Jiangsu is one of
the provinces of China, which has 106 county-level divisions that
are further classified into 13 prefecture-level cities as its
jurisdictional divisions. The province neighbors Anhui, Shandong, Zhejiang and Shanghai.
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 consists largely
of the alluvial plain of the Yangtze River and includes much
of its delta. Its elevation rarely rises above sea level
although there are hills in southwest. 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. The Grand Canal, constructed in the
7th century, bisects the province, providing a valuable link
between the coast and inland China.
Marvelous rivers and mountains are not the only
attractions that tempt visitors to Jiangsu. 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.
The local cuisine is another
incentive for tourists to visit Jiangsu. 'Huaiyang' in style, it is similar to
Shanghainese cuisine and makes liberal use of soy, ginger, sugar and Shaoxing
wine. ‘Dazha crab’ is the specialty of the region, and in Nanjing salt-cured and
pressed duck are delicacies.
Today, Jiangsu's main cities - Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou and
Nantong - are thriving industrial centers, and although pollution and development
contribute to irritations and eyesores, each retains an individual allure.
Spring and fall are the best times to visit - not least because of the millions
of plant trees that line the streets of each city 'boulevard-style' - though the
summer and winter temperatures are not extreme.
Jiangsu has a land of 102,600 km2 and
a population of almost 80 millions. 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.
In its administrative system, Jiangsu is divided
into 13 major cities and it has jurisdiction over cities while these cities have
jurisdiction over towns. The cities are Nanjing, Wuxi, Xuzhou, Changzhou, Suzhou,
Nantong, Lianyungang, Huai'an, Yancheng, Yangzhou, Zhenjiang, Taizhou and Suqian.
Jiangsu is one of the most developed areas in
China in economy, technology and culture. Its industries mainly include
manufactures, machinery, electronics, spinning and agriculture., and the total
output is one of the largest in the nation. The province’s transportation
network is most developed and it is connected throughout the whole province and
other provinces, including inland waterway, railroad, airline and highway
systems. In recent years, the development of hi-tech and telecommunication has
brought it up to a new height.
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.
