天津盐业自古有之,盐业的生产、运销也促进了天津经济的繁荣,并造就了一批资财丰厚,家业富足的盐商。这些盐商不仅在天津的文化教育等方面做出了重要贡献,而且在天津还兴办了一系列慈善事业,在诸如育婴、恤嫠、济贫、免费施种牛痘、施粥、义冢等常规慈善事业以及突发事件如水旱灾害等发生时的应急救济中发挥了很大的作用。盐商经营慈善事业除了受到儒佛道思想的影响以外,还为了保护家产,树立良好的社会公众形象。 The salt industry in Tianjin has existed since ancient times. The production and distribution of salt industry also promoted the economic prosperity of Tianjin and created a number of salt traders rich in wealth and rich in family property. These salt traders not only made important contributions to cultural and educational activities in Tianjin, but also established a series of charities in Tianjin. They routinely administered vaccinia, shiitake and volunteer graves such as nursing infants, Philanthropy and emergencies such as floods and droughts have taken a great role in emergency relief. In addition to being influenced by Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, philanthropy operators in salt merchants also set a good public image for the purpose of protecting their property.