Chapter 52 Provincial Capital
Two days later.
Early morning hours.
Passenger ship approaches the pier.
Yu Xiao officially arrived at his destination, the provincial capital.
As the morning mist gradually dissipates, a prosperous and bustling city full of modern style opens before your eyes like a picture scroll.
"finally reached!"
This is an ancient city full of heritage. Today it is the brightest pearl in the South and the number one city for import and export trade in the entire Dajing Empire!
Not yet landed.
Yu Xiao felt the prosperity.
On the banks of the Pearl River, there are clusters of sails and merchant ships.
There are luxurious wooden ships from the Kingdom of Dajing, as well as huge steam ships from the West.
Between Western ships and local sampans, there were merchants from all over the country and even from China and abroad. There were local wealthy businessmen in gorgeous robes, overseas people in western suits and leather shoes, and Indians in red turbans.
On the dock.
The boatman was sweating profusely.
Goods of all kinds from all countries are piled up like mountains.
Yu Ruqian adjusted his glasses and said, "The provincial capital is so prosperous!"
After Yu Xiao got off the boat.
"Mr. Yu, you are finally here. I have been waiting for a long time!"
A man with short hair, slightly fat, wearing an old suit and a baseball cap, and with a capable temperament, walked over.
"This is Chen Tingfeng from Yangcheng Daily. He went to Meixian to interview you, Brother Xiao." Yu Ruqian seemed to be worried that Yu Xiao would forget, so he explained, "I wrote a letter in advance and asked Brother Chen to come and pick us up."
Of course Yu Xiao had an impression.
The article "Yu Xiao, a Legendary Figure in Meixian: The Extraordinary Life of a Bandit-Suppressing Hero, a Returning Talent, and a Great Philanthropist" which made him even more famous was written by this person.
Yu Ruqian can write letters.
That was also Yu Xiao's idea.
He nodded: "Well written article!"
Chen Tingfeng: "I am ashamed that my few words are not enough to describe your great benevolence and courage!"
Why look for Chen Tingfeng?
Firstly, Yu Xiao was unfamiliar with the provincial capital.
Secondly, this person is a senior journalist. Although he is a bit materialistic, he writes well, is very familiar with the provincial capital, and is well-informed. He will be useful in the future.
Chen Tingfeng said, "Mr. Yu is visiting the provincial capital for the first time and needs a tour guide who is familiar with the local area. I am a native of the area and would be happy to serve you at any time if you need me."
Yu Xiao nodded: "Well, I also want to learn more about the customs and practices of this city."
"please!"
Chen Tingfeng was very enthusiastic.
Such a wealthy and powerful tycoon has just arrived and is in need of staff. If we serve him well now, we will surely receive benefits in the future.
Yu Xiao asked: "Where are we now?"
Chen Tingfeng: "This is Xidi Wharf, one of the two major wharves in the provincial capital. The other one, Tianzi Wharf, is an official wharf, and civilian ships are not allowed to dock here. So if we talk about bustle, this side is definitely more lively."
Xiti Pier.
The water gateway to the provincial capital.
In addition to serving as a water transportation distribution hub.
It is also adjacent to the bustling urban area, and the nearby business atmosphere is strong.
As soon as Yu Xiaogang walked out of the busy dock area, a large area of Nanyang-style arcade buildings appeared before his eyes, and many commercial facilities such as shops, teahouses and restaurants were gathered nearby.
interesting!
When Yu Xiao walked into the commercial district.
A sense of the times comes over you.
One of the most eye-catching and contemporary features of this street is undoubtedly the various advertisements and signs.
Take the sign, for example.
The signs of this era were very irregular.
They vary in size, shape, color, style, and placement.
Some are hung horizontally, some are hung vertically, some are hung at the door, and some are placed on the ground.
A considerable number of them still retain the tradition of handwriting, with various unique fonts and calligraphy art complementing each other.
Many of the signs are from famous artists, with beautiful fonts engraved on wooden boards. They are not only full of traditional beauty, but also full of human touch. Shopping is like visiting a calligraphy exhibition.
In addition, a large number of signs keep pace with the times and pursue Westernization, so they use bright colors and even various neon lights as decorations, and are paired with English or French to add a sense of decadence.
The East and the West interweave, tradition and fashion collide.
