The Kingdom of Kwanryong (寬龍王國 - Kwànryông hwogwúk)

At a Glance

Official Name: The Kingdom of Kwanryong

Capital City: Kwàn-Shí (寬市 - Vast City)

Official Language: Kwanryongese (a tonal language blending Southern Sinitic and Vietic features)

Government: Constitutional Monarchy

Currency: Shoek (爍 - Shine)

National Motto: Wòbìng wúih lihng ngô-dā gokgā on-jûn. (和平會令我哋嘅國家安全。) — "Peace Ensures the Security of Our Nation."

Overview

The Kingdom of Kwanryong is a vibrant and prosperous coastal nation located on the Indochinese Peninsula, nestled between Southern China and Vietnam. Often called the "Jade Dragon of the South Sea," Kwanryong is a nation defined by its remarkable synthesis of ancient traditions and hyper-modernity. Its national identity, forged from a unique blend of Cantonese, Middle Chinese, and Vietnamese cultures, has created a country that is both deeply historic and dynamically forward-looking. Its guiding philosophy, reflected in its motto, is to secure its future not through conquest, but through stability, trade, and cultural strength.

Geography and Climate

Kwanryong's landscape is dominated by two key features: the fertile Shining River Delta (爍江三角洲 - Shoẹk Gōng Sāmgokjāu) and the majestic Dragon's Tooth Mountains (龍牙山脈 - Ryông-ngà Sānmạch).

The Shining River flows from the mountainous interior, creating a vast and fertile delta that serves as the nation's agricultural heartland, famed for its jasmine-scented rice.

The Dragon's Tooth range forms a formidable natural border, its mist-shrouded peaks and deep valleys being the source of countless myths and artistic inspiration.

The climate is subtropical, with hot, humid summers shaped by the monsoon and mild, drier winters, allowing for year-round cultivation.

History and Government

The kingdom's history is a celebrated trilogy of foundation, philosophy, and modernization.

Foundation: It was founded by the legendary King Lý Thiên Nông, who unified the river tribes and established the agricultural society that secured the nation's survival.

Philosophy: Its cultural golden age was guided by the great scholar Trần Minh Triết, whose philosophies on harmony and cultural strength remain central to the Kwanryongese identity.

Modernization: In the 19th century, Emperor Võ Long Thịnh consolidated the kingdom, modernized its institutions, and opened it to global trade, setting the stage for its current prosperity.

Today, Kwanryong is a stable constitutional monarchy. The reigning monarch, from the ancient House of Võ, is a revered head of state and a symbol of national unity, while a democratically elected government, led by a Chancellor, manages the affairs of the state.

Economy

Kwanryong is considered one of the "Dragon Economies" of Asia. Its currency, the Shoek (爍), is known for its stability. The economy is a balanced mix of traditional and modern sectors:

Agriculture: A world-renowned exporter of high-grade rice, tea, and exotic fruits.

Manufacturing & Tech: A powerhouse in high-tech manufacturing, particularly in electronics, and a growing hub for software development.

Finance & Trade: The capital, Kwàn-Shí, is a major international port and financial center, leveraging its strategic location.

Culture and People

The Kwanryongese people are a proud and sophisticated society with a deep appreciation for the arts, education, and cuisine.

Language: The melodic, six-toned Kwanryongese language is spoken universally. English is taught as a second language from a young age and is widely used in commerce and tourism.

Cuisine: Kwanryongese food is a celebrated fusion. It combines the delicate artistry of Cantonese dim sum, the fresh herbs and complex broths of Vietnamese pho, and unique local spices. A signature dish is Shoẹk Hò Fún (爍河粉), or "Shining River Noodles," a savory rice noodle soup.

Arts: The nation is famous for its intricate silk embroidery, which often depicts dragons and mountain landscapes, as well as a unique operatic tradition that blends stories and musical styles from its neighbors.

The Capital: Kwàn-Shí (寬市)

The "Vast City" is the beating heart of the kingdom. It is a city of stunning contrasts, where ancient temples cast shadows on shimmering skyscrapers.

The Old Town (Gāoshéung - 高上): A labyrinth of narrow streets, clan houses, traditional apothecaries, and serene temples. It houses the magnificent Royal Palace and the historic Pavilion of Whispering Reeds.

The New District (Sīnhâi - 新海): Across the Shining River, this area is a testament to Kwanryong's modernity. It is home to the Kwanryong Stock Exchange and a dazzling skyline dominated by the iconic, cable-stayed Celestial Bridge, a symbol of the nation's connection to the world.