I think it's worth doing a few test runs on Guangzhou. atm, I prefer wb first, but I'm not 100% sure.
On the tech, I don't particularly care. Given that we are currently bleeding cash, we could just run 0% slider for a while. Putting the loose beakers into Construction sounds ok to me.
I like Currency first unless an AI revolts to Monarchy Turn 1.
In that case I'd like Alpha first to trade for fast Monarchy.
We don't really need Catapults or War Elephants to rock the AI.
I also like worker first and later fish boat chop for the extra worker turns and 1 less anger.
That allows some roads to connect to capital if needed.
It also allows a 2 pop whip of Galley.
Taken off the queue after whipping, it allows another 2pop whip of Swords.
Then all 3 can be produced using the overflows and the city can be gifted to england at size 3.
Then city retaken with archer on galley and it is Size 3 with no anger, 3 food tiles, and we have 3 units to take Hong Kong.
No Japan war needed.
**Edit**
Bah, Hong Kong's Longbow and Archer have City Defense 1 and Drill 1 Promotions.
2 Swords, Bomber, and Archer might not be enough.