Subsequent to the Treaty of Nanjing signed in 1841, the people of Guangdong strongly objected to outlanders entering Guangjhou. Moreover, the British trade with China had yet to see improvement. This impelled the British to eagerly revise the treaties. In 1856, capitalizing on the Arrow Incident along with the Father Chapdelaine Incident, the British allied with the French and joined forces to dispatch troops to China. In May, 1858, they captured the Dagu Forts and advanced to Tianjin. In June of the same year the Ching government signed the Treaty of Tianjin with Britain, France, the United States and Russia.

The main points of the Treaty of Tianjin between Britain and China were as follows: 1) the rights to exchange legations and station in Beijing and the right to appoint consuls at the opening ports; 2) protection of missionary activities; 3) the right of the British to travel in the internal regions of China; 4) opening more Chinese ports for foreign trade, including Jhongjhuang, Dengjhou, Taiwan, Chaojhou, Cyongjhou, Hankou, Jioujiang and Jhenjiang; 5) ratifications of consular jurisdiction; 6) revising the Tariff regulations; and 7) paying an indemnity of 4 million taels of silver. By virtue of the Treaty of Tianjin, Takow port was subsequently opened, bringing about the establishment of the British Consulate at Takow and opportunities for foreign cultural exchanges.