In 1784, the second year after the end of the American Revolutionary War, the United States launched its first merchant ship, the Empress of China, from New York to Guangzhou, initiating direct trade between China and the United States.

The beginning of Sino-American direct trade over 200 years ago had a profound impact on economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The allure of Asia to the Americas had already existed during the colonial era. Exquisite Chinese porcelain, silk, and tea were annually re-exported from London to the Americas. By the early 18th century, Chinese tea was widely consumed across the American continent. By the 1760s, Americans consumed 1.2 million bricks of tea annually, much of it smuggled. Britain’s high tea taxes led to resistance, culminating in the Boston Tea Party and ultimately the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War.

In 1782, an American named Reyard, returning from a long Pacific voyage, mysteriously told his fellow villagers: “A fur purchased for six pence on the west coast of America can be sold for $100 in Guangzhou, China!” He passionately promoted trade with China. Reyard’s exaggerated claims spread widely, and American merchants, recognizing the demand for Chinese goods, were encouraged to engage in trade with China.

At the time, Robert Morris (1734–1806), known as the “Financier of the American Revolution,” showed great interest in China. He served as the Superintendent of Finance for the Continental Congress from 1781 to 1784. In November 1783, Morris wrote to John Jay, in charge of foreign affairs, expressing his determination to send ships to China to boldly explore commercial opportunities and help the United States overcome its economic difficulties.

Working with Morris were William Duer, another influential financier from Philadelphia, and two New York merchants, Daniel Parker and John Holker. Morris selected Captain John Green, whose maritime skills had been tested during the Revolutionary War, to lead nine officers and 34 crew members. Boston’s Major Samuel Shaw was appointed manager of the ship’s cargo. The ship carried carefully selected goods considered most desirable in the Chinese market, including 30 tons of ginseng and medicinal herbs, and pelts. American merchants had learned that two pounds of ginseng could be exchanged for one pound of tea.

Morris purchased a merchant vessel and outfitted it with the latest navigational equipment. Carrying the hopes and fantasies of Americans regarding China, the 360-ton ship was named Empress of China, honoring the Chinese imperial court.

To ensure a successful maiden voyage, Morris made meticulous preparations. He appointed the experienced Captain Green, who had served in the navy, as the ship’s captain, and the skilled negotiator Shan Mao as the business agent. Due to rampant piracy, the ship retained all its armaments from its previous service as a warship.

On January 25, 1784, New York Governor George Clinton issued two documents for the Empress of China: a port entry permit and a navigation passport. On January 30, the ship was granted a navigation certificate bearing the Great Seal of the United States. U.S. officials anticipated that the ship would encounter numerous Chinese officials and dignitaries, so the certificate listed an unprecedented number of titles: monarch, emperor, king, prince, duke, earl, baron, lord, mayor, legislator… For added symbolism, Morris chose the departure date carefully, selecting a widely recognized “auspicious day”: February 22, 1784—the birthday of President George Washington.

On February 22, 1784 (the 49th year of Qianlong’s reign), the Empress of China, fully loaded with 473 piculs of ginseng, 2,600 furs, 1,270 bales of feather silk, 26 piculs of pepper, 476 piculs of lead, over 300 piculs of cotton, and 43 crew members, set sail from New York for China, accompanied by a U.S. trade delegation. After 150 days at sea, the ship reached Java, which later became a key waypoint for trade with China.

By late August of that year, the Empress of China arrived in Macau, where it received a “China Pass” stamped with the Qing official seal, permitting entry into the Pearl River. Guided by a Chinese pilot, the ship reached Huangpu Port in Guangzhou after a day’s navigation. Upon arrival, the Empress of China fired 13 salute cannons (representing the thirteen U.S. states), and other foreign ships in the harbor returned the salute.

Captain Green recorded: “The Empress of China had the honor of raising the first American flag ever seen in these waters!” Chinese merchants, unfamiliar with America, called the flag “flowered banner country” (huaqi guo) due to its stars and stripes. The ginseng brought by the Americans became known as “huaqi ginseng,” marking the first time ordinary Chinese people learned of the United States. Even today, Citibank in China retains the name “Huaqi Bank.”

This milestone occurred on August 28, 1784. Initially, Guangzhou officials mistook the Americans for British, but upon learning that the United States was an independent nation, Chinese officials treated them with friendliness and respect, praising these “huaqi country” merchants for their law-abiding and humble conduct. With strong support from Chinese counterparts, the Empress of China conducted its business successfully.

Four months later, after selling all the goods it carried, the ship purchased substantial quantities of Chinese products, including 2,460 piculs of black tea, 562 piculs of green tea, 962 pieces of porcelain, abundant silk fabrics, dressing boxes, ivory carvings, lacquerware, cinnamon, cassia, and embroidered golden statues. Before returning, Guangzhou officials presented two bolts of silk to the U.S. government and a custom-made furniture set for Morris. A merchant from the 13 guilds of the foreign trade area gifted the ship’s owner a parrot, which later learned to say in English, “Work!”

On May 15, 1785, the Empress of China, loaded with Chinese goods, returned to New York after a 14-month round trip. The captain fired 13 salute cannons in celebration. American newspapers hailed the voyage as “a milestone in the history of American commerce.”

Due to British blockades, Americans had difficulty acquiring overseas goods, and crowds eagerly purchased the long-awaited Chinese products upon their arrival. Even President Washington purchased 302 pieces of porcelain and exquisite ivory fans. The voyage earned a profit of over $30,000, a 25% return. Subsequently, American merchant ships continuously sailed to China, creating a remarkable phenomenon. Direct trade with China broke the embargo, bringing fame and profit to Morris. Washington later considered appointing him Secretary of the Treasury, but Morris deferred to Alexander Hamilton and eventually became a Pennsylvania senator.

To promote trade with China, the U.S. Congress issued a national commendation for the voyage. Newspapers reported extensively, describing it as “a visionary and highly fruitful expedition.” Encouraged by government support and potential profits, the first wave of “China fever” swept the United States. Hundreds of tons of merchant ships—then considered large—set sail for China, along with smaller vessels carrying limited cargo. American ships became a constant presence on the route to China, and U.S.-China trade quickly surpassed that of the Netherlands, Denmark, and France.

In the following decades, Guangzhou merchants praised Americans as the most courteous foreigners. Within six years, Chinese goods accounted for one-seventh of American imports. In the 1790s, China ranked second only to Britain in trade volume with the United States. Over the next 30 years, 31 ships traveled annually between New York and Guangzhou. Americans discovered China’s vibrant market and developed deep respect for Chinese technological and artistic achievements.

Americans quickly absorbed Chinese techniques and arts across various fields, including agriculture, architecture, furniture, and ceramics. Chinese soybeans, broad beans, and tea were introduced to the U.S., and Chinese-style pavilions, towers, paintings, and other “exotic” aesthetics became appreciated in America.

Chinese merchants also treated American traders generously, often extending credit when funds were insufficient. Americans, grateful, praised them as “trustworthy, honest, law-abiding, and generous.”