Study On The Offshore Market In The Song Dynasty

The song dynasty was in a time of change in the history of China. Economic, cultural, science has reached unprecedented heights in this period. Many profound changes took place in economy, one of the most striking change is the rapid growth of commodity economy in traditional agricultural society, manifested in the significantly enhanced commercial production, the networked market trade are, the uneven development, great development of handicraft, the expansion of overseas trade and other aspects, these deep changes are the reasons that economy of Song dynasty was hailed as the first start of economic transition from traditional to modern.The commodity economy in the Song dynasty had developed in breadth and depth, which is vividly reflected in the various aspects of market development. During this period, the multi-level and network-like local markets had been increasingly developed and strengthened in cities, towns and the rural area, and because of the expansion of inter-regional economic exchanges between domestic, overseas and offshore areas, characteristics of regional economic gradually formed. As regional markets with a unique location and characteristics, offshore markets began to emerge and continue to deepen and develop. In Ming and Qing dynasty, the offshore markets reached an unprecedented altitude in its development. Driven by overseas trade, offshore markets in Song dynasty rose as a new, vibrant and open market, which is an important change inside the ancient Chinese agricultural economy.Offshore market in Song dynasty is a very important regional market but neglected for a long time. It features with dual function of inland markets and marine markets, which are supported by foreign trade, worked as a bridge linked China with the world. To study the offshore market in Song dynasty has a strategic significance on protecting China’s maritime rights and interests, strengthening the regional economic integration, promoting "One Belt One Road" and maritime power construction, and realizing the reunification of the two sides as well.