Jiangsu

Map

Key data

Items shown in Chinese are kept from the original Chinese source; no English name is available yet.

Highlights

Introduction

• Classical gardens of Suzhou, delicate Huaiyang cuisine and the Grand Canal.

History

• History: Jiangsu's history can be traced back to ancient times, and archaeological discoveries within the province show that human activity existed here very early. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, states such as Wu and Yue established themselves here, giving rise to a splendid bronze culture. After the Qin and Han dynasties, with the digging and opening of the Grand Canal, Jiangsu—situated at a key north-south transport junction—gradually became the country's economic and cultural center, and cities such as Yangzhou, Suzhou, and Nanjing successively became prosperous metropolises. During the Six Dynasties period, Jiankang (present-day Nanjing) long served as a capital and was one of ancient China's important political and cultural centers. In the Ming and Qing periods, the Jiangnan region's commerce and handicraft industry were highly developed, nurturing numerous scholars and literati. In modern times, Jiangsu was also one of the important birthplaces of China's national industry and commerce; many national enterprises started here and contributed to China's industrial modernization.

Culture

• Culture: Jiangsu's culture is diverse and blended, with the Jianghuai, Wu, and Northern dialects spoken within its borders, showing a regional character of transition between north and south. The soft Wu dialect of pingtan, Kunqu opera, and Yue opera have been passed down here for hundreds of years, and Kunqu opera has been inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In cuisine, Huaiyang cuisine is known for its fine knife work and fresh, light flavors; lion's head meatballs and blanched shredded dried tofu are famous dishes renowned at home and abroad. Jasmine is the provincial flower of Jiangsu, and the folk song "Jasmine Flower" has become a classic melody representing Chinese culture. In addition, traditional crafts such as Su embroidery and Yunjin brocade are exquisitely skilled, and the ginkgo, the provincial tree, is found throughout urban and rural areas, together adorning this land of rivers and lakes.

Science & Technology

• Science and Technology: Jiangsu is a major hub of science and education in China. Its capital, Nanjing, is home to many well-known universities such as Nanjing University and Southeast University, offering a full range of disciplines. The province also hosts a large number of research institutes and national-level laboratories, with fruitful results in fields such as high-performance computing, biomedicine, and new materials. In recent years, Jiangsu has leveraged its manufacturing base to vigorously advance smart manufacturing, and emerging industries such as new energy vehicles, integrated circuits, and the Internet of Things are growing rapidly. Many scientific and technological achievements have been integrated into daily life, providing strong momentum for regional innovation.

Economy

• Economy: Jiangsu is one of China's largest provincial economies, with a 2025 regional GDP of 14,235.15 billion yuan, ranking among the top in the country. Its pillar industries include electronic information, equipment manufacturing, petrochemicals, and textiles. Cities such as Suzhou, Nanjing, and Wuxi host large-scale industrial clusters and a highly developed export-oriented economy. The riverside and coastal industrial belts, together with numerous development zones and a convenient airport and high-speed rail network, keep Jiangsu at the national forefront in foreign trade, advanced manufacturing, and modern services.