广东造币厂旧址

In 1889, the whirring of machinery echoed through the newly established Guangdong Mint. This marked a turning point in China’s monetary history. The Guangdong Mint, formerly known as the Guangdong Money Bureau, stands as a testament to China’s modernization. Zhang Zhidong’s vision brought this mint to life. He saw the need for a modern facility to produce silver and copper coins. The Guangdong Mint became the largest machine-made coin factory in the world. This was a bold step away from traditional minting methods. Located within Guangzhou at 4 Huanghua Road, the mint quickly became a symbol of progress. In 1890, the mint struck China’s first silver dollar, another landmark achievement. A decade later, in 1900, the first copper dollar followed. This marked the beginning of a new era in Chinese currency. The mint’s name changed several times, reflecting the changing political landscape. It became the Ministry of Revenue Mint in 1907. Then, it transitioned to the Ministry of Revenue Guangzhou Mint Branch in 1910. After the 1911 Xinhai Revolution, it was renamed the Guangdong Mint under the Republic of China. Sadly, the mint ceased operations in 1931, a victim of economic and political turmoil. There was a brief reopening in 1949 under the new People’s Republic of China. However, its days as a mint were numbered. By 1950, it transformed into the Guangdong Revolutionary Cadre School, later evolving into the Party School of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China. While the original mint buildings are gone, the Guangdong Mint’s legacy remains. It stands as a reminder of a pivotal era in China’s economic history. It symbolizes a time of innovation, modernization, and a shift toward a modern monetary system.