Ok, I hope this can get some attention from Paradox.
I’ve made lots of research and it took me few months to polish all this and turn it into complete suggestion. All suggested trade nodes are logical, with strong geographical & historical background and well balanced for the game. If not everything, then at least parts of this I hope to see implemented one day.
Some nice observations!
Enjoy.
Key notes on suggested changes:
Don’t be surprised – importance of Beijing trade node is well demoted. But sitting on the farthest corner of China Proper without any of international trade routes passing through, largely agricultural and with merchants from neighboring Shanxi & Yangtze Delta dominating its trade – I don’t see why trade routes of Beijing should be different than this.
Trade Nodes
I’ve made lots of research and it took me few months to polish all this and turn it into complete suggestion. All suggested trade nodes are logical, with strong geographical & historical background and well balanced for the game. If not everything, then at least parts of this I hope to see implemented one day.
Some nice observations!
Enjoy.
Key notes on suggested changes:
- Coastal China trade nodes are sea orientated – Yellow Sea (Beijing), East China Sea (Suzhou) & South China Sea (Canton). This should give far more interesting interaction between China, Korea & Japan, encouraging use of light ships, embargo & other trade mechanics between countries.
- Small area changes for trade nodes in Southeast Asia - Siam, Malacca, Philippines & Moluccas, concentrating on coasts along waterways and not land masses.
- New trade node in Central China – Hankou. Hankou was one of the largest trade hubs in China during Ming & Qing era, one of the 4 national markets along Beijing, Suzhou & Foshan (Guangzhou vicinity).
- Yumen trade node split into Mongolia & Moghulistan (Yarkand) with many area changes. Those were 2 different markets separated by Altai Mountains.
- New trade node in Far North East – Sea of Okhotsk (Okhotsk), to represent Fur trade of Ainu people & Russians.
- Trade flows between trade nodes include all major historical trade routes, even ancient ones. Some tricky interpretations on trade flow directions or connections, but I did my best to make it all historically correct and gameplay more challenging & enjoyable.
- China Proper trade node areas are based mostly on Physiographic macro regions of China by G. William Skinner.
- China Proper trade route directions favor origin locations of “Ten great merchant groups” of China and match main Grain flow directions – major trade of China. No south-north connections between Xian, Chengdu, Hankou & Canton present importance of Yangtze & Grand Canal as main economic communication link in China.
Don’t be surprised – importance of Beijing trade node is well demoted. But sitting on the farthest corner of China Proper without any of international trade routes passing through, largely agricultural and with merchants from neighboring Shanxi & Yangtze Delta dominating its trade – I don’t see why trade routes of Beijing should be different than this.
3 key maps I've used for trade nodes & trade routes in China Proper:
Physiographic macro regions of China by G. William Skinner
All Henan is included to Central China trade node in my map due to balance reasons. Given that Henan is neither coastal neither near Grand Canal, and with Yellow River nearly non-navigable - it really fits better there than in coastal Beijing trade node.
Ming economic centers and roads
Gansu & Yunnan are not well covered with no trade centers marked due to Han traders not being dominant there. Those regions were dominated by Chinese Muslim merchants and actually were the most important China Proper regions for international inland caravan trade routes.
Grain trade of China
Central China produced large Rice surplus which was sent along Yangzte & Grand Canal to feed populations in East & North China.
North China plains produced large Wheat surplus which was sent along Grand Canal to populous coastal East China & also Beijing in the north (same trade node).
Grain trade was major trade in China surpassing all the other trades.
The only more profitable trade at times was Salt trade which was under state monopoly and to obtain license merchants had to deliver Grain tributes to soldiers in border regions along Great Wall. And this is how some greatest merchant groups of China made their fortune.
Ten great merchant groups of China
2 of top3 merchant groups originate from Northwest (Xian) Trade Node.
Shanxi and Huizhou were in particular dominant merchant groups.
Just pointing out that wealthiest Chinese merchants were based in what are Xian & Suzhou trade nodes in my map. Idea could be to make Xian & Suzhou trade nodes to compete over internal China trade, just as Shanxi & Huizhou merchants have once competed.
Xian & Suzhou trade nodes are also starting locations of 2 major trade routes of China – Silk Road & Maritime Silk Road. Through inland Silk Road all but coastal South China & Japan trade can be steered, while through Maritime Silk Road all but Xian, Mongolian & Tibetan trade. Veery nice concept I think.
Physiographic macro regions of China by G. William Skinner
All Henan is included to Central China trade node in my map due to balance reasons. Given that Henan is neither coastal neither near Grand Canal, and with Yellow River nearly non-navigable - it really fits better there than in coastal Beijing trade node.
Ming economic centers and roads
Gansu & Yunnan are not well covered with no trade centers marked due to Han traders not being dominant there. Those regions were dominated by Chinese Muslim merchants and actually were the most important China Proper regions for international inland caravan trade routes.
Grain trade of China
Central China produced large Rice surplus which was sent along Yangzte & Grand Canal to feed populations in East & North China.
North China plains produced large Wheat surplus which was sent along Grand Canal to populous coastal East China & also Beijing in the north (same trade node).
