Fun fact: Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, clock shops in Shanghai have all honored the same founding master. And it all began, unexpectedly, in Zhaoqing, Guangdong.
In 1583, Italian missionary Matteo Ricci arrived on the banks of the Xijiang River in Zhaoqing. Here, he accomplished two major achievements: built China's first chiming clock, and created China's first world map.
From Zhaoqing, chiming clocks made their way to the capital, becoming coveted luxuries among the elite. Shanghai later became a major center for their replication. Matteo Ricci never set foot in Shanghai, yet the turning of gears that began on the Xijiang River continued along the Huangpu River.
In the early years of China's Reform and Opening Up, Zhaoqing-made bicycles, fans, and instruments sold well in Shanghai. From gears to wheels, Zhaoqing products have found their way into everyday homes.
On March 21, the "Guangdong Goods, Global Reach" event brought Zhaoqing products to Shanghai. This time, it brought a new set of "gears": new energy vehicles, intelligent equipment, and precision manufacturing.
Four hundred years ago, a seed set out from Zhaoqing and took root in Shanghai. Four centuries on, Zhaoqing products returned to Shanghai—marking the beginning of a new chapter.
Author | He Fengyu
Video Source | WeChat Channel "经济专+"
Video Editor | He Fengyu
