The province of Jiangsu is located in the eastern part of the People's Republic of China, directly adjacent to the Yellow Sea. Its topography is predominantly flat in the south (Yangtze River Delta) and east (coast), and hilly to mountainous in the north and west. Jiangsu boasts a coastline that stretches approximately 1,000 kilometers. Among all provinces in China, Jiangsu has the highest proportion of plains and water bodies, and the lowest proportion of hills and mountains. The Taihu (Tai) Lake and Hongze Lake (Hongze Hu), the largest and fourth-largest inland lakes in China, are located in Jiangsu. The Grand Canal, built in the 7th century, which connects the Yangtze River and the Yellow River, largely traverses Jiangsu. Within Jiangsu, the canal spans 690 kilometers and served as a crucial north-south transportation route.
Today, Jiangsu is one of the wealthiest and most densely populated provinces in the People's Republic. Industries such as heavy industry, chemicals, mining, and high-tech sectors thrive here. Southern Jiangsu ranks among the wealthiest regions in China, while the northern part is relatively less prosperous. Despite its resource limitations, Jiangsu leads in industrial production, with its output value nearly 24 percent higher than Guangdong, the province in second place.
Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, is located in the plain at the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Nanjing served as the capital of six dynasties. Numerous attractions such as the tomb of the first Ming emperor, the Confucius Temple, the Garden of the Purple Mountain, and a Ming-era city wall can be explored.
Nanjing is the political, economic, and cultural center of Jiangsu Province. For centuries, the city has been renowned in China for its beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
A notable figure in Nanjing's history is John H. D. Rabe (*November 23, 1882, in Hamburg; †January 5, 1950, in Berlin), a German businessman. He is celebrated for his humanitarian efforts to protect the Chinese civilian population during World War II, earning him titles such as "the Oskar Schindler of China", in American sources as the “second Schindler” and “the German Buddha” or "the Good German of Nanjing" by Chinese people. His house in Nanjing can still be visited today.
Nanjing Lukou International Airport is the international airport serving the provincial capital Nanjing, located approximately 45 kilometers from the city center.
The airport has experienced a rapid increase in passenger numbers and also serves as a hub for China Postal Airlines. As a result, the airport has undergone multiple renovations and expansions in the past. Presently, the airport is accessible by various bus routes in 30 minutes or by Nanjing Metro in 35 minutes for only 7 yuan. Taxis are also available for approximately 100 yuan.
