Jiangsu

Jiangsu (江苏) is one of the smallest provinces of China but also one of the most populated. It has the highest GDP per capita and is important in finance, education, technology and tourism. The name comes from the union of the capital city’s original name “Jiāng Níng” and its largest city “Sū Zhōu”.

Thanks to its well-developed irrigation system, Jiangsu is earned the nickname of “Shuǐ Xiāng” (land of water) and dubbed “Venice of the East”. The province is crossed by the Grand Canal of China, in fact, before the merger of 1953, Jiangsu was divided into North Su and South Su.

One of the oldest forms of Chinese Opera is Kunqu, originating in Kunshan, which dominated the Chinese theatre between the 16th century and 18^th century. It has been recognised as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Another very popular typical performance is the Pingtan, narrations accompanied by music.

Jiangsu cuisine, also called Su Cuisine (Sū cài) has over 2,000 years of history. The most representative dishes are Nanjing Salted Duck, Yangzhou Fried Rice, Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish, Fried Shelled Shrimps with Biluochun Tea and Crab Powder Ball.

The most famous places to visit in Jiangsu are: Shanjuan Cave for the limestone cave, illuminated by colored lighting and traversable only by boat; Jiming Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Nanjing; Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, one of the largest imperial tombs; Humble Administrator’s Garden, largest garden in Suzhou and recognized together with the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest imperial tomb; Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, burial site of the democratic revolution pioneer Sun Yat-sen; Slender West Lake, an artificial lake with scenic attractions surrounded by a historic park; and Zhouzhuang, the water-town with Venice-like waterways, bridge and dwellings.

Credits to: Christine Yu