Question

"In this part [of the city of Hangzhou, China] are the ten principal markets, though besides these there are a vast number of others in the different parts of the town. The former are all squares of half a mile to the side, and along their front passes the main street, which is 40 paces in width, and runs straight from end of the city, crossing many bridges of easy and commodious [approach. At every four miles of its length comes one of those great squares of 2 miles (as we have mention) in compass [i.e. square miles]. So also parallel to this great street, but at the back of the market places, there runs a very large canal, on the bank of which towards the squares are built great houses of stone, in which the merchants from India and other foreign parts store their wares, to be handy for the markets. In each of the squares is held a market three days in the week, frequented by 40,000 or 50,000 persons,
who bring thither for sale every possible necessary of life.

Based on the passage, which of the statements concerning the trading city of Hangzhou is most accurate?

(A) Foreigners were not welcome in Chinese trading cities, because they were considered barbarians and had nothing of value to trade.
(B) Many of the people coming to trade in cities in China were Europeans traveling along the Silk Roads.
(C) Hangzhou was a vital trading city because it had foreign merchants and was also accessible by the Grand Canal for internal trade.
(D) Chinese imperial governments limited the number of markets in Hangzhou to just a few centrally-located areas of the city.

Answer 1

Answer:

(C) Hangzhou was a vital trading city because it had foreign merchants and was also accessible by the Grand Canal for internal trade.

Explanation:

This is the statement that best summarizes what the passage states about the city of Hangzhou. In this passage, we learn about the success and popularity of this trading city. We learn that foreigners established themselves here, and that they sold foreign goods in the markets. We also learn that this city was accessed by the Grand Canal. The presence of large markets and crowds of people emphasize the vitality of this trading city.