Nanchang (南昌)

1. Introduction

Nanchang City (Nanchang Gan dialect: /lan³⁵ tsʰɔŋ⁴⁴ sɿ¹¹/), abbreviated as Hong or Chang, historically known as Yuzhang, Hongzhou, Longxing, Longxing, Hongdu, Hongcheng, Zhongling, and nicknamed the "City of Heroes Under Heaven," is the capital of Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China. It is designated by the State Council as an important central city in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, a central city of the Poyang Lake Ecological Economic Zone, and a Type I large city.

Nanchang is located in the northern part of Jiangxi Province, bordering Jiujiang City to the north, Yichun City to the west, Fuzhou City to the south, and Shangrao City to the east. Situated in the heart of the Poyang Lake Plain, the southeastern part of the city is flat, while the northwestern part is hilly. It is described as the "Gateway to Guangdong and Courtyard to Fujian, the Head of Wu and Tail of Chu," "girdled by three rivers and belted with five lakes," and a place that "controls the barbarian Jing and leads to Ouyue." The Gan River and Fu River run through the central part of the city, flowing north into Poyang Lake. The area is dotted with numerous lakes, including Qinglan Lake, Junshan Lake, Jinxi Lake, Yao Lake, and Nantang Lake. Nanchang is a National Historical and Cultural City, one of China's first low-carbon pilot cities, a National Civilized City, a National Sanitary City, a National Water Ecological Civilization City, a National Forest City, a National Garden City, a National Double Support Model City, a National Innovative City, and an International Wetland City.

Nanchang has a history of over 2,200 years since its establishment. It is home to historical sites such as the Haihunhou Tomb, Tengwang Pavilion, Shengjin Pagoda, and the Eight Great Masters Memorial Hall. As a national comprehensive transportation hub, aviation industrial base, and optoelectronic industry base, it is the only provincial capital city in China adjacent to the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and the West Coast Economic Zone of the Taiwan Strait. It is also one of the important central cities in East China. Wang Bo of the "Four Great Poets of Early Tang" praised it in Preface to Tengwang Pavilion as a place of "natural treasures and outstanding people." During the Southern Tang period, Nanchang Prefecture was called the "Southern Capital." On August 1, 1927, the Nanchang Uprising took place here, giving birth to the first independently led people's army of the Chinese Communist Party. It is a renowned revolutionary hero city, celebrated as the place where the military flag was raised. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Nanchang produced New China's first aircraft, the first batch of coastal defense missiles, the first motorcycle, and the first tractor. It is an important manufacturing center in China and the birthplace of New China's aviation industry.

2. Origin of the Name

2.1 Administrative Names

Historically, Nanchang has had six official specific names as a second-level administrative division.

• Yuzhang (豫章): Established in the fifth year of Emperor Gaozu of Han (202 BC), the name Yuzhang Commandery has several proposed origins.
  • 1. According to Han Guan Yi (汉官仪), there was a large camphor tree at the south gate of Yuzhang city. ("Yu" means joy/happiness; "Zhang" refers to the camphor tree.) "As the tree grew within the courtyard, it was used to name the commandery."
    • The name Yuzhang Commandery originates from camphor trees, as Jiangxi had many tall and lush camphor trees. Their trunks were towering, their foliage dense and majestic. The name Yuzhang not only signified Jiangxi's abundant natural resources but also implied the region's prosperity and flourishing. Ying Shao from the Eastern Han period stated in Han Guan Yi that because these camphor trees grew within the courtyards, they were used to name the commandery. Meanwhile, Shuowen Jiezi (说文) states that "Yu" symbolizes the elephant, a large animal, thus anything grand could be called "Yu." "Zhang" and "camphor" are the same character. Furthermore, Erya Shigu (尔雅释诂) states that "Yu" also represents happiness. The tall, flourishing camphor trees provided shade and joy to people, so naming the commandery Yuzhang also expressed people's yearning and pursuit of a better life. Many literati throughout history have praised Yuzhang Commandery and camphor trees. For example, Bao Xilu of the Yuan Dynasty wrote Ode to Yuzhang, and Gong Yuanjie of the Qing Dynasty wrote Preface to Ode to Yuzhang. They both praised Yuzhang as a precious great tree of the south. According to the Guangxu-era Jiangxi Tongzhi (江西通志), there was a camphor tree south of Yuzhang Commandery city that grew several dozen zhang tall. Because of this, the commandery was named Yuzhang. By the Yongjia era (307–313 AD) of the Jin Dynasty, this tree was still flourishing. This indicates Jiangxi was famous for producing camphor trees, a tradition that continues to this day.
  • 2. There was a Yuzhang River in Gan (region), and Shui Jing Zhu (水经注) suggests the place was named after this river.
  • 3. According to Zuo Zhuan (左传), places called Yuzhang during the Spring and Autumn period were all north of the Yangtze River and south of the Huai River. "The Han Dynasty transferred this name south of the Yangtze and established a commandery there."
• Hongzhou (洪州): In the ninth year of the Kaihuang era (589 AD), Yuzhang Commandery was abolished, and the Hongzhou Chief Military Command was established. This was because Hongya (洪崖) was located in the western hills of Nanchang. Legend says Hongya Xiansheng (洪崖先生), a title for Ling Lun, the music official under the Yellow Emperor, created musical scales here.
• Nanchang (南昌): In the second year of the Jiaotai era of the Southern Tang (959 AD), Hongzhou was elevated to Nanchang Prefecture. The name was taken from Nanchang County, the seat of the prefectural government.
  • Nanchang County: Established in the fifth year of Emperor Gaozu of Han (202 BC), Nanchang County was first established as the attached county of Yuzhang Commandery. The name carries auspicious meanings: "Prospering the Southern Frontier" and "Southern Prosperity," hence the name.
• Longxing (隆兴): In the first year of the Longxing era of the Song Dynasty (1163), Hongzhou was elevated to Longxing Prefecture, named after the era name.
• Longxing (龙兴): In the 21st year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1284), Longxing Route was renamed Longxing (龙兴) Route to avoid the taboo of Emperor Yuzong's name.
• Hongdu (洪都): In the 22nd year of the Zhizheng era of the Yuan Dynasty (1362), Zhu Yuanzhang established Hongdu Prefecture. It was named so because Nanchang had been the seat of Hongzhou during the Sui, Tang, and Song dynasties and was a major metropolis in the southeast. Wang Bo of the Tang Dynasty wrote in Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng: "This is the old commandery of Yuzhang, the new prefecture of Hongdu."

