VIII. The Feast in Haishan Building

River flowing east under Haishan Building;

Ships mighty loaded with cargos full

Farther away they sail chasing the wind.

Crossing borders between sky and sea.

Clouds flying higher above,

Beating waves n' passing rocks;

Adieu my lord with farewell drinks,

Dew-like tears teeming along my checks.

This poem, Farewell, Friends written by Hong Shi in the Song dynasty, describes Guangzhou local officials holding a feast in Haishan Building to bid farewell to businessmen before they left. It depicted a grandiose scene of the sea and the feast. The poet expresses his wishes that the businessmen and sailors would have a safe and fast voyage with the wind in their favor. Haishang Building was situated in Beijing South Road of Guangzhou, overlooking the Pearl River with open horizons and grand scenery, and a maritime trade booth was down the road where foreign ships could berth and wait for the sailors who would embark for foreign seas.

Foreign ships more often than not came from the South China Sea or the Indian Ocean; driven by the southeast monsoon winds to Guangzhou in May or June. Prior to the arrival of the foreign ships, Guangzhou governors would therefore hold a grand ritual to pray for good winds at the Nanhai Sea God Temple located to the west of Fuxu town, wishing that the sea god of Nanhai would bless both the foreign and Chinese ships. When the ships filled with goods reached the estuary of the Pearl River, the garrison would offer them good wine and food, and escort them to Guangzhou to berth near a maritime trade booth, guarded by soldiers.

Merchant ships setting out from Guangzhou usually left in November or December by the southwest monsoon. Those heading for Champa (today's south central Vietnam) could put off their departure to the first month of following year, due to a shorter trip. Before the ships departed, Guangdong authorities and officials of the Maritime Trade Supervisorate would hold a big farewell dinner for the businessmen. The banquet was held right in the Haishan Building. Guests of the dinner ranged from the head of foreign states to workers, no matter where they came from and what their status was. By organizing such a dinner, the government, on one hand, wanted to express their appreciation and gratitude to both the Chinese and foreign businessmen and bless their journey; on the other hand, it also helped maintain good business relationships and looked forward to welcoming them back on their next arrival in Guangzhou.