Jiangsu is located in the eastern China. This province has a long history and the profound Jiangnan (means the culture in southern region of Yangtze River). The province was so named in the Qing Dynasty; its two charactersm Jiang and Su, came from two prefectures in this area. Jiangning (now called Nanjing) and Suzhou, though the history of Jiangsu can be traced to the New Stone Age.
Located in the downstream area of the Yangtze River along China eastern coastline, it is known as the "country of fish and rice" and the "land of rivers and lakes". The two names allude to the rich, fertile land or the region that is crisscrossed by a network of rivers and canals, and dotted with lakes and reservoirs.
Jiangsu is home to many of the world’s leading exporters of electronic equipment, chemicals and textiles. It has also been China’s largest recipient of foreign direct investment since 2006. Jiangsu is also a centre of education and science in China. It has the highest density of academic institutions including university, college, and research institutes. The percentage of educated people is always ranked in the front of the country.
♦ Provincial capital: Nanjing
♦ Area: Jiangsu has a land of 102,600 km2
♦ Geography: Jiangsu borders Shandong in the north, Anhui to the west, and Zhejiang and Shanghai to the south. Jiangsu has a coastline of over one thousand kilometers along the Yellow Sea, and the Yangtze River passes through its southern parts.
Its southeastern and northern parts are surrounded by mountains, and a vast plain spreads across the centre of the prefecture. There are numerous large bodies of water covering the area, including Yangtze River, Great Canal, and many other fresh water lakes. Therefore, especially, the southern region entitles with the biggest lake district of China. The province�s climate is moist and mild, and has four distinct seasons.
♦ Population: a population of almost 80 millions
♦ Administrative Division:
Jiangsu is divided into thirteen prefecture-level divisions, all prefecture-level cities:
#
|
Name
|
Hanzi
|
Administrative Seat
|
Population (2010)
|
1
|
Nanjing
|
南京市
|
Xuanwu District
|
8,004,680
|
2
|
Changzhou
|
常州市
|
Zhonglou District
|
4,591,972
|
3
|
Huai'an
|
淮安市
|
Qinghe District
|
4,799,889
|
4
|
Lianyungang
|
连云港市
|
Xinpu District
|
4,393,914
|
5
|
Nantong
|
南通市
|
Chongchuan District
|
7,282,835
|
6
|
Suqian
|
宿迁市
|
Sucheng District
|
4,715,553
|
7
|
Suzhou
|
苏州市
|
Jinchang District
|
10,465,994
|
8
|
Taizhou
|
泰州市
|
Hailing District
|
4,618,558
|
9
|
Wuxi
|
无锡市
|
Chong'an District
|
6,372,624
|
10
|
Xuzhou
|
徐州市
|
Yunlong District
|
8,580,500
|
11
|
Yancheng
|
盐城市
|
Tinghu District
|
7,260,240
|
12
|
Yangzhou
|
扬州市
|
Guangling District
|
4,459,760
|
13
|
Zhenjiang
|
镇江市
|
Jingkou District
|
3,113,384
|
♦ Climate: The fairly warm climate, moderate rainfall, and fertile soil make Jiangsu one of the richest agricultural regions of China and one of the most densely populated.
♦ History:
Since the Han Dynasty, Jiangsu has been famed for its rich resources and abundant products. In the Ming Dynasty, fallowing rapid economic development, its cities, including Suzhou, Yangzhou, Changzhou and Huai’an, began to prosper via industry and trade. The most advanced industry was boat building,
The province, in particular the capital city Nanjing, brags a fascinating history. Crumbling city walls, venerated mausoleum and statues of vehement leaders are strong reminders of its brilliant past. Nanjing has enjoyed a 2,400-year history of prosperity since the Warring State Period, and has been the capital of China during eight dynasties. There are also sights of cultural interest scattered liberally throughout Jiangsu from the ancient ornamental gardens of Suzhou to Wuxi's world-record breaking bronze Buddha.
♦ Transport
Jiangsu boasts a well-developed transport network, making travel to and within the province very convenient.
► Its nine airports serve 106 airlines, including direct flights to Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand Malaysia and Japan.
► By Rail, more than 70 train services link Jiangsu to over 40 major cities. Between Nanjing and Shanghaim a train runs hourly; tourist trains between Changzhou and Huangshan run weekly.