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Taizhou, Jiangsu

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For the prefecture-level city in Zhejiang province, see Taizhou, Zhejiang.
Taizhou
泰州
Prefecture-level city
泰州市
Taizhou is highlighted on this map
Taizhou is highlighted on this map
CountryPeople's Republic of China
ProvinceJiangsu
Government
 • MayorYao Jianhua (姚建华)
Area
 • Prefecture-level city5,794 km2 (2,237 sq mi)
 • Urban
434 km2 (168 sq mi)
 • Metro
434 km2 (168 sq mi)
Population
 (2010 census)
 • Prefecture-level city4,618,558
 • Density800/km2 (2,100/sq mi)
 • Urban
571,516
 • Urban density1,300/km2 (3,400/sq mi)
 • Metro
571,516
 • Metro density1,300/km2 (3,400/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+8 (China Standard)
Postal code
225300 (Urban center)
214500, 225400, 225500, 225600, 225700 (Other areas)
Area code523
GDP¥165.1 billion (2009)
GDP per capita¥35,498 (2009)
Major NationalitiesHan
County-level divisions6
Township-level divisions105
License Plate Prefix苏M
Websitehttp://www.taizhou.gov.cn

Taizhou (Chinese: 泰州; pinyin: Tàizhōu) is a prefecture-level city in central Jiangsu province of eastern China. Situated on the north bank of the Yangtze River, it borders Nantong to the east, Yancheng to the north and Yangzhou to the west.

The 2010 census counted its population at 4,618,558 of whom 571,516 live in the urbanized areas in two urban districts, (Hailing and Gaogang). Two county-level cities have urbanized areas with more than 1 million inhabitants, Xinghua with 1,428,790 inhabitants and Taixing with 1,179,904 inhabitants. These are two of the most important county-level cities in China. Taizhou is the hometown of the current CPC General Secretary and Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Administration

See also: List of administrative divisions of Jiangsu

The prefecture-level city of Taizhou administers 6 county-level divisions, including 2 districts and 4 county-level cities.

These are further divided into 105 township-level divisions, including 91 towns, 8 townships and 6 subdistricts.

Geography and climate

Taizhou lies at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Jinghang Canal (Grand Canal of China), in the mid south of Jiangsu Province, the north bank of lower reaches of the Yangtze river, the south end of Jianghuai Plain. Its latitude ranges from about 32° 02′ —— 33°11′ N, and longitude 119° 38′ —— 120° 32′ E, with a total area of 5,793 square kilometres (2,237 sq mi).

Neighbouring Areas: Yangzhou to the west, Nantong to the east, and Yancheng to the north.

History

Memorial to the victims of the Zhong'anlun Yangtze ferry disaster (October 15, 1945) in Taixing

Taizhou City has a long history. Known as "Hǎiyáng" (海阳/海陽) in the Chunqiu Period, it was later called "Hǎilíng" (海陵) during the Western Han Dynasty. It became Hailing County in 117 B.C. and was famous during the Eastern Jin Dynasty on a par with Jinling (Nanjing) and Guangling (Yangzhou), Lanling (Changzhou). During the Southern Tang Dynasty it was named "Taizhou Prefecture", which means 'Peaceful country and lucky citizens' a name it has kept for 2100 years.

Taizhou became independent of its larger neighbour Yangzhou in the 10th century AD. Under the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), the salt trade was centered here, and like Yangzhou, Taizhou was the home of many wealthy salt merchants. In 1952, the construction of a new canal and ship locks linked Taizhou with the Yangzi River.

With a history of over 2100 years, Taizhou has enjoyed the reputation of being the "Ancient County of the Han and Tang Dynasties and the Famous District Alongside the Coast of the Yellow Sea". Through the ages, it has seen gatherings of many talented people and famous merchants. Taizhou has always been a political, economic, cultural and transportation center in Central Jiangsu Province. The hometown of great artistic Masters like Shi Nai'an, Zheng Banqiao, and Mei Lanfang, etc., Taizhou is also the birth place of the Navy of Chinese People's Liberation Army. Taizhou is now one of the famous historical and cultural cities of Jiangsu Province.

Economy

Taizhou is a center for flour mills, textile works, fishing net manufacturing, and other industries based on local agriculture.

Having a favorable geographical location, rich resources and solid economic foundation, Taizhou was approved by the State's Council to be one of the open coastal cities. In the past 20 years, the economic growth has remained stable with an average annual growth rate exceeding 10%. It is one of the central cities inside the Yangtse River Delta with its developed industry, convenient transportation and prosperous commerce. In 2009, the GDP reached RMB 165.1 billion yuan, the GDP per capita RMB 35,498 yuan, the fiscal revenue RMB 34.4 billion yuan, the total amount of bank deposits RMB 188.5 billion yuan. Five county-level cities or districts are ranked among the "China's Top 100 Counties with Greatest Comprehensive Power". It boasts numbers of large-sized enterprises or groups, such as Chunlan Group Corp.

Taizhou was among the first few cities in Jiangsu to be recognized as having a famous cultural history. In 1990, Heheng village in Jiangyan County was awarded Global 500 Roll of Honor by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) because of its success in protecting the environment while increasing the grain yield and its wide use of marsh biogas ponds.

Sister cities

Taizhou has seven sister cities:

Transportation

The Nanjing-Jinjiang-Yancheng Highway passes through from south to north and National Highway 328 goes from west to east.

The routes to get to Taizhou includes:

Military

Taizhou is headquarters of the East Sea Fleet of the People's Liberation Army Navy.

Companies headquartered in Taizhou

Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group, located in Taizhou's Gaogang district
  • Chunlan Group Corp
  • Linghai Motocyle Corp
  • Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group

Tourism

Qintong Boat Festival is held in Qingming (around April 4–6) every year. During the festival boats from nearby villages and towns converge on Xique Lake for a few days of rejoicing. Theatrical performances, dragon and lion dances, and other folk dances are staged right on board the boats.

    • Xique Lake, Jiangyan (喜鹊湖)

The lake located in Qingtong town, 15 km north of Jiangyan city. The water comes from the Nanhu (南湖), Xique (喜鹊湖), and Beihu (北湖) rivers. It is part of Qintong Swamp.

Biggest reserve outside of Dafeng.

    • Taizhou Park
    • Heheng Agricultural Tour, Shengao, Jiangyan
  • Museum
    • Navy Birthplace Museum
    • Hu Jintao Birthplace Museum, Jiangyan

Colleges and schools

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