2.1 Non-Administrative Names

Nanchang has three common alternative names: Zhongling is a county-level specific name, Hongcheng is a colloquial name borrowing an ancient appellation, and Hero City is a colloquial name formed due to historical events.

• Zhongling (钟陵): In the first year of the Baoying era (762 AD), to avoid the taboo of Emperor Daizong's (Li Yu) name, Yuzhang County (covering present-day Nanchang urban area, Nanchang County, Xinjian District, and Jinxian County) was renamed Zhongling County (Tang Dynasty). The name was taken from a Zhongling County that had been established earlier within its territory (Eastern Wu).
  • Zhongling County (Eastern Wu): In the first year of the Taikang era (280 AD), Zhongling Town was elevated to Zhongling County (Eastern Wu), subordinate to Yuzhang Commandery.
    • Zhongling Town: During the middle Jian'an period, when Sun Quan controlled Wu, Nanchang territory was divided to establish three towns: Fucheng, Zhongling, and Yifeng.
• Hongcheng (洪城): There are several explanations:
  • Nanchang was historically called Hongzhou and Hongdu Prefecture. The colloquial name Hongcheng is an old name for Nanchang, borrowing the ancient appellation.
  • One theory suggests the Hong surname family was once a prominent and prestigious clan in Nanchang.
  • Another theory states that because Nanchang is situated at the confluence of the Gan River, Poyang Lake, and the Yangtze River—"girdled by three rivers and belted by five lakes"—it has historically suffered from severe floods. The ancient inhabitants endured great hardship from floods. Facing this natural disaster, they did not simply complain about fate's unfairness or migrate elsewhere. Instead, they courageously confronted nature's tests. Supported by tenacity and faith, they overcame each flood, ensuring Nanchang's prosperity. To remind future generations to be vigilant in times of peace and to let the spirit of flood control endure forever, the ancestors erected an enduring monument with the two characters "Hongcheng."
• Hero City (英雄城): Named because the Nanchang Uprising began here.

3. History

3.1 Prehistory to the Wei and Jin Dynasties

Nanchang is an ancient cultural city with a long history. Paleolithic tools dating back 500,000 years have been unearthed in Anyi County, which is under the administration of Nanchang City. As early as over 5,000 years ago, people were already living and producing here. By 3,000 years ago, an arc-shaped area stretching north to Aixi Lake and south to Qingyunpu had formed a settlement area for the ancient inhabitants of Nanchang.

In the fifth year of Emperor Gaozu of Han (202 BC), the Han general Guan Ying stationed troops in the area and established the Yuzhang Commandery. The following year, a city wall was constructed. The city site was located at Huangcheng Temple, approximately 4 kilometers southeast of the present-day Nanchang Railway Station. The wall had a circumference of 10 li and 84 bu and was called "Guanying City." The first "Nanchang County" was established as the seat of the Yuzhang Commandery. Named with the meaning "to prosper the southern frontier," it was designated "Nanchang."

During the Three Kingdoms period, it was the Yuzhang Commandery of Eastern Wu; during the Western Jin, Eastern Jin, and Southern Dynasties periods, it was the Yuzhang Commandery and later the Yuzhang Principality. During this period, accompanied by the southward migration of Central Plains culture, Nanchang City experienced significant development, gradually becoming an important city on the map of the Southern Dynasties of China.

3.2 Sui and Tang Dynasties to the Five Dynasties

During the Sui and Tang dynasties, it was called Hongzhou. With convenient water and land transportation and developed economy and trade, it was already a major town in the southeast. It once served as the administrative seat of Jiangnanxidao (Western Jiangnan Circuit), which included most of present-day Jiangxi, Hunan, southeastern Hubei, southern Anhui, and much of Guizhou. It was famous for "Hongzhou Chan (Zen)," "Hongzhou Kiln," and the "Tengwang Pavilion," and was praised by contemporaries as "Hongdu." In 622 (the fifth year of the Wude era of Tang), after pacifying the local separatist force Lin Shihong, it was restored as Hongzhou, and a Chief Military Command was established. In 625 (the eighth year of Wude), it was changed to a Military Governor's Office. In the early Zhenguan era, it belonged to the Jiangnan Circuit. In 733 (the 21st year of the Kaiyuan era), it belonged to the Jiangnanxidao. In 742 (the first year of the Tianbao era), Hongzhou was renamed Yuzhang Commandery. In 758 (the first year of the Qianyuan era), it was again called Hongzhou. During the Jianzhong era (780-783), the Jiangnanxidao Surveillance Commissioner was established. In 865 (the sixth year of the Xiantong era), it was elevated to the Zhennan Army Military Governor. In the mid to late Tang Dynasty, it was successively changed back to the Military Governor's Office and Jiangnanxidao. By the Tang Dynasty, Hongzhou had become a major metropolis in Jiangnan, particularly prominent in shipbuilding, papermaking, printing, textiles, weaponry, and the manufacture of gold, silver, and copper ware. The Hongzhou Kiln was the birthplace of Chinese celadon. The celadon it produced was sold far and wide, both domestically and internationally, and was of excellent quality. It was also one of the royal tributes and is one of the six famous kilns in Chinese history.

During the Five Dynasties period, Nanchang's economic and strategic importance became even more prominent. Li Jing, the middle ruler of the Southern Tang, elevated Hongzhou to Nanchang Prefecture in the first year of the Jiaotai era (959 AD). In the second year of the Jianlong era of Song (961 AD), he moved the capital from Jiangning to Nanchang, naming it the "Southern Capital."