Grain trade was major trade in China surpassing all the other trades.
The only more profitable trade at times was Salt trade which was under state monopoly and to obtain license merchants had to deliver Grain tributes to soldiers in border regions along Great Wall. And this is how some greatest merchant groups of China made their fortune.
Ten great merchant groups of China
- Shanxi
- Huizhou (Southern Anhui)
- Shaanxi
- Guangdong
- Ningbo (Zhejiang)
- Dongting (Suzhou)
- Jiangyou (Jiangxi)
- Linqing (Shandong)
- Fujian
- Longyou (Zhejiang)
2 of top3 merchant groups originate from Northwest (Xian) Trade Node.
Shanxi and Huizhou were in particular dominant merchant groups.
Just pointing out that wealthiest Chinese merchants were based in what are Xian & Suzhou trade nodes in my map. Idea could be to make Xian & Suzhou trade nodes to compete over internal China trade, just as Shanxi & Huizhou merchants have once competed.
Xian & Suzhou trade nodes are also starting locations of 2 major trade routes of China – Silk Road & Maritime Silk Road. Through inland Silk Road all but coastal South China & Japan trade can be steered, while through Maritime Silk Road all but Xian, Mongolian & Tibetan trade. Veery nice concept I think.
Maritime Silk Road
East China Sea -> South China Sea (Canton) -> Southeast Asia bordering South China Sea
The most important trade route in East Asia.
Single maritime exit route through Canton would well portray Canton System.
Silk Road
Xian -> Yarkand -> Central Asia & Lahore
Silk Road was in decline during Ming & Qing, but it would be weird not to have it.
Southern Silk Road
Chengdu -> Burma -> Bengal
Tea-Horse Road
Chengdu -> Tibet -> Bengal & Xian
Tea from China to Tibet & India, horses from Tibet to northwestern region of China along Great Wall.
Horses route to Xian is somewhat ancient but it would cover return trade from Tibet to China and (indirectly) Tibet-Kashgar historical trade link, while Tea route to Tibet was officially recognised trade route in Southwest China during Ming & Qing.
Siberian Route
Beijing -> Mongolia -> Siberia (Cotton, Silk & Tea from China to Russia)
Okhotsk -> Mongolia -> Xian (Furs from Russian Siberia to China)
Siberian trade with Russia was conducted by Shanxi merchants from China side, merchant group which dominated Mongolian market even well before this route was established.
Maritime Fur Trade
Northwest America -> Okhotsk
Ainu-Japan Trade
Okhotsk -> Nippon -> East China Sea
Manchuria Trade
Girin -> Yellow Sea
China & Korea were main trade partners of Manchu people with Shenyang & Northern Korea being most busy borders. Trade contacts with Japan, Mongolia or Eastern Siberia were so minimal that I don't see them as potential trade routes. Trade link to Okhotsk I think would even ruin all the idea behind Okhotsk trade node which should be dominated by Russians & Japanese.
Manila Galleons Trade
Canton & Moluccas -> Manila -> Acapulco
South China Sea Trade
Canton -> Siam, Philippines & Malacca
South China Sea was area of major outflow of Chinese goods. Large Chinese merchant communities were present everywhere along South China Sea coasts from Philippines to Siam even well before arrival of Europeans. And interest of Europeans to establish trade posts in Siam, Vietnam or Philippines was not only due to access for local production, but also as a way to gain access to Chinese market with Chinese merchant communities of Southeast Asia working as intermediaries.
Melaka-Manila-Maluku Triangle Trade
Philippines -> Malacca (Northern / Western Route)
Moluccas -> Malacca (Southern Route)
Moluccas -> Philippines (Eastern Route)
Last one is reverse to what it is now, but that’s how it was before European arrival with Brunei, Filipinos & Chinese merchants profiting from trade with Maluku Spice islands. Spanish and to some extent even Portuguese merchants also used this route that way. With Batavia now moved to Malacca trade node, such direction is neither wrong for Dutch. Can't see any arguments why flow should be Philippines -> Moluccas.
Source for 14-16th century trade routes
Siam Trade
Siam -> Malacca & Philippines
Siam had some trade with Philippines and was visited by Brunei & Filipinos (also Chinese & Japanese) merchants, while Spanish barely had contact. Somewhat minor trade route but it would help to steer more trade out of Siam which otherwise would have just single exit route.
Burma -> Siam
I've included Northern Siam & Northern Laos to Burma trade node as those like Burma & Assam were also Yunnan Muslim caravan trade areas. And that gives good reasons to make Burma -> Siam trade route because trade from places like Chiang Mai & Luang Prabang also reached Gulf of Siam & Mekong Delta.
East China Sea -> South China Sea (Canton) -> Southeast Asia bordering South China Sea
The most important trade route in East Asia.
Single maritime exit route through Canton would well portray Canton System.
Silk Road
Xian -> Yarkand -> Central Asia & Lahore
Silk Road was in decline during Ming & Qing, but it would be weird not to have it.
Southern Silk Road
Chengdu -> Burma -> Bengal
Tea-Horse Road
Chengdu -> Tibet -> Bengal & Xian
Tea from China to Tibet & India, horses from Tibet to northwestern region of China along Great Wall.
