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Jiangsu Local Time:
Geography of Jiangsu
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 74.38 million (2006), it is the most density
populated province in China. Its population consists of Han, Manchu and
other nationalities and its capital is
Nanjing.
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Jiangsu Location |
Climate of Jiangsu
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.
Brief History of Jiangsu
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.
Native Produce of Jiangsu
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.
Tourism and Tourist Attractions of Jiangsu
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.
Cuisine of Jiangsu Province
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.
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