3.3 Song and Yuan Dynasties to the Ming Dynasty

During the Northern Song, it was called Hongzhou. In the first year of the Longxing era of the Southern Song (1163), it was elevated to Longxing Prefecture because it was the fief of Emperor Xiaozong before his accession. During the Song dynasties, Nanchang's culture flourished, farmland was fertile, the economy was prosperous, and shipbuilding was highly developed, making it a well-known shipbuilding center. Religious activities thrived, giving birth to the Taoist Jingming Dao. The city's layout expanded further, with the main city wall having sixteen gates.

During the Mongol Yuan period, the area was called Longxing Route and later changed to Longxing Route. It was the seat of the Jiangxi Province, which included present-day Jiangxi and Guangdong, becoming one of the largest cities in Central China and a key town in the central-south region.

In the early Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang ordered his nephew Zhu Wenzheng to govern Nanchang. The city walls were reconstructed on a large scale, creating a seven-gate layout, and it was called Hongdu Prefecture. Subsequently, decisive battles determining the fate of the realm occurred in and around Nanchang: the Defense of Hongdu and the Battle of Lake Poyang. It was later renamed Nanchang Prefecture. During the Ming Dynasty, Nanchang's urban culture flourished, Confucianism thrived, and commerce, agriculture, and handicrafts were all highly developed. The Jiangyou Merchant Group became one of the three major merchant groups in the country. In the late Ming, Nanchang was a major stronghold for southern anti-Qing forces. After being captured by Qing forces, the city suffered a massacre.

3.4 Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China

During the Qing Dynasty, it was still called Nanchang Prefecture, governing seven counties and one sub-prefecture. It was known for its developed market-town economy, port trade, and abundant products. It was a region with exceptionally heavy taxes, rare outside the Yangtze River Delta. Nanchang housed the offices of the Provincial Governor, Provincial Administration Commissioner, Provincial Judicial Commissioner, and Circuit Intendant. During the Ming and Qing periods, the ruling authorities, with Nanchang at the forefront, promoted the large-scale population migration movement known as "Jiangxi filling Huguang, Huguang filling Sichuan." To this day, many people in Hunan refer to people from Jiangxi as "laobiao" (old cousin). Jiangxi people continuously spread Jiangxi's culture and commerce through these migrations, and Nanchang became one of the core cities of Jiangnan at that time. In the late Qing, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom besieged Nanchang for three months but failed to capture it. However, the city's appearance was severely damaged, the population plummeted, and the economy declined. With the construction of the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway and the opening of treaty ports along the Yangtze River, Nanchang lost its past status as a direct gateway to Guangzhou and a dedicated north-south transportation hub, gradually declining.

In the second year of the Republic of China (1913), it was Yuzhang Circuit. In the 15th year of the Republic of China (1926), the National Revolutionary Army captured Nanchang during the Northern Expedition. On August 1, 1927, the Chinese Communist Party launched an armed uprising in Nanchang in response to the Chinese Nationalist Party's policy of violent party purification, historically known as the Nanchang Uprising.

3.5 Nanchang National Government (1928–1939)

The Nanchang National Government, located in the Fuhe District (now Xihu District) of Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, was the military and political power center of the Republic of China at the time, handling important state affairs such as control, dispatch, directives, and meetings of national leaders. In October 1928, the National Government established the "Nanchan Headquarters of the Generalissimo of the Army, Navy, and Air Force" in the newly completed Jiangxi Provincial Library, which had been open for only two months. Chiang Kai-shek was stationed here to command the encirclement campaigns against the Central Soviet Area. Nanchang once became the national military and political center, referred to as the second capital. In 1934, the National Government launched the "New Life Movement" in Nanchang, aiming to "reorganize morality and change social customs." In the spring and summer of 1939, Chinese and Japanese forces clashed in the Battle of Nanchang for control of the city. The Chinese army later retreated, and Nanchang fell. After the victory in the War of Resistance in 1945, the surrender ceremony for the Fifth Surrender Zone was held in Nanchang. Lieutenant General Kameyama Sachio, commander of the Japanese 11th Army, signed the surrender document.

3.6 1949 to Present

On May 21, 1949, the 37th Division of the 4th Corps of the Second Field Army of the People's Liberation Army captured Nanchang. After the establishment of the People's Republic, Nanchang gradually developed into an industrial city. Nanchang produced the first aircraft, the first batch of coastal defense missiles, the first motorcycle, and the first tractor of the People's Republic of China, making it an important manufacturing center. Nanchang has a unique geographical advantage and has become one of the national comprehensive transportation hubs where lines such as the Shanghai-Kunming High-Speed Railway, Shanghai-Shenzhen High-Speed Railway, Shanghai-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway, Beijing-Kowloon High-Speed Railway, and Fuzhou-Yinchuan High-Speed Railway converge.

In 1986, it was listed as a National Historical and Cultural City. It has been awarded titles such as "National Sanitary City" and "National Garden City." In 2006, it was selected by Newsweek as one of the world's ten most economically dynamic cities. It won the National Sanitary City award again in 2014. It was the host city of the 7th National Urban Games in 2011.

