LIU Ruomei

(№.3,2011)

Abstract: Russia was far away from Guangzhou that was located in the South China and had been an important commercial port of China before 1840. At the end of the 18th century, Russia had a clear record about Guangzhou. With the deep understanding of the importance of Guangzhou foreign trade, Russia began to plot actively its sea trade with China through Guangzhou and carried out initial attempts, selling furs and marine products from the American land and sea annexed by Russia. It was not until 1858 when the Tianjin Treaty signed by China and Russia that Russia obtained trade rights in Guangzhou and the other areas. But because Russia sold Alaska and the other areas to the United States and opened up the other marine transport corridors in 1867, Guangzhou gradually became not essential in Russia’s trade with China.

Key words: Russia; Guangzhou; marine trade