Jiangsu Travel Guide

Jiangsu is located in the eastern China. This province has a long history and the profound Jiangnan (means the culture in southern region of Yangtze River). The province was so named in the Qing Dynasty; its two charactersm Jiang and Su, came from two prefectures in this area. Jiangning (now called Nanjing) and Suzhou, though the history of Jiangsu can be traced to the New Stone Age.

Located in the downstream area of the Yangtze River along China eastern coastline, it is known as the "country of fish and rice" and the "land of rivers and lakes". The two names allude to the rich, fertile land or the region that is crisscrossed by a network of rivers and canals, and dotted with lakes and reservoirs.

Jiangsu is home to many of the world’s leading exporters of electronic equipment, chemicals and textiles. It has also been China’s largest recipient of foreign direct investment since 2006. Jiangsu is also a centre of education and science in China. It has the highest density of academic institutions including university, college, and research institutes. The percentage of educated people is always ranked in the front of the country.

Provincial capital: Nanjing

Area: Jiangsu has a land of 102,600 km²

Geography: Jiangsu borders Shandong in the north, Anhui to the west, and Zhejiang and Shanghai to the south. Jiangsu has a coastline of over one thousand kilometers along the Yellow Sea, and the Yangtze River passes through its southern parts.

Its southeastern and northern parts are surrounded by mountains, and a vast plain spreads across the centre of the prefecture. There are numerous large bodies of water covering the area, including Yangtze River, Great Canal, and many other fresh water lakes. Therefore, especially, the southern region entitles with the biggest lake district of China. The province's climate is moist and mild, and has four distinct seasons.

Population: a population of almost 80 millions

Administrative Division:
Jiangsu is divided into thirteen prefecture-level divisions, all prefecture-level cities:

Climate:
The fairly warm climate, moderate rainfall, and fertile soil make Jiangsu one of the richest agricultural regions of China and one of the most densely populated.

History:
Since the Han Dynasty, Jiangsu has been famed for its rich resources and abundant products. In the Ming Dynasty, fallowing rapid economic development, its cities, including Suzhou, Yangzhou, Changzhou and Huai’an, began to prosper via industry and trade. The most advanced industry was boat building,

The province, in particular the capital city Nanjing, brags a fascinating history. Crumbling city walls, venerated mausoleum and statues of vehement leaders are strong reminders of its brilliant past. Nanjing has enjoyed a 2,400-year history of prosperity since the Warring State Period, and has been the capital of China during eight dynasties. There are also sights of cultural interest scattered liberally throughout Jiangsu from the ancient ornamental gardens of Suzhou to Wuxi's world-record breaking bronze Buddha.

Transport
Jiangsu boasts a well-developed transport network, making travel to and within the province very convenient.
► Its nine airports serve 106 airlines, including direct flights to Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand Malaysia and Japan.
► By Rail, more than 70 train services link Jiangsu to over 40 major cities. Between Nanjing and Shanghaim a train runs hourly; tourist trains between Changzhou and Huangshan run weekly.

The basic climate features in Jiangsu are: mild climate; four distinct seasons; marked monsoon climate; hot summer and cold winter; changeable spring temperature; plenty and concentrated rainfall; notable plum rains; abundant optothermal. Comprehensive to see, Jiangsu Province has superior natural environment and rich climate resources. The average annual temperature of the whole province is between 13.6 ~ 16.1 ℃; and the annual precipitation is 704 ~ 1250 mm.

Tips for Jiangsu Weather

Best season to visit Jiangsu:
The best time to travel in Jiangsu is in spring and autumn, especially the August, September and October. The temperature of spring in Jiangsu changes a lot. The average temperature in the whole province is about 14.9℃. Summer in Jiangsu is a little long. July is the hottest month; its average temperature is about 26～28.8℃. Autumn in Jiangsu is cool but not cold. The average temperature in this season is about 16.4℃. Winter is cold and long in Jiangsu. January is the coldest month; its average temperature is about -1.0℃~3.3℃.

Clothes for travelling:
The weather in spring is changeable, tourists should bring enough clothes and take rain gear, in order to avoid catching cold. Summer has strong sunshine, you can wear short sleeve shorts, and sunscreen products are essential. Although autumn is always sunny days, if you go out, you should consider wind weather problems. Winter is a little cold, you should put on a thick coat and heavy sweater.

Avoid Peak Holidays:
It is not a good idea to travel in China during Chinese holidays when huge numbers of Chinese people are travelling around. The busiest three national holidays in China are Chinese Spring Festival (usually in late Jan or early Feb.), International Labor Day (May 01 to 03) and National Day (Oct 01-07).. Spring Festival is an especially crowded time to travel. The advantage of being in China at this time is that you will get the opportunity to experience "first hand" the significance of these celebrations in Chinese culture.

Other Tips:
1. The temperature changes fast in the daytime and night, you should pay attention to timely add clothes.
2. If you are going to mountain climbing, please prepare a pair of comfortable shoes; for ladies, please avoid wearing high-heeled shoes and skirt. In addition, please prepare enough water.