Horses route to Xian is somewhat ancient but it would cover return trade from Tibet to China and (indirectly) Tibet-Kashgar historical trade link, while Tea route to Tibet was officially recognised trade route in Southwest China during Ming & Qing.
Siberian Route
Beijing -> Mongolia -> Siberia (Cotton, Silk & Tea from China to Russia)
Okhotsk -> Mongolia -> Xian (Furs from Russian Siberia to China)
Siberian trade with Russia was conducted by Shanxi merchants from China side, merchant group which dominated Mongolian market even well before this route was established.
Maritime Fur Trade
Northwest America -> Okhotsk
Ainu-Japan Trade
Okhotsk -> Nippon -> East China Sea
Manchuria Trade
Girin -> Yellow Sea
China & Korea were main trade partners of Manchu people with Shenyang & Northern Korea being most busy borders. Trade contacts with Japan, Mongolia or Eastern Siberia were so minimal that I don't see them as potential trade routes. Trade link to Okhotsk I think would even ruin all the idea behind Okhotsk trade node which should be dominated by Russians & Japanese.
Manila Galleons Trade
Canton & Moluccas -> Manila -> Acapulco
South China Sea Trade
Canton -> Siam, Philippines & Malacca
South China Sea was area of major outflow of Chinese goods. Large Chinese merchant communities were present everywhere along South China Sea coasts from Philippines to Siam even well before arrival of Europeans. And interest of Europeans to establish trade posts in Siam, Vietnam or Philippines was not only due to access for local production, but also as a way to gain access to Chinese market with Chinese merchant communities of Southeast Asia working as intermediaries.
Melaka-Manila-Maluku Triangle Trade
Philippines -> Malacca (Northern / Western Route)
Moluccas -> Malacca (Southern Route)
Moluccas -> Philippines (Eastern Route)
Last one is reverse to what it is now, but that’s how it was before European arrival with Brunei, Filipinos & Chinese merchants profiting from trade with Maluku Spice islands. Spanish and to some extent even Portuguese merchants also used this route that way. With Batavia now moved to Malacca trade node, such direction is neither wrong for Dutch. Can't see any arguments why flow should be Philippines -> Moluccas.
Source for 14-16th century trade routes
Siam Trade
Siam -> Malacca & Philippines
Siam had some trade with Philippines and was visited by Brunei & Filipinos (also Chinese & Japanese) merchants, while Spanish barely had contact. Somewhat minor trade route but it would help to steer more trade out of Siam which otherwise would have just single exit route.
Burma -> Siam
I've included Northern Siam & Northern Laos to Burma trade node as those like Burma & Assam were also Yunnan Muslim caravan trade areas. And that gives good reasons to make Burma -> Siam trade route because trade from places like Chiang Mai & Luang Prabang also reached Gulf of Siam & Mekong Delta.
Trade Nodes
Economic center of gravity in East Asia during Ming & Qing era. Area of triangle trade between China, Korea & Japan. Includes Jiangnan - major industrial area of China. Should be the richest and most important trade node in East Asia.
This article will well explain what it is all about and will mark exactly same trade boundaries as trade node in my suggestion.
Above anything else I hope this trade node with suggested boundaries can be implemented one day because it’s entirely historical and awesome for gameplay.
Trade node area
Southern Jiangsu
Southern Anhui
Zhejiang
Fujian
Taiwan
Ryukyu & Kyushu islands (Japan)
Gyeongsang & Jeolla (Korea)
Center of Trade
Suzhou (3) – heartland of Jiangnan & wealthiest city of China at the time, should be level 3 trade center I think. Source - Suzhou: Where the Goods of All the Provinces Converge, title says it all.
Hangzhou (2)
Yangzhou (2) – trade hub near confluence of Yangtze River and Grand Canal, main Salt distribution center of the country.
Nanjing (2)
Fuzhou (1)
Ningbo (1)
Wuhu (1) - major Rice market and river port on Yangtze in Anhui.
Dongnae (1) (Busan) – main trade center in Korea for trade with Japan.
Nagasaki (1) – main import/export port of Japan in later period.
Hakata (1) – province also covers Tsushima Island, important trade centers early on.
Satsuma (1) - another important trade center of Japan taking advantage from trade in China goods with Ryukyu Islands.
Okinawa (1) - Ryukyu Islands prospered greatly from distribution of China goods throughout East Asia.
Tainan (1) - oldest and most important commercial city in Taiwan.
Yangtze Estuary
Songjiang (Shanghai) – major port and market of Cotton Cloth, I'm sure such province will be created one day.
This article will well explain what it is all about and will mark exactly same trade boundaries as trade node in my suggestion.
Above anything else I hope this trade node with suggested boundaries can be implemented one day because it’s entirely historical and awesome for gameplay.
Trade node area
Southern Jiangsu
Southern Anhui
Zhejiang
Fujian
Taiwan
Ryukyu & Kyushu islands (Japan)
Gyeongsang & Jeolla (Korea)
Center of Trade
Suzhou (3) – heartland of Jiangnan & wealthiest city of China at the time, should be level 3 trade center I think. Source - Suzhou: Where the Goods of All the Provinces Converge, title says it all.
