The Historical Evolution of Yaowan Ancient Town

Yaowan was formed in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period and flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties and the Republic of China. In the past, it was an important wharf on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and an important commodity distribution center in northern Jiangsu and southern Shandong. Eight provinces in China have set up chambers of commerce here, and 10 provinces have set up business organizations here. At the end of the Qing Dynasty and the beginning of the Republic of China, there were more than 360 firms, factories and workshops in Yaowan Town, including Qianzhuang 13. Goods from the three northeastern provinces are exported to Southeast Asia, Singapore, Taiwan Province and Japan through Yaowan. Businessmen and missionaries from Britain, France, the Netherlands and other countries came to Yaowan to do business and preach. At that time, there were foreign companies such as Mobil Oil Company, Asian Oil Company and Wuyang Department Store in the town. Foreign motorboats and domestic small cargo ships shuttle back and forth at Yaowan Wharf, with many masts on the river and crowded streets. At that time, there were more than 8,000 shops, houses, churches and temples.

The heavy history gave birth to the unique folk customs, food and commercial culture of Yaowan. Historical celebrities such as Yue Fei, Zhu Yuanzhang, Shi Kefa and Emperor Qianlong left footprints in Yaowan, where patriotic general Zhang Huatang lived for many years. There are many celebrities in Yaowan. Ming Dynasty famous master Gao Zuo, Qing Dynasty Zhenyuan general Ma Congkai, and the martial artist Zang Youqing who fought alongside Shi Kefa in Yangzhou were all from Yaowan. A large number of precious historical relics have been unearthed in Yaowan, such as stone carvings, murals, calligraphy and painting, embroidered porcelain, etc. The well-preserved ancient chambers of commerce, ancient temples, ancient bridges, ancient pagodas and celebrity halls have high cultural relics value. Yaowan has created a group of influential wealthy businessmen and celebrities. After they left Yaowan, the culture of Yaowan spread widely, and "Yaowan Street" was built in Nanjing, Suzhou and Shanghai. Yaowan longan cake and mung bean cake have unique taste and rich nutrition; Yaowan sweet oil has a history of more than 300 years and is well known. Shaojiu with mung beans in Yaowan has a history of more than 500 years. It was originally the imperial wine of the Ming Dynasty Palace and was brewed with dozens of Chinese medicines. It was once designated as tribute wine by Emperor Qianlong.