【文/观察者网 赵乾坤 编辑/高莘】 飞机追逐着晨昏线在里斯本降落时，天还未全亮，窗外等待醒来的城市像糊了一层羊皮纸。当机翼掠过 特茹河上的四月二十五日大桥时，同行的伙伴指着不知从哪弄来的一张已经泛黄的大航海地图 说："瞧，世界曾从这里被拆开又缝上。" 提到葡萄牙，我们总是先想到葡萄牙的海，葡萄牙诗人费尔南多·佩索阿曾以《葡萄牙海》为题，来赞 誉人类对广阔未知世界开拓的精神与雄心。但是，当我真正踏上这片土地后才发现，葡萄牙的海只是序 章——被盐渍风干的瓷砖画、被巨浪雕刻的悬崖、被烛火点亮的神像，都在讲述同一个故事，这个故 事，与征服与栖居有关，与信仰与日常有关，也与巨浪尖的勇气与老墙根的宁静有关。 《孤独星球》对里斯本的描述耐人寻味——一座"几经沉浮"的城市。这是因为，里斯本经历过帝国财 富，火灾瘟疫，人类历史上记载的最严重及伤亡最惨重的地震、改革、政变，以及大萧条时期最严重的 金融危机的重重"洗礼"。"但无论如何，这座欧洲第二古老的首都始终秉承着坚毅和前进的勇气，成功 度过了每一场灾难，并比之前更加繁荣和美丽。" "里斯本，是一座被时间狠狠咀嚼过的城市。"热情的向导告诉我们，15世纪和16世纪，航海家达·伽 ...

Core Points - Porto, Portugal, is a city with a rich historical background, having been a significant maritime center during the Age of Discovery, similar to Shanghai in its development trajectory [1][2][3] - The city has a diverse cultural heritage, shaped by various historical events, including conquests and revolutions, which have contributed to its unique charm [2][3] - Porto's urban landscape features a blend of historical and modern elements, with notable squares like Liberty Square and Riverfront Square showcasing different atmospheres [5][9][11] Historical Significance - Porto has been inhabited since at least the 8th century BC, serving as a trade hub for various civilizations, including the Celts, Phoenicians, and Romans [2] - The city played a crucial role in Portugal's maritime history, particularly during the 15th century when it became a major shipbuilding center [2] - Key historical events, such as the Portuguese Revolution of 1820 and the establishment of the Republic in 1910, originated in Porto, highlighting its political significance [2] Cultural Heritage - The old town of Porto retains much of its medieval layout and architecture, contributing to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site [3][24] - The city is known for its iconic blue tiles (azulejos), which adorn many buildings and are considered a significant part of its cultural identity [27][28] - Landmarks such as the São Bento Railway Station and Livraria Lello bookstore are celebrated for their architectural beauty and historical relevance [28][35] Economic Aspects - Porto is a key player in the production of Port wine, accounting for 70% of Portugal's wine exports, with its wine cellars located in the nearby Vila Nova de Gaia [17][18] - The city has experienced economic recovery following the 2008 financial crisis, although some areas still show signs of neglect, with a reported housing vacancy rate of 18.8% in 2011 [11][27] - The financial sector in Porto has historical roots, with the establishment of the stock exchange during the industrial revolution, reflecting the city's economic evolution [40]

Economic Overview - In 2021, China's GDP reached 114.4 trillion yuan, growing by 8.1% year-on-year, equivalent to approximately 17.7 trillion USD, accounting for over 18% of the global economy, solidifying its position as the second-largest economy in the world [1] - The historical context highlights that during the Song Dynasty, China accounted for 60% of the world's GDP, and even during the Qing Dynasty, it held 35% before being surpassed by Western countries due to the Industrial Revolution [1] Historical Context - The establishment of a unified state in China began with the Qin Dynasty, followed by the Han Dynasty, which defined the Chinese nation. Population growth was significant during stable periods, with the Han population increasing from 18 million to 60 million in about 200 years [3] - The Ming Dynasty saw a population increase from under 60 million to over 200 million by the early 17th century, while the Qing Dynasty's population grew from 120 million to over 430 million by the 19th century due to stable agricultural conditions [3] European Context - In contrast, Europe was fragmented into numerous feudal states post-1453, leading to frequent wars and a smaller population due to the instability of the "Dark Ages" [5] - The rise of the Ottoman Empire disrupted trade routes, increasing costs for Western nations, which relied heavily on trade with China for resources [5] Industrial Revolution - The search for new trade routes led to the Age of Exploration, with European nations seeking maritime paths to Asia, culminating in the discovery of the Americas by Columbus in 1492 [7] - The need for labor to process the vast resources from colonies prompted European countries to innovate and develop machinery, marking the beginning of the Industrial Revolution [7][10] - By the late 18th century, the introduction of the spinning jenny and the steam engine revolutionized production, leading to the mechanization of the textile industry in Britain [10][12] - The transition from hand production to machine-based manufacturing in the cotton industry was largely completed by 1830, establishing Britain as the first industrialized nation [14] Conclusion - The Industrial Revolution represented a significant leap in productivity and wealth creation, enabling Britain to become a dominant global power, often referred to as the "empire on which the sun never sets" [14] - The conditions that led to the Industrial Revolution were unique to Britain, as other nations lacked the necessary preconditions to replicate this transformation [14]