Hangzhou (2)
Yangzhou (2) – trade hub near confluence of Yangtze River and Grand Canal, main Salt distribution center of the country.
Nanjing (2)
Fuzhou (1)
Ningbo (1)
Wuhu (1) - major Rice market and river port on Yangtze in Anhui.
Dongnae (1) (Busan) – main trade center in Korea for trade with Japan.
Nagasaki (1) – main import/export port of Japan in later period.
Hakata (1) – province also covers Tsushima Island, important trade centers early on.
Satsuma (1) - another important trade center of Japan taking advantage from trade in China goods with Ryukyu Islands.
Okinawa (1) - Ryukyu Islands prospered greatly from distribution of China goods throughout East Asia.
Tainan (1) - oldest and most important commercial city in Taiwan.
Yangtze Estuary
Songjiang (Shanghai) – major port and market of Cotton Cloth, I'm sure such province will be created one day.
Coasts of Yellow Sea and northern half of Grand Canal. While not as prolific as East China Sea, Yellow Sea has history of another triangle trade - between China, Korea & Manchuria.
Trade node area
Northern Jiangsu
Northern Anhui
Hebei
Shandong
Liaoning
Chungcheong , Gyeonggi, Hwanghae & Pyongan (Korea)
Yellow river was flowing through northern Anhui & northern Jiangsu at the time and was entering Yellow Sea waters
Center of Trade
Beijing (2)
Linqing (2) – trade hub on Grand Canal, main center of Silk trade in North China. Place of origin of Shandong merchants – wealthiest China merchants in this trade node.
Jining (1) – trade hub on Grand Canal, major Grain distribution center.
Mukden (1) (Shenyang) – main center for trade in Manchuria.
Hanseong (2) – capital and main trade center of Korea
Pyongyang (1) – most import trade center in northern Korea
Gaeseong (1) - most powerful private merchants of Korea were based in Gaeseong
Uiju (1) - main commercial town of Korea for trading with Manchuria
Huang He Estuary
Huai’an – trade hub on Grand Canal and last significant city through which Yellow river flowed at the time. I have no idea about provincial boundaries of those times but Huang He River never passed Haizhou city (now Estuary is in Haizhou). And given high commercial profile of Huai’an – trade port and important Salt distribution center at confluence of Grand Canal & Huang He River, I think it would be more logical if Estuary was in Huai’an province.
Peiho Estuary
Tianjin – trade hub on Grand Canal, gateway to Beijing. 2nd most important Salt distribution center in the country greatly benefiting from its position at confluence of Grand Canal and 5 rivers of Hebei flowing into Bohai Sea. If Estuary not given, then it should be Center of Trade.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hai_River
Sources:
Shandong trade centers
Korea trade routes map
Trade node area
Northern Jiangsu
Northern Anhui
Hebei
Shandong
Liaoning
Chungcheong , Gyeonggi, Hwanghae & Pyongan (Korea)
Yellow river was flowing through northern Anhui & northern Jiangsu at the time and was entering Yellow Sea waters
Center of Trade
Beijing (2)
Linqing (2) – trade hub on Grand Canal, main center of Silk trade in North China. Place of origin of Shandong merchants – wealthiest China merchants in this trade node.
Jining (1) – trade hub on Grand Canal, major Grain distribution center.
Mukden (1) (Shenyang) – main center for trade in Manchuria.
Hanseong (2) – capital and main trade center of Korea
Pyongyang (1) – most import trade center in northern Korea
Gaeseong (1) - most powerful private merchants of Korea were based in Gaeseong
Uiju (1) - main commercial town of Korea for trading with Manchuria
Huang He Estuary
Huai’an – trade hub on Grand Canal and last significant city through which Yellow river flowed at the time. I have no idea about provincial boundaries of those times but Huang He River never passed Haizhou city (now Estuary is in Haizhou). And given high commercial profile of Huai’an – trade port and important Salt distribution center at confluence of Grand Canal & Huang He River, I think it would be more logical if Estuary was in Huai’an province.
Peiho Estuary
Tianjin – trade hub on Grand Canal, gateway to Beijing. 2nd most important Salt distribution center in the country greatly benefiting from its position at confluence of Grand Canal and 5 rivers of Hebei flowing into Bohai Sea. If Estuary not given, then it should be Center of Trade.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hai_River
Sources:
Shandong trade centers
Korea trade routes map
Trade node based on historical & geographical region of Lingnan which also includes northern Vietnam up to Mekong Delta. Simple and historical boundaries.
Trade node area
Guangdong
Guangxi
Hainan
Tonkin, Annam, Champa (Vietnam)
Center of Trade
Guangzhou (2)
Kweilin (1) (Guilin) - main commercial town in Guangxi.
Dong Kinh (1) (Hanoi)
Hoi An (1) – main commercial port of Annam until 18th century, then replaced by Da Nang.
Vijaya (1) – main commercial port of Champa.
