About Jiangsu
Jiangsu Province is adjacent to Shanghai with a population of 74 million people. Its principle city Nanjing, was capital of China before Beijing. Situated in the prosperous Yangtze delta region Jiangsu has a rapidly growing economy and has attracted more foreign investment than any other province in China. Colchester is twinned with the town of Yangzhou in Jiangsu, home of the Yangzhou Puppets.
Cultural Cities & Lakes
Jiangsu Province is known as the 'land of rice and fish' and boasts the largest number of historical and cultural cities in any region of China. In addition to the capital city Nanjing, these include the ancient cities of Suzhou, Yangzhou and Xuzhou.
Traditional Crafts
Jiangsu’s traditional crafts are highly valued and varied. Many are world famous and include the collectable purple Yixing pott
ery, Nantong Kites, Yangzhou Puppets, Jade carving, paper cutting, Suzhou silk and embroidery.
Wuxi Buddha and Nanjing Purple Mountain
Over 3 million people in Jiangsu practice Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism in over 4000 religious sites. At Wuxi is the colossus 88 metre high Grand Buddha - one of the largest in China.
Suzhou & Gardens
The ancient city of Suzhou is known as ‘the Venice of the Orient’ and famous for its many canals and gardens. The Lingering Garden is one China’s four most famous gardens with UNESCO World Heritage status.
Trade & Economy
Southern Jiangsu is one of China's most prosperous regions. The economy is growing at around 13% per annum and the area has attracted more foreign inward investment than any other Province. In recent times Jiangsu has developed strengths in a wide range of sectors including electronics, automotive, software and environmental technologies.
Confucius Temple & Food Market
The Confucius Temple in Nanjing was built in the Song dynasty and is now a hugely popular cultural centre. Jiangsu's food crops include rice, soy bean, sesame, ginko and peaches. Its production of silks, livestock and fisheries play an important role in China.
Education
Essex's relationship with Jiangsu began in 1988 in Education and today 63 schools are linked. Education is compulsory in China with support networks for those that need it and Jiangsu is pioneering in its approach, especially in the Special Needs area.
Kun Opera and Entertainment
Kun Opera as the oldest form of opera in China, is dubbed ‘Mother of 100 operas’ and originated in Jiangsu in the 13th century. Other popular pastimes include tea drinking, tai chi, qi gong or general exercises sessions, Karaoke, eating and ballroom dancing.
To find out more about visiting the Jiangsu Province in China click here.
