Representatives of the East India Company had met with the military governor of Guangdong ahead of Macartney's arrival, in order to request permission for the embassy to land at Tianjin instead of Guangzhou.

The governor had at first refused, as it is considered improper for a tributary mission to select its own port of arrival.

The British officials had pointed out, however, that the ships carry many large, precious items that might be damaged if taken overland.

Moreover, as the governor notes in his report to the emperor, the embassy has journeyed a great distance, and will be greatly delayed if sent back to Guangzhou from Tianjin.

The Qianlong Emperor agrees to the request, and instructs his officials to lead the embassy to him with the utmost civility.

The emperor's response is brought back to Guangzhou by General Fuk'anggan, Viceroy of Liangguang, who had recently returned after fighting in the Sino-Nepalese War.