Pearl River Estuary
Guangzhou
Red River Estuary
Pho Hien – main trade port in Tonkin (northern Vietnam) at the time, located on Red River.
Trade node area
Guangdong
Guangxi
Hainan
Tonkin, Annam, Champa (Vietnam)
Center of Trade
Guangzhou (2)
Kweilin (1) (Guilin) - main commercial town in Guangxi.
Dong Kinh (1) (Hanoi)
Hoi An (1) – main commercial port of Annam until 18th century, then replaced by Da Nang.
Vijaya (1) – main commercial port of Champa.
Pearl River Estuary
Guangzhou
Red River Estuary
Pho Hien – main trade port in Tonkin (northern Vietnam) at the time, located on Red River.
Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi & parts of southern Henan form geographical region - Middle Yangtze. All these 4 regions nowadays are considered as Central China.
Trade node area
Hubei
Hunan
Jiangxi
Henan
Center of Trade
Hankou (2) - part of modern Wuhan, it was the most important commercial area in Central China.
Nanchang (2) – Jiangxi merchants from Nanchang and its surroundings were among most successful traders during Ming as Gan River proved to be one of the easiest trade routes linking North China & Yangtze regions with the South.
Jiujiang (1) - major trade port on Yangzte river in Jiangxi.
Changsha (1) – main Rice market of Hunan.
Kaifeng (1)
Trade node area
Hubei
Hunan
Jiangxi
Henan
Center of Trade
Hankou (2) - part of modern Wuhan, it was the most important commercial area in Central China.
Nanchang (2) – Jiangxi merchants from Nanchang and its surroundings were among most successful traders during Ming as Gan River proved to be one of the easiest trade routes linking North China & Yangtze regions with the South.
Jiujiang (1) - major trade port on Yangzte river in Jiangxi.
Changsha (1) – main Rice market of Hunan.
Kaifeng (1)
Hilly China Proper region west of North China Plain and north of Yangtze river basin.
Trade node area
Shanxi
Shaanxi
Gansu
Center of Trade
Xian (2)
Yumen (2) – don't know about the name of town/province since nearly all sources I went through mention it as Suzhou (modern Jiuquan) as main trade post.
Pingyao (1) – trade center on trade route from Beijing to Xian. Place of origin & financial capital of Shanxi merchants group – the most powerful merchants of China during Ming & Qing era. By the end of game it becomes main financial center of whole Qing China.
Lanzhou (1) – main center of trade in central Gansu.
Datong (1) – gate to Mongolia, main market for Mongolian Horse trade.
Xining (1) - gate to Tibet, historical center of trade on main route to Tibet.
Trade node area
Shanxi
Shaanxi
Gansu
Center of Trade
Xian (2)
Yumen (2) – don't know about the name of town/province since nearly all sources I went through mention it as Suzhou (modern Jiuquan) as main trade post.
Pingyao (1) – trade center on trade route from Beijing to Xian. Place of origin & financial capital of Shanxi merchants group – the most powerful merchants of China during Ming & Qing era. By the end of game it becomes main financial center of whole Qing China.
Lanzhou (1) – main center of trade in central Gansu.
Datong (1) – gate to Mongolia, main market for Mongolian Horse trade.
Xining (1) - gate to Tibet, historical center of trade on main route to Tibet.
Yungui Plateau & Upper Yangtze.
Trade node area
Sichuan (without Tibetan regions)
Yunnan
Guizhou
Center of Trade
Chengdu (2)
Chongqing (1)
Kunming (1)
Dali (1)
Many historical and important centers of trade in Yunnan, but I've stopped at 2 most significant ones - Kunming & Dali.
Trade node area
Sichuan (without Tibetan regions)
Yunnan
Guizhou
Center of Trade
Chengdu (2)
Chongqing (1)
Kunming (1)
Dali (1)
Many historical and important centers of trade in Yunnan, but I've stopped at 2 most significant ones - Kunming & Dali.
Might seem as small area on map, but it’s huge market. Overall it should be bigger market than all Malaysia-Indonesia, or few times bigger than Siam trade node. Or nearly as big market as France or Holy Roman Empire in Europe. 7 CoTs there I think wouldn't be exaggeration.
Trade node area
Honshu
Shikoku
Center of Trade
Osaka (2) - main trade center of Japan. Same province as Sakai I guess.
Edo (2)
Kyoto (2)
Nagoya (1)
Kanazawa (1)
Hiroshima (1)
Sendai (1)
I've picked largest and geographically well placed castle towns with some trade history to supplement Osaka-Sakai-Kyoto-Edo dominance in trade.
Trade node area
Honshu
Shikoku
Center of Trade
Osaka (2) - main trade center of Japan. Same province as Sakai I guess.
Edo (2)
Kyoto (2)
Nagoya (1)
Kanazawa (1)
Hiroshima (1)
Sendai (1)
I've picked largest and geographically well placed castle towns with some trade history to supplement Osaka-Sakai-Kyoto-Edo dominance in trade.
Northwestern coasts of Sea of Japan and Amur River delta & valleys.
