Discover Jiangsu
Known as shui xiang, or "the land of water", China's coastal province of Jiangsu has all the geographical advantages to give it a starring role in the epic tale of China's ancient Maritime (海上的) Silk Road. With busy port cities, historic sites and breathtaking natural beauty, Jiangsu is the perfect place to trace the story of this remarkable trade route.
Nanjing and the voyages of Zheng He
At the dawn of the Ming dynasty the city of Nanjing in Jiangsu was declared capital of China. As well as building one of the longest city walls in history, the emperor ordered the construction of vast "treasure ships" in 1403. Under the command of legendary seafarer Zheng He, the fleet embarked on seven epic ocean voyages, reaching as far as the east coast of Africa.
Nantong and overseas trade
In Jiangsu's port city of Nantong, goods have flowed in and out of the province by water for centuries. Today, fleets of hardy fishing boats catch yellow croaker, seabream, sea crabs and more. Beyond Lusi Port Town, a busy seascape of boats travel on the waters of Jiangsu's coast. It's a scene that shows how China's historic Maritime Silk Road continues to thrive and grow to this day.
Yancheng and unspoiled nature
Salt was one of the commodities that played a key role in the history of trade in Jiangsu, contributing to the wealth and prosperity of the province. A major source was the tidal salt flats of Yancheng, which literally means "salt city". This remarkable landscape also plays host to the epic migrations of rare bird species like cranes, egrets, and spoonbill sandpipers.
Yangzhou, Lianyungang and the exchange of ideas
In the Jiangsu city of Yangzhou, a Tang-dynasty monk by the name of Jianzhen set sail to Japan to spread the teachings of Buddhism. Daming Temple, where Jianzhen lived, can still be visited today.
Centuries earlier, Buddhism first settled on Jiangsu's shores. Kongwang Mountain in Lianyungang has some of China's earliest examples of Buddhist art. These carvings show how the Maritime Silk Road helped spread religion across China.