3.7 Administrative Divisions

3.7.1 Han Dynasty

• Fifth year of Emperor Gaozu of Han (202 BC): Guan Ying crossed the river, defeated Wu Commandery, separated part of Jiujiang Commandery (some say Lujiang Commandery) to establish Yuzhang Commandery, and initially built Nanchang County. Construction of the city wall began in the sixth year of Gaozu. The city was initially named "Guanying City," later renamed Nanchang, and served as the seat of Yuzhang Commandery, sharing the city with the Nanchang County administration. The name Nanchang carried the寓意 of "southern prosperity" and "prospering the southern frontier." There are three historical theories regarding the origin of the commandery name Yuzhang: 1. According to Ying Shao's Han Official Rituals: "The south gate of Yuzhang City is called Songyang Gate. Outside the gate is a camphor tree, 5 zhang 5 chi tall, 25 arm-spans in circumference, with lush branches and leaves, casting shade over several mu." Here, Zhang means camphor tree. "Yu means joy" (Erya, Shihu). Naming the commandery thus meant taking joy in this great camphor tree. 2. According to Han Records: "Gan has the Yuzhang River." Commentary on the Water Classic states: "It seems the commandery was named after this river. Although ten rivers flow together, the northern source is the farthest, so it alone received the name." 3. The name Yuzhang appears six times in the Zuo Zhuan. According to Du Yu's annotation: the Yuzhang of the Spring and Autumn period was all north of the Yangtze and south of the Huai River. "The Han moved its name south of the Yangtze and established a commandery."
• Fifth year of the Yuanfeng era of Emperor Wu of Han (106 BC): The nation was divided into thirteen Inspectorates (Cishi Bu). Yuzhang Commandery belonged to the Yangzhou Inspectorate. Yuzhang Commandery governed 18 counties: Nanchang (present-day Nanchang City), Luling (present-day Ji'an), Pengze (east of present-day Hukou County), Poyang (east of present-day Boyang County), Liling (east of present-day De'an County), Yuhan (northeast of present-day Yugan County), Chaisang (southwest of present-day Jiujiang City), Ai (west of present-day Xiushui County), Gan (present-day Ganzhou), Xingan (present-day Zhangshu), Nancheng (east of present-day Nancheng County), Jiancheng (present-day Gao'an County), Yichun (present-day Yichun), Haihun (present-day Yongxiu County), Yudu (northeast of present-day Yudu County), Wuyang (west of present-day Duchang County), Nanye (southwest of present-day Nankang County), Anping (southeast of present-day Anfu County).
• AD 9: Wang Mang seized power, changed the name of the state to "Xin," and altered many commandery and county names. Yuzhang Commandery was changed to Jiujiang Commandery. Among its 18 counties: Nanchang was renamed Yishan, Ai renamed Zhihan, Jiancheng renamed Mingju, Yichun renamed Xiuxiao, Xingan renamed Outing, Luling renamed Huanting, Anping renamed Anning, Poyang renamed Xiangting, Yuhan renamed Zhigan, Wuyang renamed Yuzhang, Liling renamed Puting, Chaisang renamed Jiujiangting, Haihun renamed Yisheng. Pengze, Gan, Nancheng, Yudu, and Nanye retained their original names.
• First year of the Jianwu era, Eastern Han (AD 25): All commandery and county names changed by Wang Mang were restored to their old names. Yuzhang still governed 18 counties.
• Eighth year of the Yongyuan era of Emperor He (AD 96): Shiyang County was added between Xingan and Luling; Linru County was added northwest of Nancheng.
• Sixteenth year of the Yongyuan era of Emperor He (AD 104): Jianchang County was established southwest of Haihun; additionally, Anping was renamed Pingdu Marquisate. By this point, Yuzhang Commandery governed a total of 21 counties: Nanchang, Ai, Pengze, Poyang, Wuyang, Liling, Chaisang, Haihun Marquisate, Yuhan, Xingan, Jiancheng, Yichun, Nancheng, Pingdu Marquisate, Luling, Gan, Yudu, Nanye, Linru, Shiyang, Jianchang. The commandery seat was Nanchang.- On the eve of the Eastern Han Dynasty's collapse, during the Zhongping era (184–189) of Emperor Ling, an edict was issued to establish four new counties: Xinwu (approximately present-day Fengxin County), Shangcai (present-day Shanggao area), Yongxiu (approximately present-day Yongxiu area), and Hanping (approximately present-day Qingjiang area). However, by this time, Yuzhang was already under the control of Sun Wu, and the Han court's decrees could not be implemented.

3.7.2 Three Kingdoms Period

Yuzhang was under the rule of Sun Wu. To strengthen administrative control, new prefectures and counties were continuously established. Within the territory of present-day Jiangxi, Sun Wu successively established 6 commanderies and 57 counties. Parts of the original Yuzhang Commandery were separated to form Luling, Poyang, Linchuan, and other commanderies, significantly reducing its territory. Yuzhang Commandery governed 17 counties: Nanchang, Haihun, Xingan, Jiancheng, Shangcai, Yongxiu, Jianchang, Wuping (northeast of present-day Xinyu), Xi'an (west of present-day Wuning), Pengze, Ai, Yifeng, Yangle (northeast of present-day Wanzai), Fucheng (south of present-day Fengcheng), Xinwu, Yichun, and Pingdu. The commandery seat was Nanchang.

• The exact founding date of Luling Commandery is uncertain, but it is known to have been established during the Three Kingdoms period. Its seat was Xichang County, present-day Taihe County.
• In the 15th year of Jian'an (210), Poyang Commandery was established, with its seat at Poyang County.
• In the 2nd year of Taiping (257), Linchuan Commandery was established by separating Nancheng and Linru counties from the eastern part of Yuzhang. Its seat was Nancheng County.
• In the 2nd year of Baoding (267), Ancheng Commandery was established from territories of Yuzhang, Luling, and Changsha commanderies. Its seat was Pingdu County (originally Anping County, present-day Anfu County).
• In the 5th year of Jiahe (236), the Southern Commandant of Luling was established, with its seat at Yudu County (present-day Yudu County).
  • During the mid-Jian'an period, Sun Quan, ruling Wu, divided Nanchang territory to establish the three towns of Fucheng, Zhongling, and Yifeng.
  • During the Huangwu era of Emperor Da of Wu in the Three Kingdoms, Yifeng and Yangle counties were added by dividing Jiancheng and Shangcai.
  • In the 2nd year of Huangchu of Emperor Wen of Wei (221), Sun Quan was enfeoffed as the King of Wu. Sun Quan separated the southern part of Nanchang County to form Fucheng County (present-day Fengcheng City), which belonged to Yuzhang Commandery.
  • In the 2nd year of Baoding of Wu (267), Pingdu and Yichun were separated to form Ancheng Commandery, reducing Yuzhang Commandery to 15 counties.

3.7.3 Jin Dynasty

During the Western Jin Dynasty, Yuzhang Commandery initially belonged to Yangzhou. After Jin conquered Wu, Zhongling County was added, and Fucheng was renamed Fengcheng, Xi'an was renamed Yuning, Shangcai was renamed Wangcai, and Yangle was renamed Kangle. Yuzhang Commandery then governed 16 counties: Nanchang, Fengcheng, Jianchang, Ai, Yuning, Xinwu, Zhongling (northwest of present-day Jinxian), Pengze, Haihun, Yongxiu, Jiancheng, Wangcai, Kangle, Xingan, Wuping, and Yifeng. The commandery seat remained Nanchang.

