Final answer:
Europeans desired many luxury items from Beijing, including silk, porcelain, tea, spices, and precious stones. These goods symbolized status and wealth in Europe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The trade imbalance led Europeans to sell opium to China, resulting in the Opium Wars and the opening of China to foreign trade.
During the era of the Silk Roads and subsequent maritime trade, Europeans were highly interested in a range of luxury items originating from China, especially those available in Beijing. These coveted goods included silk in various forms such as textiles, textiles like velvets and brocades, and bales of silk textiles for further manufacturing in Europe. Precious items such as porcelain, known also as china, and tea were greatly sought after. Other cultural and luxury goods coveted by Europeans included spices, precious stones, cotton cloth, and unique items such as lacquerware, paper, and iron tools. All of these items symbolized the wealth and wonder of the East and were seen as markers of status and luxury within European society.