The Canton System, established in 1757, restricted most Western maritime trade to the port of Guangzhou, shaping the dynamics of trade between Qing China and Western nations. This system regulated foreign commerce and was instrumental in controlling the flow of goods such as tea, porcelain, and silk. The Canton System had profound implications for international relations and trade practices, influencing the economic landscape of the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Canton System intensified European interest in Chinese culture and goods, leading to a surge in chinoiserie and travel writing. This fascination inspired poets to incorporate exotic imagery and critique trade imbalances, reflecting broader themes of imperialism and cultural exchange.