GUANGZHOU: The Gotheborg III dropped anchor yesterday afternoon in Guangzhou, bringing a taste of years gone by to the modern southern metropolis.

After 8 deafening cannon shots, Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia walked down the ship's steps along a red carpet to greet local people, Chinese and Swedish, who had come in their thousands to witness the unique arrival.

"The ship's return to China symbolizes the good and peaceful relationship between China and Sweden, which has lasted as long as 260 years," said the King, who has been following the reconstruction of the ship for more than 10 years.

Gotheborg III is a replica of Gotheborg, a leading ship of the Swedish East India Company during the 18th century. 260 years ago, the merchant vessel returned home to Gothenburg from Guangzhou, then known as Canton, laden with a rich cargo of silk, tea, porcelain and spices.

Unfortunately the ship struck a reef just half a mile from home on September 12, 1745 and sank.

"Some Swedes started to conceive the idea of rebuilding the ship in 1991," said Ulf Sormark, Consul-General of Sweden in Guangzhou. The reconstruction started one year later and finally finished last year, he said.

"It's a great day for Gotheborg III, for we have made a nearly impossible idea possible after over 10 years of struggle," said Peter Kaalings, captain of the ship, who added that at the beginning most Swedish people didn't believe it would be possible.

Unlike modern ships with steel hulls and diesel engines, Kaaling told China Daily that the ship was built according to its original specifications.

"The replica ship has kept its original style and gives people a precious chance to experience the old sailing traditions."

Kaaling outlined the basic features of the ship, which include:

A 40-metre hull completely made of oak.

3 masts made of fir wood, the highest being 56 metres.

25 sails of three different shapes, weighing 20 tons in total.

50 crew working to belay ropes, rig sails and scrub the deck.

The ship departed on October 2 last year from the inner harbour pier in Gothenburg. During its 10-month journey it has stopped at Cadiz in Spain, Recife in Brazil, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth in South Africa, Fremantle in Australia and Jakarta in Indonesia.

Along with a grand reception organized by the Guangzhou government, local people gathered at Nansha Passenger Terminal to cheer its arrival.

"I came here with my family very early this morning to get a glimpse of the ancient ship," said Chen Guiqiang, a local resident.

As the ship symbolizes Guangzhou's importance as an ancient international port, people will know more about the city's history through its arrival, Chen said.

A series of events will be held in the city to reflect the friendly relations between China and Sweden, for example an exhibition of rare porcelains salvaged from the wreckage.

Guangzhou is the first stop of its China tour. In mid August it will leave for Shanghai.

It is scheduled to sail back to Sweden after a 2-month stay in Shanghai and a 2-week stay in a shipyard in Zhejiang Province.

Source: China Daily