Jiangsu Overview

Central China at a Glance

A quick overview of the China's Central region including six provinces - What are the highlights?

The central region of China includes six provinces: Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Hunan, and Hubei. The region does not look geographically right in the center of the country but it is called "central" for reasons. It encapsulates the essence of Chinese culture and it is also referred to as the "Land of Fish and Rice".

Locating Central China on the Map with Province Names in the Popups (Map is modified from  Basic Geographic Information Data of China )


Traditional Chinese Gardens

The region is rich in historic sights as well as natural beauty. The traditional Chinese gardens - the educated and wealthy built natural-looking retreats within an urban environment - are quite representative in the region. They developed as a synthesis of scenery and serenity with the sense of history. With rise and fall of dynasties, a large number of ancient buildings and gardens remain on the historical sites.

Garden views

Chinese gardens blend unique ancient architectures with natural elements like rocks, plants and water.

Photo (c) China Highlights

A moon gate

A moon gate is a round door that neatly frames a view as though it were a picture.

Photo (c) Dominicus J. B.

Moon gate at the Hidden Realm of Ming

Patterned screens

Patterned screens allow in light and cast shadows on walls. The give tempting partial views to other areas of the garden.

Photo (c) Purplexsu

A patterned screen window with bamboos on the other side

Abundance is a Life Style.

With sufficient precipitation, warm climate and some of the most fertile land, Central China is one of the country's leading agricultural regions. Both of the two main carbs in China (wheat and rice) are grown here; freshwater fishing has long been established in the networks of lakes and rivers, while fishers in the costal provinces have access to the seas. Abundant natural supplies have influenced the region's cuisine. The top 6 regional dishes and specialties are widely popular.

Photos (c) Xiachufang.com

Populated and Economically Dynamic

More and more people with higher purchasing power are tend to live in the Central China than in the other regions of China. People enjoy living closer to Shanghai, the nation's biggest port and economic center, and they are likely to spend more money on food and clothing for better life qualities (richer in another word).

Comparison of purchasing power per capita (Blue) and population density (Orange) between Central China and other provinces. Darker areas have higher values. (Maps are modified from  Living Atlas  and  Basic Geographic Information Data of China )


Central China from Above

There are six short videos (around three minutes each) about individual provinces in the central region, in the order of Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Hunan, and Hubei. Pick the one with the most interests to watch!

1. Anhui

2. Zhejiang

3. Jiangxi

4. Jiangsu

5. Hunan

6. Hubei

The "Land of Fish and Rice" means the priceless happiness.

Central China is a relatively heavily populated region, but the people living there are blessed with the most scenic places and the gift of nature. Come and visit any of the six provinces, appreciate the beauty of Chinese Gardening, taste some enticing dishes and have fun!

For more information about China Highlights, discovery the webpage below.


Reference:

DK eyewitness Travel Guide: China. (2016). In DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: China (pp. 180-279). London: DK Eyewitness Travel.

Videos (c) New China TV

Logo (c) China Highlights

Photos (c) Xiachufang.com