Renovations or expansion of the [[Grand Canal]], completed in [[1415]], connected Beijing more fully and effectively with [[Hangzhou]] and other major cities of the south; this marked the beginning of a significant shift in Ming trade patterns and attitudes, with the country turning inwards to a considerable extent; domestic trade networks connecting with the canal thrived while overseas ventures declined. | Renovations or expansion of the [[Grand Canal]], completed in [[1415]], connected Beijing more fully and effectively with [[Hangzhou]] and other major cities of the south; this marked the beginning of a significant shift in Ming trade patterns and attitudes, with the country turning inwards to a considerable extent; domestic trade networks connecting with the canal thrived while overseas ventures declined. |