Treaty ports

Treaty ports refer to coastal cities in China and other countries that were opened to foreign trade after treaties were signed, often under duress, during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These treaties, enforced by Western powers, granted foreign merchants special privileges, such as tax exemptions and extraterritorial rights, meaning they were not subject to local laws. Treaty ports played a significant role in the expansion of global trade and facilitated cultural exchange, but they also symbolized imperialism and the loss of sovereignty for the affected nations. Notable examples include Shanghai and Canton (Guangzhou).