Kanton, 1655

When John Nieuhoff arrived with the Dutch diplomatic delegation in China in 1655, he drew, painted and wrote what he saw along the way. This image is the artist’s impression of Canton from the boat. The boat of the delegation had reached the Canton River (Pearl River), which flows to the south of the Canton city and was packed with shuttling boats and merchant ships, such as the Dutch vessel in the foreground. The city gate is the central focus for the scene. All Westerners would pass the gate to conduct trade at that time. Behind the city walls in the distance is Canton city.