Various wires are intertwined in a mess.
At first glance it looks a bit crowded and chaotic.
But it can reflect the unique temperament of this era.
Yu Xiao: "Is there anything worth visiting in the provincial capital?"
Chen Tingfeng immediately explained: "Yangcheng is very large, and is mainly divided into the old city, the new city, Shamian Island, and the four gates of the east, west, south and north. Most of these areas have places worth visiting."
Yu Xiao has a lot of time.
You can understand it slowly.
He then asked: "What are the characteristics?"
Chen Tingfeng patiently explained:
"The old city refers to the old urban area, which is the earliest urban area in Guangzhou. It was very prosperous hundreds of years ago."
"However, since it is surrounded by city walls on all sides, the space is too limited to meet the growing population. In addition, with the rise of shipping in the last 180 years, the old city has become backward."
"Even so, in terms of historical heritage and the number of historical sites, the old city is definitely the most worth visiting. In addition, most of the government offices and government offices in the provincial capital are also concentrated in the old city."
It seems to be a classic old district.
In the past hundred and eighty years, too much population has poured into Guangzhou.
The old city was developed too early, which became a disadvantage. The streets were narrow, the buildings were aging, the population density was too high, and the public security was poor. Rich businessmen from all sides moved out, and the rapid rise of the port formed many new plots of land.
Chen Tingfeng continued to introduce other areas.
"The new city is a new district that was formed in recent decades after the population of the old city overflowed. The living conditions and business environment here are more prosperous than those of the old city. There is also a famous martial arts street here, where many martial arts schools have opened and taught students."
"..."
"Shamian Island is a concession of England and France. It has a large number of European-style buildings and is where most foreigners live. There are many foreign companies and the Far East headquarters of multinational companies."
"Of course, we have to talk about the most prosperous place."
"That's still Xiguan and Nanguan."
"..."
Chen Tingfeng was explaining incessantly.
Before Yu Xiao came to the provincial capital again, he had a general understanding of this basic information, but it was definitely not as vivid and detailed as Chen Tingfeng's.
after all.
He is local.
A journalist again.
He is knowledgeable about humanities, economics, and interesting stories.
The provincial capital consists of the old and new urban areas as well as Shamian Island which serves as a concession.
The most important thing is the four gates of "East, West, South and North" formed by the old city wall.
These four checkpoints are equivalent to four urban areas, each carrying different functions and are closely related to urban layout, economic development, population distribution and cultural characteristics.
The North Gate is the most deserted. This place is located at a high terrain and is responsible for city defense and military garrison functions.
Dongguan is also relatively deserted. It can be considered an industrial development zone. There are many textile industries, handicrafts, and factories invested by various foreigners. The business and living atmosphere is not very strong.
South Gate and West Gate.
It is a typical commercial center.
The two are located along the causeway, adjacent to the Pearl River, and all the ports are located within it.
There are a large number of money houses, pawnshops, businesses and private companies in the Nanguan area, which is more like a private business center CBD, gathering a large number of domestic and foreign elites.
The Xiguan area is particularly prosperous. The famous Thirteen Factories and Shangxiajiu Road are located within the Xiguan area.
Xiguan is not only convenient for living, but also large in area and with a very good environment.
It is a good place for wealthy businessmen and prominent families to settle down.
There are a large number of large mansions with Lingnan style as the main style.
Collectively known as "Xiguan House"!
Yu Xiao thought it was good.
I'll stay here!
Although he had made many plans before coming to the provincial capital, he was waiting to implement them.
But before you do anything, you still have to find yourself a house that is convenient, comfortable, and luxurious enough!
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(PS1: The provincial capital map is here. Here is the Easter egg chapter for your reference to understand the provincial capital layout.)
(PS2: Some readers complained that the world strategy was too slow. This book is indeed not a quick-travel style. It is planned to open a new world every 40 words or so. The whole book will write about eight or nine worlds, some longer and some shorter, so the total length is expected to be 300-350 million words. The first world is more important and will also play a role in the middle and late stages... The author personally feels that compared to the speed of clearing the game, writing with texture will be better. I will carefully portray and conceive the plot of each world. I have been writing online novels for more than ten years and have written about million words. I hope everyone will believe in my experience and understand and support me.)
(End of this chapter)