• In the 1st year of Taikang (280), Yuzhang Commandery belonged to Yangzhou. The Zhongling town of Nanchang County was elevated to Zhongling County, subordinate to Yuzhang Commandery.
• In the 1st year of Yuankang of Emperor Hui of Jin (291), "As the territories of Jing and Yang provinces were vast and distant, governance was particularly difficult. Therefore, ten commanderies were carved out: Yuzhang, Poyang, Luling, Linchuan, Nankang, Jian'an, and Jin'an from Yangzhou, and Wuchang, Guiyang, and Ancheng from Jingzhou, to establish Jiangzhou, named after the river." (Book of Jin, Volume 15). The provincial seat was Nanchang, and Yuzhang Commandery belonged to Jiangzhou, meaning the province, commandery, and county shared the same administrative seat.
• In the 1st year of Yongjia (307) according to the Book of Jin: Pengze was transferred to Xunyang, and Yifeng and Zhongling were abolished and merged into Nanchang County.
• In the 1st year of Jianwu of Emperor Yuan of the Eastern Jin (317), after the Jin court moved its capital to Jiankang, the strategic importance of Jiangzhou increased further. The Jiangxi region, after the establishment of Jiangzhou, no longer belonged to any other province and became a separate top-level local administrative unit. Yuzhang also became an important administrative center in southeastern China.
• In the 6th year of Xiankang of Emperor Cheng (340), the provincial seat was moved to Xunyang.
• In the 14th year of Taiyuan of Emperor Xiaowu of the Eastern Jin (389), Fan Ning, the Grand Administrator of Yuzhang Commandery, expanded Nanchang City, further enlarging the urban area.
• In the 2nd year of Taiping of Liang (557), the provincial seat was moved back to Nanchang.

3.7.4 Northern and Southern Dynasties

During the Southern Dynasties, with frequent changes of regimes, the establishment of provinces and commanderies changed often. Yuzhang Commandery still belonged to Jiangzhou, with its seat at Nanchang, but the counties under its jurisdiction changed repeatedly.

During the Song and Qi dynasties, it governed 12 counties: Nanchang, Fengcheng, Jianchang, Yuning, Ai, Xinwu (Haihun merged in), Yongxiu, Jiancheng, Wangcai, Wuping, Kangle, Xingan. During the Liang Dynasty, it governed 8 counties: Nanchang, Zhongling, Jiancheng, Wangcai, Wuping, Kangle, Xingan, Zhongling.

During the Chen Dynasty, it governed 8 counties: Nanchang, Zhongling, Jiancheng, Wangcai, Wuping, Kangle, Xichang (north of present-day Yifeng), Xingan. In the 3rd year of Yongding, Xingan was transferred to Bashan Commandery.

• During the Southern Song Dynasty (420–479), it belonged to Yuzhang Commandery of Jiangzhou.
• According to the Book of Song, Haihun County was abolished in the 2nd year of Yuanjia (425).
• During the Liang Dynasty (502–557), it belonged to the Kingdom of Yuzhang.
• At the end of the Liang Dynasty, Yuning Commandery was established. Yuzhang Commandery retained eight counties. In the 2nd year of Datong (536), Fengcheng was transferred to Bashan Commandery, leaving seven counties. Yifeng and Zhongling were re-established, bringing the total to nine counties.
• During the Chen Dynasty (557–589), it belonged to Yuzhang Commandery of Jiangzhou.
• In the 2nd year of Yongding (558), Xingan was transferred to Bashan Commandery, leaving eight counties.

3.7.5 Sui Dynasty

After unification, the Sui Dynasty merged and abolished prefectures and counties, reforming the three-level administrative system of province, commandery, and county. During Emperor Wen's reign, commanderies were abolished, retaining only the province and county levels.

• In the 9th year of Kaihuang (589), Yuzhang Commandery was abolished, and the Hongzhou Chief Military Command was established, governing four counties: Yuzhang (Nanchang renamed, Zhongling merged in 605), Fengcheng, Jianchang (Yuning Commandery abolished, with Yuning, Ai, Xinwu, and Yongxiu counties merged in), and Jiancheng (Wangcheng, Yifeng, and Kangle counties merged in). The command seat was Nanchang.
• In the 2nd year of Daye of Emperor Yang of Sui (606), provinces were renamed commanderies, and the Hongzhou Chief Military Command was changed to Yuzhang Commandery, governing the same counties as before.

3.7.6 Tang Dynasty

With population growth and economic development, the number of prefectures and counties increased. Meanwhile, military and administrative institutions such as Chief Military Commands, Military Commands, and Military Commissioners were established in strategic locations nationwide, and the circuit-level supervisory district was created. The administrative setup of the Nanchang area underwent several major changes.

