Jiangsu, Province in East China
Jiangsu is a province in eastern People's Republic of China that runs along the coast between Shanghai in the south and Shandong in the north. The Yangzi divides it in two, with broad plains, rice paddies, and a tight network of settlements shaping the scene.
The province took its current shape during the Qing Dynasty in the 17th century by merging older administrative units. Nanjing served as a power center for centuries and functioned as the capital of different kingdoms several times.
The name means "beyond the river" and points to the old position north of the Yangzi. People here speak both Wu and Gan dialects and keep their local opera traditions alive in public spaces.
Travelers moving through the area find well-developed roads and rail lines that connect all major towns. It helps to set aside time for smaller cities where you can explore temples, old lanes, and local markets at your own pace.
The area holds large sections of the Grand Canal that served for centuries as the main north-south waterway of the country. Some stretches are still navigated by freight barges today and offer a glimpse into traditional transport routes.
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