The Longqing Switch was an important event of openness in Chinese history, which marked the beginning of exchanges between China and the outside world. So, which gateways were opened by the Longqing Switch?

Firstly, the maritime embargo was lifted. Before the Longqing Switch, the Ming Dynasty implemented a maritime embargo policy, prohibiting Chinese from going to sea and foreigners from conducting trade activities in China's coastal areas. However, after the Longqing Switch, the Ming Dynasty began to relax the maritime embargo policy, allowing Chinese to go out to sea for trade and conduct direct transactions with foreign merchants. This measure laid the foundation for trade exchanges between China and the outside world.

Secondly, land routes were opened. In addition to the relaxation of the maritime embargo, the Longqing Switch also opened land routes. Before this, China only allowed some specific merchants to enter Central Asia and Europe from the Silk Road in the northwest region, while other merchants were prohibited from entering. However, after the Longqing Switch, China began to allow more merchants to enter Central Asia and Europe through land routes, providing more opportunities for trade exchanges between China and the outside world.

Thirdly, culture was opened. Before the Longqing Switch, China's foreign exchanges were very limited, and almost no foreigners came to China. However, after the Longqing Switch, many Western missionaries came to China to spread Christianity and Western culture and technology. At the same time, China also began to absorb foreign culture and technology, such as gunpowder, compasses, printing, etc. The introduction of these technologies played an important role in promoting China's modernization process.

Fourthly, diplomacy was opened. Before the Longqing Switch, exchanges between China and the outside world were very limited, and there were almost no diplomatic relations. However, after the Longqing Switch, China began to actively carry out diplomatic activities, establish contacts with other countries, and exchange envoys. These diplomatic activities not only promoted exchanges between China and the outside world but also provided important support for China's political and economic development.

In conclusion, the Longqing Switch opened multiple gateways, including the maritime embargo, land routes, culture, and diplomacy. The opening of these gateways laid the foundation for exchanges and cooperation between China and the outside world, and also provided reference for later reform and opening up.

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