Wenzhou is located in the central part of China’s 18,000-km eastern coastline, between the two economic zones of the Yangtze River and the Pearl River deltas. It is the economic, cultural and transportation center of southern Zhejiang Province. In ancient times Wenzhou was the capital of the state of Eastern Ou. In the year 323, during the Jin Dynasty, it was known as Yongjia Prefecture, and it gained its modern name in 675, under the rule of the Tang Dynasty.
　　Throughout its history Wenzhou has been renowned for its handicrafts, and also as one of the birthplaces of celadon ware. It has been famous for centuries for its paper, ships, silk, embroidery, lacquerware, shoes and leather products. As early as the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), it was opened up as a foreign trade port, enjoying a reputation as a prosperous costal city.