History of Xinzhuang Yaowan in Baiyuan, Yichuan

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.