Trade node area
Lands of Jianzhou Jurchens
Lands of Haixi Jurchens
Lands of Wild Jurchens
Gangwon & Hamgyong (Korea)
Center of Trade
Girin (2)
Ningguta (1) – most important commercial town of Jianzhou Jurchens, 2nd most important trade center in Manchuria until late 19th century.
Amur Estuary
Deren – Tyr & Deren used to be outposts of Ming & Manchus to collect tribute from Wild Jurchens near Amur River Delta. In return Jurchens received some Chinese goods there.
Trade node area
Lands of Jianzhou Jurchens
Lands of Haixi Jurchens
Lands of Wild Jurchens
Gangwon & Hamgyong (Korea)
Center of Trade
Girin (2)
Ningguta (1) – most important commercial town of Jianzhou Jurchens, 2nd most important trade center in Manchuria until late 19th century.
Amur Estuary
Deren – Tyr & Deren used to be outposts of Ming & Manchus to collect tribute from Wild Jurchens near Amur River Delta. In return Jurchens received some Chinese goods there.
I'm sure that all of us feel that Girin trade node needs to be split, and Okhotsk is excellent choice since it's very historical Fur trade area. It must include Hokkaido island which wasn't part of Japan at the time and far eastern territories of Russia. Fine article on this.
Trade node area
Yakutia
Kamchatka
Coasts of Okhotsk Sea to the north of Manchuria
Kuril & Sakhalin Islands
Hokkaido
Center of Trade
Okhotsk (1) – the only Russian port in the East during entire EUIV timeframe. Starting location of all Russian expeditions to Kamchatka, Kuril Islands, Hokkaido as well as to Northwest America, and port through which all trade goods were sent back to Russia or China (through Mongolia, to exchange for Chinese goods).
Matsumae (1) – trade market of Japan at very south of Hokkaido. Ainu people were coming there to exchange Fur and other commodities for Japanese goods.
Yakutsk (1) - important trade center along river trade routes.
Trade node area
Yakutia
Kamchatka
Coasts of Okhotsk Sea to the north of Manchuria
Kuril & Sakhalin Islands
Hokkaido
Center of Trade
Okhotsk (1) – the only Russian port in the East during entire EUIV timeframe. Starting location of all Russian expeditions to Kamchatka, Kuril Islands, Hokkaido as well as to Northwest America, and port through which all trade goods were sent back to Russia or China (through Mongolia, to exchange for Chinese goods).
Matsumae (1) – trade market of Japan at very south of Hokkaido. Ainu people were coming there to exchange Fur and other commodities for Japanese goods.
Yakutsk (1) - important trade center along river trade routes.
Historical Mongolia including Buryat lands around Baikal. Buryatia has long history of intense trade with Mongolia continuing this trade even these days. And Buryatia in Mongolian trade node before Russian conquest is even more logical.
Trade node area
Outer Mongolia
Inner Mongolia
Eastern Mongolia
Buryatia (including Irkutsk & Transbaikal)
Center of Trade
Ih Huree (1) (Urga) - difficult pick for Mongols as their towns and capitals were constantly moving & changing, but when settled Urga bacame uncontested no.1 CoT of Mongols.
Hohhot (1) - main trade hub in Inner Mongolia.
Irkutsk (1) – the most important Russian center of trade in whole East Asia, vital link for all trade routes.
Trade node area
Outer Mongolia
Inner Mongolia
Eastern Mongolia
Buryatia (including Irkutsk & Transbaikal)
Center of Trade
Ih Huree (1) (Urga) - difficult pick for Mongols as their towns and capitals were constantly moving & changing, but when settled Urga bacame uncontested no.1 CoT of Mongols.
Hohhot (1) - main trade hub in Inner Mongolia.
Irkutsk (1) – the most important Russian center of trade in whole East Asia, vital link for all trade routes.
Tibetan Plateau & Himalayas.
Trade node area
Tibet
Nepal
Bhutan
Kham
Amdo
Center of Trade
Lhasa (2)
Kathmandu (1)
Dartsedo (1) (Kangding) – the most important center of trade along Tea-Horse main road in Kham.
Qamdo (1) - important center of trade in western Kham.
Trade node area
Tibet
Nepal
Bhutan
Kham
Amdo
Center of Trade
Lhasa (2)
Kathmandu (1)
Dartsedo (1) (Kangding) – the most important center of trade along Tea-Horse main road in Kham.
Qamdo (1) - important center of trade in western Kham.
Area through which went ancient Silk Road. I think it’s logical to detach it from Mongolian lands which weren’t on Silk Road. Overall it’s modern Xinjiang + lands north of Tian Shan (Kirghizia & Zhetysu) which at the time were more closely related to this region rather than Central Asia.
Trade node area
Tarim Basin
Dzungaria
Zhetysu & Kirghizia
Center of Trade
Yarkand (2) – to my surprise for EUIV timeframe Yarkand was far more important center of trade than Kashgar as it linked region with Afghanistan & Indus Valley in the south - more busy trade route at the time than route to Central Asia. Yarkand was also de facto capital & largest town of Kashgar & Yarkent Khanates. More on this throughout this source.
Kashgar (1) – nevertheless Kashgar was very important link of trade routes to Central Asia and fairly large town.
