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How did Guangzhou expand and rebuild during the Ming dynasty?
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Guangzhou
Nighttime view of central Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China.
During the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Guangzhou underwent significant urban development characterized by major structural consolidation and expansion.1
Key developments during this period included:
- Unification of the City: In 1380, the city’s layout was reorganized by combining the old town and two existing auxiliary districts into a single, large walled city.1
- Southern Expansion: In 1565, an outer wall was constructed on the southern side of the city. This expansion was designed to incorporate new commercial districts that had developed along the north bank of the Pearl River.1
These efforts reflected the city's evolving role as a hub for maritime trade, which saw a shift in influence during the Ming era as Arab dominance in trade waned and European powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, began establishing contact with the region.1