years, showcasing its evolution and importance as a key hub in the Maritime Silk Road [1][2]. Summary by Sections Exhibition Overview - The exhibition titled "Mutual Benefit Under Heaven: A Thousand Years of Guangdong Foreign Trade" opened on October 15 and will last for one year, featuring over 200 exhibits, including 22 national treasures [1]. - The exhibition is divided into four sections, illustrating the development of Guangdong's foreign trade from the Tang Dynasty to the present, emphasizing its role as a crucial maritime trade center [1][2]. Historical Context - The exhibition provides a clear historical narrative from the Tang Dynasty through the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the establishment of the People's Republic of China, highlighting the significance of platforms like the Canton Fair and the Guangdong Free Trade Zone [2]. - It showcases artifacts that represent the evolution of foreign trade systems and the active engagement of Guangdong with the world over the centuries [2]. Cultural Impact - Guangdong has served as a window for China to the world, with historical merchants from the region achieving significant wealth, including two who were once the world's richest [2]. - The article notes that foreign merchants have been purchasing goods in Guangdong for a thousand years, and the region has also been a starting point for Chinese goods reaching global markets [2].