Turpan (1) – trade center along ancient Silk Road, very important trade post during Dzungar Khanate era.
Ili (1) (Yining)– capital of Dzungar Khanate, most important center of trade in Dzungaria.
Trade node area
Tarim Basin
Dzungaria
Zhetysu & Kirghizia
Center of Trade
Yarkand (2) – to my surprise for EUIV timeframe Yarkand was far more important center of trade than Kashgar as it linked region with Afghanistan & Indus Valley in the south - more busy trade route at the time than route to Central Asia. Yarkand was also de facto capital & largest town of Kashgar & Yarkent Khanates. More on this throughout this source.
Kashgar (1) – nevertheless Kashgar was very important link of trade routes to Central Asia and fairly large town.
Turpan (1) – trade center along ancient Silk Road, very important trade post during Dzungar Khanate era.
Ili (1) (Yining)– capital of Dzungar Khanate, most important center of trade in Dzungaria.
Northern Thailand (Kingdom of Lan Na) & Northern Laos (Kingdom of Luang Prabang) should be in Burma trade node. Those are mountainous regions where rivers aren't navigable, regions which were regularly visited by Yunnan Muslim caravan traders and regions which were part of wider trade network of Southern Silk Road from China.
Map & source on this.
Trade node area
Upper Burma
Assam & other small states of Northeast India
Northern Thailand (Kingdom of Lan Na)
Northern Laos (Kingdom of Luang Prabang)
Center of Trade
Ava (2) (Inwa) - major economical area and principal center of trade of Upper Burma.
Bhamo (1) - located in Shan Manmaw State. It was the most important commercial town on main road from China, from which goods were sent to either coasts of Burma (down Irrawaddy through Ava) or to Bengal via Assam.
Guwahati (1) - major port on Brahmaputra river and most important commercial town in Assam since ancient times.
Chiang Mai (1) - main center of trade in Northern Thailand.
Luang Prabang (1) - center of trade in Northern Laos, important caravan stop.
One of better sources on Ava & Bhamo.
Map & source on this.
Trade node area
Upper Burma
Assam & other small states of Northeast India
Northern Thailand (Kingdom of Lan Na)
Northern Laos (Kingdom of Luang Prabang)
Center of Trade
Ava (2) (Inwa) - major economical area and principal center of trade of Upper Burma.
Bhamo (1) - located in Shan Manmaw State. It was the most important commercial town on main road from China, from which goods were sent to either coasts of Burma (down Irrawaddy through Ava) or to Bengal via Assam.
Guwahati (1) - major port on Brahmaputra river and most important commercial town in Assam since ancient times.
Chiang Mai (1) - main center of trade in Northern Thailand.
Luang Prabang (1) - center of trade in Northern Laos, important caravan stop.
One of better sources on Ava & Bhamo.
Valleys and delta regions of Mekong & Chao Praya rivers.
Trade node area
Central Siam
Southern Laos
Cambodia
Mekong River Delta
Center of Trade
Ayutthaya (2)
Phitsanulok (1) - located at strategic location linking Northern and Central Siam it was 2nd largest city in Siam after Ayutthaya, late capital of Kingdom Sukhothai.
Prey Nokor (1) (Saigon) - one of the most important centers of trade in all Southeast from 18th century.
Phnom Penh (1) - together with Longvek it was main commercial center of Khmers.
Vientiane (1) - main center of trade in Laos.
Mekong Estuary (1/2 each)
Mi Sar (My Tho) - northern shore of Mekong River. When Mekong Delta is split into more provinces I think My Tho should appear since it was the most important Vietnamese trade port on Mekong Delta.
Prek Russey (Vinh Long) - southern shore of Mekong River.
Chao Praya Estuary
Thonburi (Bangkok) – no comments are needed I think. In 18th century Bangkok was already one of the most significant trade sites in Southeast Asia, and the most significant in Thailand.
Trade node area
Central Siam
Southern Laos
Cambodia
Mekong River Delta
Center of Trade
Ayutthaya (2)
Phitsanulok (1) - located at strategic location linking Northern and Central Siam it was 2nd largest city in Siam after Ayutthaya, late capital of Kingdom Sukhothai.
Prey Nokor (1) (Saigon) - one of the most important centers of trade in all Southeast from 18th century.
Phnom Penh (1) - together with Longvek it was main commercial center of Khmers.
Vientiane (1) - main center of trade in Laos.
Mekong Estuary (1/2 each)
Mi Sar (My Tho) - northern shore of Mekong River. When Mekong Delta is split into more provinces I think My Tho should appear since it was the most important Vietnamese trade port on Mekong Delta.
Prek Russey (Vinh Long) - southern shore of Mekong River.
Chao Praya Estuary
Thonburi (Bangkok) – no comments are needed I think. In 18th century Bangkok was already one of the most significant trade sites in Southeast Asia, and the most significant in Thailand.
Only one change - Brunei most definitely should be in Philippines trade node. It’s just same trading area before European arrival with Brunei itself expanding into Philippines. Also same geography – eastern coasts of South China Sea.