• In the 5th year of Wude (622), Yuzhang Commandery was changed to Hongzhou, with a Chief Military Command established, administering six provinces: Hong, Rao, Fu, Ji, Qian, and Nanping. Simultaneously, Hongzhou was divided into three: Nanchang Province, Sun Province, and Hongzhou. Jianchang County was elevated to Nanchang Province, governing Jianchang, Xinwu, Long'an (originally Yuning renamed), and Yongxiu counties, with its seat at Jianchang; the northwestern part of Yuzhang Commandery (present-day Xinjian County area) was designated as Sun Province, with its seat at Shitouzhou; Hongzhou governed Yuzhang (originally Nanchang County renamed), Zhongling (separated from Yuzhang), and Fengcheng counties, with its seat at Yuzhang.
• In the 7th year of Wude (624), Sun Province and Nanchang Province were abolished and merged into Yuzhang County and Jianchang County respectively, subordinate to Hongzhou. Hongzhou's counties increased to four.
• In the 8th year of Wude (625), the Hongzhou Chief Military Command was changed to the Hongzhou Military Command, governing the same provinces as before, with its seat at Hongzhou.
• In the 1st year of Zhenguan (627), the country was divided into 10 circuits, and Hongzhou belonged to the Jiangnan Circuit.
• In the 2nd year of Zhenguan (628), the Hongzhou Military Command supervised Hong, Rao, Fu, Ji, Qian, Yuan, Jiang, E, and other provinces. In the 4th year of Chang'an (704), it supervised Hong, Yuan, Ji, Qian, and Fu provinces. The command seat was always at Hongzhou.
• In the 21st year of Kaiyuan (733), the country was divided into 15 circuits, and Hongzhou belonged to the Jiangnan West Circuit.
• In the 1st year of Tianbao (742), provinces were renamed commanderies, and Hongzhou was renamed Yuzhang Commandery.
• In the 1st year of Qianyuan (758), commanderies were renamed provinces, and Yuzhang Commandery was called Hongzhou. The Hong-Ji Regional Defense, Training, and Surveillance Commissioner was established, concurrently serving as the Mo Yao Army Commissioner, governing Hong, Ji, Qian, Fu, and Yuan provinces. The following year, the Nanchang Army was established in Hongzhou.
• In the 2nd year of Guangde (764), the Hong-Ji Regional Defense, Training, and Surveillance Commissioner was renamed the Jiangnan West Circuit Surveillance Commissioner, based in Hongzhou, governing Hong, Rao, Ji, Jiang, Yuan, Xin, Qian, and Fu provinces.
• In the 4th year of Jianzhong (783), it was elevated to a Military Commissioner.
• In the 1st year of Zhenyuan (785), the Military Commissioner was abolished, and the Regional Training and Surveillance Commissioner was re-established.
• In the 6th year of Yuanhe (811), the Nanchang Army was abolished.
• In the 6th year of Xiantong (865), it was elevated to the Zhennan Army Military Commissioner.
• In the 6th year of Qianfu, the Military Commissioner was abolished again, and the Jiangnan West Circuit Surveillance Commissioner was established.
• In the 1st year of Longji (889), it was again elevated to the Zhennan Army Military Commissioner. The commissioner's office was always located in Hongzhou.
• During the mid to late Tang Dynasty, Hongzhou (Yuzhang Commandery) governed seven counties: Nanchang, Fengcheng, Gao'an, Jianchang, Xinwu, Wuning, and Fenning. The provincial (commande ry) seat was Nanchang. During this period, in the 1st year of Baoying (762), to avoid the taboo of Emperor Daizong's name, Yuzhang County under Hongzhou was renamed Zhongling County, and Yuning County was renamed Wuning County. During the Zhenyuan era (785–804), Zhongling County was renamed back to Nanchang County.

3.7.7 Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

• During the Five Dynasties, the Hongzhou administrative system of the Tang Dynasty continued. Under the Yang Wu regime, Hongzhou governed seven counties: Nanchang, Jianchang, Wugao (Fengcheng renamed), Wuning, Fenning, Xinwu, and Gao'an. The provincial seat was Nanchang.
• During the Southern Tang, it was initially Hongzhou.
• In the 2nd year of Jiaotai of the Southern Tang (959), Li Jing of the Southern Tang, considering "the state's territory weak" and "Jiankang separated from enemy territory only by the river. Now if we move the capital to Yuzhang, controlling the upper reaches and securing the foundation, it is the best strategy," decided to move the capital. In the same year, Hongzhou was elevated to Nanchang Prefecture, governing seven counties: Nanchang, Fengcheng (Wugao renamed back), Fengxin (Xinwu renamed back), Jing'an (established from parts of Jianchang, Fengxin, and Wuning), Wuning, Fenning, and Jianchang. The prefectural seat was Nanchang.
• In February 961, Li Jing moved the capital from Jiankang to Nanchang, arriving in March and dying in June. His son Li Yu still made Jinling the national capital. Nanchang served as the Southern Tang's capital for about four months, but its status as the southern capital was maintained until the 8th year of Kaibao (975) when the Song Dynasty conquered the Southern Tang.

3.7.8 Song Dynasty

During the Song Dynasty, the Tang "circuits" were changed to "routes," and new prefectures, military districts, and counties were established.- In the eighth year of Kaibao (975), the Song dynasty conquered the Southern Tang and changed Nanchang Prefecture to Hongzhou, governing seven counties: Nanchang, Fengcheng, Fengxin, Jing'an, Wuning, Fenning, and Jianchang.

• In the sixth year of Taiping Xingguo (981), the northwestern part of Nanchang was separated to establish Xinjian County, subordinate to Hongzhou.
• In the third year of Zhidao (997), the country was divided into 15 circuits, with Hongzhou belonging to the Jiangnan Circuit.
• In the fourth year of Tianxi (1020), the Jiangnan Circuit was split into eastern and western circuits, with Hongzhou belonging to the Jiangnan West Circuit. The Jiangnan West Circuit governed six prefectures—Hong, Qian, Ji, Yuan, and Fu—and four military districts—Linjiang, Jianchang, Nan'an, and Xingguo (located in present-day Hubei Province), with the circuit's administrative seat in Nanchang.
• In the second year of Chongning (1103), Jinxian Town in the southwest of Nanchang County, along with parts of Nanchang and Xinjian, was separated to establish Jinxian County, subordinate to Hongzhou.
• In the second year of Daguan (1108), the previously separated territory of Xinjian County was returned, and the Qinfeng Township of Nanchang County was transferred to Jinxian County. At this time, Hongzhou governed eight counties: Nanchang, Xinjian, Fengcheng, Jinxian, Fengxin, Jing'an, Wuning, and Fenning. This administrative division remained largely unchanged until the end of the Qing dynasty.
• In the first year of Jianyan (1127), Hongzhou was established as a military commandery.
• In the fourth year of Jianyan (1130), the eastern and western Jiangnan circuits were merged into the Jiangnan Circuit.
• The following year (the first year of Shaoxing, 1131), they were again divided into eastern and western circuits, with Hongzhou still belonging to the Jiangnan West Circuit. The Jiangnan West Circuit governed seven prefectures—Hong, Jiang, Yuan, Qian, Ji, and Fu—and four military districts—Jianchang, Linjiang, Nan'an, and Xingguo. In the same year, the military commandery was moved to Jiangzhou but soon returned to Hongzhou.
• Emperor Xiaozong of Song had garrisoned Nanchang while he was crown prince. After ascending the throne, in the first year of Longxing (1163), he elevated Hongzhou to Longxing Prefecture, with its administrative seat in Nanchang, governing the same counties as before.

