The China History Podcast Ep. 153 | The History of Opium in China
Apr 27, 2015
Delve into the captivating history of opium in China, tracing its journey from a medicinal product to a societal staple. Discover how opium's cultural integration shaped rituals and spurred addiction during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Learn about the tumultuous responses of emperors to an escalating drug crisis and the powerful role of foreign traders. This exploration also contrasts China's opium use with that of the West, highlighting its pervasive impact across different social classes and its enduring legacy in cultural narratives.
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Opium Preceded Opium War
- China's opium history predates the Opium War, going as far back as the Tang dynasty and possibly the Eastern Jin.
- Western traders were not the sole cause of opium addiction; China had a longstanding opium culture before mass imports.
Opium and Tea Parallel
- Both tea and opium started in China as medicines and later became cultural commodities with rituals.
- They served as quasi-currencies and had dedicated connoisseurs in Chinese society.
Early Opium Introduction
- Opium was likely introduced into China by Arab traders around 400 AD during the Eastern Jin.
- It was primarily used as medicine and tribute, not originally as a recreational drug.
