The first two huiguan were established by 1851. Merchants from Nanhai, Panyu, and Shunde, three districts surrounding the city of Guangzhou (Canton), led in the formation of Sanyi Hui- guan (Sam Yup Association), or Canton Company.

What is huiguan?

Huiguan, Wade-Giles romanization hui-kuan, series of guildhalls established by regional organizations (tongxiang hui) in different areas of China during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911/12) as places where merchants and officials from the same locale or the same dialect groups could obtain food, shelter, and assistance ...

When was the Qing dynasty?

The Qing Dynasty was the final imperial dynasty in China, lasting from 1644 to 1912. It was an era noted for its initial prosperity and tumultuous final years, and for being only the second time that China was not ruled by the Han people.