"The Taikoo Way – Swire in China for 150 years" is available in Shanghai Joint Publishing bookstores and major online stores nationwide.

This year marks two very significant milestones for Swire: 2016 is the 200th anniversary of the establishment in the UK of the group's parent company, John Swire & Sons, and it is also 150 years since John Samuel Swire arrived in Shanghai in 1866 to open the firm's first China office; soon afterwards, he gave his company the Chinese name "Taikoo".

To commemorate the group's sesquicentenary in China, Swire has commissioned a new Chinese-language history: "The Taikoo Way – Swire in China for 150 years", compiled by Professor Stephanie Chung Po-yin of Hong Kong Baptist University. The book tells the story of how a small trading firm evolved into the global conglomerate it is today. After establishing the Shanghai branch, Swire ventured into shipping, insurance, sugar refining and dockyards; later, the firm developed world-renowned Cathay Pacific Airways, acquired a Coca-Cola bottling franchise, and diversified into property.

The story of Swire's 150-year history in China is a testament to the group's long-term business strategy and also reflects the many socio-economic changes in China over the period. Launch events were held in May at Bund 22 in Shanghai (a very significant venue, since this building was headquarters to Swire's China businesses for many years) and in Beijing at The Opposite House, Taikoo Li Sanlitun. An exhibition showcasing key milestones, as well as a diverse collection of Swire group artefacts, accompanied both events.