“湖商”源流考——兼论“湖商”的地域特征与士商现象

Origin and Development of “Hu Merchants”——On the Characteristics of “Hu Merchants” and the Phenomenon of Scholar Businessmen

"湖商"之名源于古代"湖州商人""湖州丝商"及近代"湖州商帮"之简称。"湖商"起源于宋代,兴盛于明清,发展于民国,至改革开放后又有新的发展。"湖商"具有显著的地域特征和明显的士商现象,得益于湖州地胜人勤。"湖商"多为坐商,以经营当地特有物产为主,有别于徽商、晋商等其他商帮,是士商结合的典型,故亦称儒商。他们既重视诚信经商的理念,也遵从惟利的商业规则。

The name of “Huzhou merchant” originated from the ancient “Huzhou merchant”, “Huzhou silk merchant” and the abbreviation of “Huzhou merchant gang” in modern times. “Hu merchants” originated in the Song Dynasty, flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, developed in the Republic of China, and had a new development after the reform and opening up. “Hu merchants” have obvious regional characteristics and obvious phenomenon of scholar businessmen, thanks to Huzhou’s good manpower and diligence, “Hu merchants” are mostly sitting businessmen, mainly operating local unique property; they are different from Hui merchants, Shanxi merchants and other business groups, and are typical of the combination of scholar businessmen, so they are also called Confucian businessmen. They attach great importance to the concept of honest business, but also comply with the commercial rules of profit.