At the time of American independence, the 13 colonies had a population of 2.5 million, with no GDP statistics available. China was in the Qianlong era at its peak, with a population of 260 million and GDP accounting for 32% of the world’s total, ranking first globally. India was second at 24%, while the combined total of England, France, Germany, Russia, and Italy was only 17%. Although China had a large population, England and France, with a combined population of only 35 million, had higher per capita GDP. The United States had just been founded and was not yet comparable in economic terms.

When the United States fought for independence against Britain, the Qianlong Emperor was busy on his sixth journey to the southern provinces. For such a distant “foreign land,” the Qing Empire paid little attention. At that time, transportation was slow, and news from America would take at least five months to reach China. By the time the U.S. War of Independence ended, Qianlong had completed his sixth southern tour. The independence of America had almost no impact on China, and very few people realized that it would become a significant event in human history.

The Qianlong Emperor (1711–1799) and George Washington (1732–1799) died in the same year. Washington lived to 67, while Qianlong lived to 88.

Qianlong’s southern tours were famous among the people and are still depicted in modern television dramas. During these journeys, he traveled with a large entourage of consorts, nobles, and officials. Along the route, temporary palaces were constructed, colorful canopies erected, and boats lined the waterways, with banners filling the sky. To transport tents, clothing, and equipment, 6,000 horses, 400 mule and ox carts, 800 camels, and nearly 10,000 laborers were mobilized. Local officials were required to present delicacies, and additional supplies were brought from across the empire.

After Qianlong, the Qing dynasty gradually implemented a policy of comprehensive isolation. This closed-door policy hindered contact with the Western world, causing China to miss the optimal period for synchronous global development.

At the time of American independence, the U.S. had little knowledge of China. The young republic had no clear understanding of the distant, ancient empire.