3.7.9 Yuan Dynasty

After unifying China, the Yuan dynasty successively divided the country into 11 provincial administrative regions (abbreviated as provinces), and the Jiangxi Provincial Administrative Region was established.

• In the twelfth year of Zhiyuan (1275), Yuan troops pacified Jiangxi. The name Longxing Prefecture remained unchanged, governing eight counties as in the Song dynasty, and a provincial military commandery and pacification commission were established in Longxing.
• In the fourteenth year of Zhiyuan (1277), Longxing Prefecture was changed to Longxing Route, with a general administration office established. The provincial military commandery was changed to the Jiangxi Circuit Pacification Commission, and a provincial administrative region was established, with its seat in Longxing, marking the beginning of Jiangxi as a province.
• In the fifteenth year of Zhiyuan (1278), the provincial seat was moved to Ganzhou; the following year, it returned to Longxing.
• In the seventeenth year of Zhiyuan (1280), the Jiangxi Provincial Administrative Region was abolished and merged into the Fujian Provincial Administrative Region, with a pacification commission established in Longxing.
• In the nineteenth year of Zhiyuan (1282), the Jiangxi Provincial Administrative Region was restored, the pacification commission was abolished, and the provincial seat was set in Longxing.
• In the twenty-first year of Zhiyuan (1284), Longxing Route was renamed Longxing Route, changed to avoid the taboo of Emperor Yuzong.
• After the eighth year of Dade (1304), Longxing Route governed six counties—Nanchang, Xinjian, Jinxian, Fengxin, Jing'an, and Wuning—and two prefectures: Fuzhou (elevated from Fengcheng in the thirty-second year of Zhiyuan) and Ningzhou (elevated from Fenning in the eighth year of Dade). The route's administrative seat was in Nanchang.

3.7.10 Ming Dynasty

After the decisive battle at Poyang Lake between Zhu Yuanzhang and Chen Youliang, Jiangxi came under the jurisdiction of Zhu Yuanzhang's regime.

• In the first lunar month of 1362 (the twenty-second year of Zhizheng in the Yuan dynasty), after Zhu Yuanzhang occupied Nanchang, he changed the Yuan dynasty's administrative structure, renaming Longxing Route to Hongdu Prefecture, while still maintaining the Jiangxi Provincial Administrative Region, with its seat in Ji'an. In the second month, the seat returned to Nanchang. The following year, Hongdu Prefecture was renamed Nanchang Prefecture.
• In the ninth year of Hongwu (1376), the Jiangxi Provincial Administrative Region was changed to the Jiangxi Provincial Administration Commission, commonly still referred to as a province, with its seat in Nanchang.
• During the Ming dynasty, Nanchang Prefecture governed seven counties and one prefecture: Nanchang, Xinjian, Fengcheng (changed from Fuzhou to Fengcheng County in the ninth year of Hongwu), Jinxian, Fengxin, Jing'an, Wuning, and Ningzhou (originally Fenning County in the Yuan dynasty, changed to Ning County in the early Hongwu period, and elevated to a prefecture in the sixteenth year of Hongzhi, 1503).

3.7.11 Qing Dynasty

The Qing dynasty largely followed the Ming system. Under the Liangjiang Governor-General, a Jiangxi Provincial Governor was established, with the governor's office once located in Nanchang. Nanchang Prefecture was the capital of Jiangxi Province, governing Nanchang, Xinjian, Fengcheng, Jinxian, Fengxin, Jing'an, Wuning, Yining Prefecture, and Tonggu Camp (present-day Tonggu, changed to a civil administration office in the first year of Xuantong, subordinate to Yining Prefecture).

3.7.12 Republic of China

• In the first year of the Republic of China (1912), prefectures and directly subordinate prefectures were abolished, and counties became the second-level administrative divisions.

• In the third year of the Republic of China (1914), the province was divided into four circuits, with Yuzhang Circuit headquartered in Nanchang County (present-day urban area of Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province). It governed 23 counties: Nanchang, Xinjian, Fengcheng, Jinxian, Nancheng, Lichuan, Nanfeng, Guangchang, Zixi, Linchuan, Jinxi, Chongren, Yihuang, Le'an, Dongxiang, Yujiang, Shangrao, Yushan, Yiyang, Guixi, Qianshan, Guangfeng, and Hengfeng.

• In the fifteenth year of the Republic of China (1926), circuits were abolished, and counties were directly subordinate to the province. Nanchang City was established within Nanchang County, with separate administration for the city and county, though the county seat remained unchanged. Administrative Supervision Districts:

• In October of the twenty-first year of the Republic of China (1932), the administrative supervision district system was implemented: the First District, with its office in Nanchang County, governed eight counties: Nanchang, Xingan, Xinjian, Jinxian, Anyi, Gao'an, Qingjiang, and Fengcheng. Later, the First District was abolished and placed under direct provincial jurisdiction.

• In the twenty-second year of the Republic of China (1933), the Jiangxi Provincial Government directly administered 14 counties: Nanchang, Xinjian, Fengcheng, Jinxian, Qingjiang, Xingan, Gao'an, Jiujiang, De'an, Xingzi, Anyi, Hukou, Pengze, and Duchang.

• In April of the twenty-fourth year of the Republic of China (1935), the First District, with its office in Wuning County, governed ten counties: Wuning, Nanchang, Xinjian, Jinxian, Anyi, Yongxiu, Xiushui, Tonggu, Fengxin, and Jing'an.

• In September of the twenty-eighth year of the Republic of China (1939), the Eleventh District, with its office in Fengcheng County, governed three counties: Fengcheng, Nanchang, and Jinxian.

• In the thirty-second year of the Republic of China (1943), the original Eleventh District was renamed the First District: the First District, with its office in Fengcheng County, governed seven counties: Fengcheng, Nanchang, Xinjian, Jinxian, Qingjiang, Xingan, and Gao'an.

