Guangzhou Thirteen Banks was established during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty. The following is a detailed description:

1. The origin of the Thirteenth Line

The Guangzhou Thirteenth Line was originally founded during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty. It was a commercial organization whose main activity was foreign trade. . The name Thirteen Lines comes from the regulations at the time that each foreign trading company must send 13 servants to manage its business in Guangzhou.

2. The economic status of Shisanhang

During the Qing Dynasty, Shisanhang became one of the most important cities in China’s foreign trade. It was mainly engaged in the import and export trade of silk, tea, porcelain and other commodities. It gradually formed a unique commercial system and became one of the landmark buildings of Guangzhou's business at that time.

3. The organizational structure of the Thirteen Banks

The Thirteen Banks implemented the model of "governor-controlled and company-operated". The governor was appointed by the Qing government, and the companies were organized by businessmen from various countries. Each company has its own trademark and stores, which are operated and managed by company employees. Within the Thirteenth Bank, various companies compete with each other, but at the same time they form a relationship of common interests and cooperation.

4. The decline of the Thirteen Banks

With the development of the times and changes in China’s foreign trade, the status of the Thirteen Banks has gradually declined. At the end of the 19th century, Western powers began to invade China with force and forced China to open more treaty ports. This hit Thirteenth Bank's trading business hard, leading to its gradual decline and eventual closure.

5. The historical value of the Thirteen Banks

Although Guangzhou Thirteen Banks no longer exists, it still has important historical value. The Thirteen Lines are the epitome of China's foreign trade, reflecting China's business culture and foreign policy. It is also one of the symbols of Guangzhou as a trading city and has important reference value for the urban planning and development of modern Guangzhou.

Guangzhou City, referred to as "Sui", also known as Yangcheng, Huacheng and Wuyangcheng, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Guangdong Province, the capital of Guangdong Province, a sub-provincial city, a national central city, a megacity, and the Guangzhou metropolitan area. Core cities are important central cities, international business and trade centers and comprehensive transportation hubs in China approved by the State Council.