Area | 211,800 square km |
Population | 78.65 million (2010) |
Capital City | Nanjing |
Jiangsu province is situated in the east of China on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, bordering the Huanghai Sea and covering a coastline of over 1,000 kilometers. With a total area of over 102,600 square kilometers and a population of 78.65 million, it is the most density populated province in China. Its population consists of Han, Manchu and other nationalities and its capital is Nanjing.
Situated in a transitional zone between temperate zone and subtropical zone, Jiangsu has a temperate climate, moderate rainfall, and four distinct seasons. In most part of the province the average temperature of January, the coldest month, is between 0°C and 4°C (32°F and 39.2°F), while a temperature between -1°C and 2°C (30.2°F and 35.6°F), in Xuzhou district; the average temperature of July, the warmest month, gradually increases southwards from 26°C to 28°C (78.8°F and 82.4°F). The average annual precipitation rises from 800mm to 1,200mm in a northwest-southeast direction. In summer, with the coming of southeast monsoon, Jiangsu has plenty of rain. The precipitation drops less in winter. Jiangsu has plenty of "plum rain" when spring is changing into summer and typhoon rain around summer and autumn.
Jiangsu used to be part of State of Wu in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-467 B.C) and after changes of dynasties became Jiangsu Province in the sixth year of Emperor Kangxi's reign (1667 A.D) in the Qing Dyansty. It has remained so until today. Over a century ago, Jiangsu was the political and economic centre of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom when the struggle against imperialism and feudalism was launched around Tianjing (today's Nanjing). During the Revolution of 1911 led by Dr. Sun Yat-sen which ended in the prolonged feudal rule in China, the Provisional Government of the New Republic was established in Nanjing.
Known as a land of fish and rice in China, Jiangsu Province has a rich variety of ingredients available of cooking. Huaiyang Cuisine characterized by strict selection ingredients, meticulous preparation and proper use of fire is representative of Jiangsu Cuisine. The main dishes are stewed pork meat patties, and broken bone fish's head, etc. Suzhou, Wuxi and Nanjing are also famous for their local delicacies. There are many restaurants serving local choice food in various parts of Jiangsu. Touring Jiangsu Province, one may both feast his eyes on the scenery and have a good taste of renowned local food.
Situated in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Jiangsu province has numerous lakes, easy access to transportation, rich resource and a great variety of special local products. Jiangsu is well known for whitebait from Taihu Lake, hilsa herring and wolf herring from the Yangtze River, big crabs from Yangcheng Lake, Nanjing pressed salted duck, duck's egg with double yolks from Gaoyou, Langshan chicken from Nantong, pig from Taixing, Biluochun Tea, Yanghe Daqu Liquor, Shuanggou Daqu Liquor, sweet peach from Taihu Lake and other products. One of the four famous styles of embroidery in China, Suzhou embroidery is reputed as "pearl of art in the East". It is characterized by fine workmanship, lively needlework, and exquisite designs and elegant colour. Brocade is known for its simple and bold design, rich and bright colour, simple style and sturdy quality. It was mainly used for making royal costumes in ancient China and now sells well in international market. Pottery and porcelain from Yixing, clay sculpture from Wuxi and lacquer ware from Yangzhou all enjoy national and international fame.
There are ten cities in Jiangsu Province that are open to foreign tourists, namely, Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi, Zhengjing, Yangzhou, Changzhou, Yixing, Xuzhou, Lianyun Harbour and Huai'an. With many places of historic interest and scenic attractions, many of these cities have a history of over 2,000 years, some even over 5,000 years. Nanjing, Suzhou and Yangzhou are nationally renowned for their historical and cultural heritage; Nanjing's Zhongshan Hill and Wuxi's Taihu Lake are among the first group of tourist areas designated by the state.
Representing the best classic architectural art of gardens in south China, Suzhou's gardens stand as the proof of the wisdom and creativity of Chinese working people. Image of Moya of the Han Dynasty in Kangwang Mountain, Lianyun Harbour is among China's earliest stone carvings, which attracts numerous visitors, both Chinese and foreign. The urban wooded hills in Zhenjiang, caves and sea of bamboo in Yixing, plain scenery in Huai'an and the emerging industry in Changzhou all appeal to tourists with their own unique features. Jiangsu has much to tourists in terms of entertainment, such as sailing along the Ancient Canal, highway sightseeing, cycling, walking tours, making a study of Buddhist culture and gardens, cooking lesions, honeymoon trip, fishing, convalescence program and practice of shadow boxing. All these items are welcome by overseas tourists.
With a total length of 1,794 kilometres, the Ancient Canal, one of two grand ancient Chinese engineering projects, starts from Tangzhou in Beijing and ends in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, linking up south China with north China. Construction of the Canal started 2,400 years ago and was completed at the end of 6th century. Like the Great Wall, the Ancient Canal is a symbol of China's ancient civilization. Many sections of the Canal are still navigable today. Sailing along the canal, one not only feast his eyes on the scenery of the world famous canal, but can also learn something about people's life and local customs on both sides of the canal. The Ancient Canal passes a number of cities with famous scenic attractions, such as Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou and Yangzhou, etc. Travelling along the Ancient Canal can be a fascinating experience to tourists.