The Relationship Between Anhui Merchants and Yangzhou Culture in the Ming and Qing Dynasties

Liang Qi-chao once stated his opinions in his book The Generality of Qing Literature that the contribution of the salt merchants in Huaihe River area to the Qing literature in the reign of Qianlong and Jiaqing can match that of the Eastern European wealthy merchants during the European Renaissance.The merchants have exerted great effect not only on the economy in Yangzhou but also on the regional culture,gardening,education,catering culture and so on.