China’s First Drug Czar

Lin Zexu (1785-1850) was sent by the Daoguang Emperor to Canton (now Guangzhou) in 1839 with orders to halt the British trade in opium. Upon arrival, he systematically collected and destroyed all the opium he could find. The British, who were eager to expand the drug trade beyond the southern port city, used Lin’s actions as an excuse to launch the First Opium War.

This Chinese “making-of” documentary examines in-depth a classic Chinese film reenacting Lin’s conflict with the British.

Lin Zexu, China's first Drug Czar

Lin Zexu

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