Trade node area
Philippines
Northern Borneo (Brunei)
Micronesia
Center of Trade
Manila (2)
Brunei (2)
Sulu (1) – political and commercial capital of Sulu Sultanate, which was one of main trade powers in area.
Cebu (1)
Trade node area
Philippines
Northern Borneo (Brunei)
Micronesia
Center of Trade
Manila (2)
Brunei (2)
Sulu (1) – political and commercial capital of Sulu Sultanate, which was one of main trade powers in area.
Cebu (1)
Eastern half of Indonesia.
Trade node area
Central-East Java
Southeastern Borneo
Sulawesi
Lesser Sunda Islands
Maluku Islands
West Papua
Center of Trade
Makassar (2)
Surabaya (1) – major port and center of trade in East Java since 16th century.
Ternate (1)
Tidore (1)
There should be CoT in Maluku islands since its main trade location of this node and Ternate-Tidore Sultanates were traders themselves.
Solo Estuary
Gresik – located on Solo River Delta it was the most important commercial port of Majapahit early on before rise of Surabaya. Solo River – the longest river in Java stretching along very fertile lands, it was of massive importance for shipping agricultural products (Rice). So far Gresik falls into Surabaya province, but Surabaya is located on Brantas River Estuary, so geographically there’s enough ground to make Gresik as separate province one day.
Trade node area
Central-East Java
Southeastern Borneo
Sulawesi
Lesser Sunda Islands
Maluku Islands
West Papua
Center of Trade
Makassar (2)
Surabaya (1) – major port and center of trade in East Java since 16th century.
Ternate (1)
Tidore (1)
There should be CoT in Maluku islands since its main trade location of this node and Ternate-Tidore Sultanates were traders themselves.
Solo Estuary
Gresik – located on Solo River Delta it was the most important commercial port of Majapahit early on before rise of Surabaya. Solo River – the longest river in Java stretching along very fertile lands, it was of massive importance for shipping agricultural products (Rice). So far Gresik falls into Surabaya province, but Surabaya is located on Brantas River Estuary, so geographically there’s enough ground to make Gresik as separate province one day.
Western half of Indonesia & Malay Peninsula. Or coasts along Malacca Strait & Sunda Strait. When there were problems for ships to pass Malacca Strait – Sunda Strait or overland route through Malay Peninsula were used as alternatives. It’s important to include West Java into this trade node since southern half of Sumatra commercially was dependent on Sunda Kelapa / Batavia. Overall it should be another massive trade area similar to that of East China Sea and I am quite modest there with number of potential CoTs suggested.
Trade node area
Malay Peninsula
Sumatra
West Java
West Borneo
Center of Trade
Malacca (3)
Sunda Kelapa (2) (Batavia)
Pasai (2)
Banda Aceh (1) – main center of trade of Aceh Sultanate.
Banten (1)
Bintan (1) – main center of trade of Johor Sultanate. Replaced Malacca in importance when it was conquered by Portuguese.
Nakhon Si Thammarat (1)
Padang (1)
Patani (1) – merchant based area shining already since 15th till some 17th centuries. It had intense trade connections with China.
Musi Estuary
Palembang – economical heartland of ancient kingdom of Srivijaya, significant trade center later as well, especially since 17-18th century. Musi River basin – the largest waterways in Sumatra Island.
Batang Hari Estuary
Jambi – another key port of kingdom Srivijaya, was also significant trade port of Pepper during Jambi Sultanate era. Batang Hari River is the longest river in Sumatra along which Pepper was shipped from inland areas.
Kapuas Estuary
Pontianak – with arrival of Dutch and Chinese in 18th century Pontianak became very important trade site in Borneo. And Kapuas River was of major role to this as it is the longest River in Indonesia, of great width and fully navigable at most of its extent. There’s no better way to reach central Borneo than through Kapuas.
5 greatest rivers in Indonesia for attention.
Trade node area
Malay Peninsula
Sumatra
West Java
West Borneo
Center of Trade
Malacca (3)
Sunda Kelapa (2) (Batavia)
Pasai (2)
Banda Aceh (1) – main center of trade of Aceh Sultanate.
Banten (1)
Bintan (1) – main center of trade of Johor Sultanate. Replaced Malacca in importance when it was conquered by Portuguese.
Nakhon Si Thammarat (1)
Padang (1)
Patani (1) – merchant based area shining already since 15th till some 17th centuries. It had intense trade connections with China.
Musi Estuary
Palembang – economical heartland of ancient kingdom of Srivijaya, significant trade center later as well, especially since 17-18th century. Musi River basin – the largest waterways in Sumatra Island.
Batang Hari Estuary
Jambi – another key port of kingdom Srivijaya, was also significant trade port of Pepper during Jambi Sultanate era. Batang Hari River is the longest river in Sumatra along which Pepper was shipped from inland areas.
Kapuas Estuary
Pontianak – with arrival of Dutch and Chinese in 18th century Pontianak became very important trade site in Borneo. And Kapuas River was of major role to this as it is the longest River in Indonesia, of great width and fully navigable at most of its extent. There’s no better way to reach central Borneo than through Kapuas.
5 greatest rivers in Indonesia for attention.
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