• After the end of the Anti-Japanese War, Nanchang City was directly subordinate to the province. In the thirty-sixth year of the Republic of China (1947):

• The Jiangxi Provincial Government directly administered Nanchang City.

• The First District, with its office in Fengcheng County, governed seven counties: Fengcheng, Nanchang, Xinjian, Jinxian, Qingjiang, Xingan, and Gao'an. Nanchang City:

• In July 1925 (the fourteenth year of the Republic of China), the Nanchang Municipal Affairs Office was established to prepare for the establishment of the city.

• At the end of 1926 (the fifteenth year of the Republic of China), Nanchang was officially established as a city, directly subordinate to the provincial government. The original Municipal Affairs Office was expanded into a Municipal Affairs Bureau, with its office located at Zongzhenpo. The city and county were separately administered, though the county seat remained unchanged.

• In April 1927 (the sixteenth year of the Republic of China), the Nanchang Municipal Affairs Bureau was changed to a committee system.

• In 1928 (the seventeenth year of the Republic of China), the Municipal Affairs Bureau was changed to a municipal government, restoring the mayor system. Soon after, it reverted to a committee system.

• In 1932 (the twenty-first year of the Republic of China), Nanchang City was abolished, but its jurisdiction was retained under provincial leadership.

• In June 1937 (the twenty-sixth year of the Republic of China), the provincial council decided to establish the Nanchang Municipal Government starting July 1, appointing Gong Xuesui as mayor. In the same year, the county seat moved to Wanshe, and the city and county were separately administered.

• At the end of March 1939 (the twenty-eighth year of the Republic of China), Japanese troops invaded Nanchang. The Nanchang Municipal Government retreated with the provincial government to Taihe and Ningdu and was ordered to disband.

• In August 1945 (the thirty-fourth year of the Republic of China), Japan announced unconditional surrender, ending the Anti-Japanese War. All Japanese troops between Nanchang and Jiujiang were disarmed. In September, the Nanchang Municipal Government was reestablished.

• In May 1949 (the thirty-eighth year of the Republic of China), Nanchang City was liberated. On September 6 of the same year, the Jiangxi Provincial People's Government announced the official determination of provincial administrative divisions, establishing Nanchang City as a province-administered city and Nanchang Prefecture (originally the First District) as a prefecture.

3.7.13 New China

• In July 1949, the city underwent administrative adjustments, establishing seven administrative districts, with the sixth and seventh districts as agricultural areas. In October, following the central directive that "small and medium-sized cities should not have districts," the district system was abolished, and the sixth and seventh agricultural districts were placed under the jurisdiction of Nanchang County.
• In August 1951, following higher-level instructions, the district system was restored. The city established six districts, with their jurisdictions slightly adjusted from 1949. The original first, second, and fifth districts were merged into the first and second districts, while the original sixth and seventh agricultural districts became the fifth and sixth districts.
• In May 1952, the fifth and sixth districts were further divided into the fifth, sixth, and seventh districts.
• In August 1953, to strengthen leadership over suburban rural work, the Nanchang Municipal People's Government Suburban Office was established.
• In September 1953, the Water District was established. All these districts established people's governments.
• In February 1955, in accordance with the constitution, district people's governments were renamed people's committees.
• In April 1955, the seven districts under the city were renamed: the first district became Donghu District; the second district became Shengli District; the third district became Fuhe District; the fourth district became Xihu District; the fifth district became Chaowangzhou District; the sixth district became Qingyunpu District; and the seventh district became Tangshan District.
• In April 1956, the three suburban districts—Qingyunpu, Chaowangzhou, and Tangshan—were abolished. Their 28 townships were merged into eight larger townships, led by the Suburban Work Office.
• In May 1957, the Water District was abolished, and its work was transferred to Shengli District.
• In 1958, the Suburban Work Office was abolished. Qingyunpu, Chengnan, and Sanjiadian townships were merged to establish Qingyunpu District, while the remaining townships were placed under the jurisdiction of adjacent urban districts.
• In August 1958, Nanchang County and Xinjian County were transferred from Nanchang Prefecture to Nanchang City. In July 1961, they were transferred back to Nanchang Prefecture.
• Before the start of the Cultural Revolution in 1966, Nanchang City administered six districts: Donghu, Shengli, Fuhe, Xihu, Qingyunpu, and Suburban.
• In 1967, Nanchang and Xinjian counties were transferred from Yichun Prefecture to Nanchang City.- In July 1968, the suburbs were abolished, and the subordinate townships were placed under the jurisdiction of Nanchang and Xinjian counties, respectively.
• In October 1969, with the approval of the Jiangxi Provincial People's Government, the Meiling Management District was established, centered on the Meiling mountainous area in the suburbs, incorporating adjacent communes from Xinjian, Anyi, and Yongxiu counties.
• In April 1970, the Meiling Management District Revolutionary Committee was established.
• In February 1972, the Meiling Management District was renamed the Wanli Management District.
• In March 1972, the suburbs were restored, and the Suburban Revolutionary Committee was re-established.
• In June 1972, the newly developed Shigang area was vigorously developed, and Shigang Town was established, directly under the jurisdiction of the city.
• In July 1973, Wanli District was established in accordance with the administrative setup of a municipal district.
• In 1976, the city governed seven districts: Donghu, Shengli, Xihu, Fuhe, Qingyunpu, Wanli, and the suburbs, as well as two counties, Nanchang and Xinjian, and Shigang Town.
• In June 1980, Donghu and Shengli districts merged to form Donghu District, while Xihu and Fuhe districts merged to form Xihu District. Luojia Town of Nanchang County was placed under the leadership of the suburbs.
• In October 1983, Jinxian County was transferred from the Fuzhou Prefecture to Nanchang City, and Anyi County was transferred from the Yichun Prefecture to Nanchang City.
• Starting in 1985, Shigang Town was placed under the jurisdiction of Xinjian County.
• In 1985, Nanchang City governed five districts: Donghu, Xihu, Qingyunpu, the suburbs, and Wanli, as well as four counties: Nanchang, Jinxian, Xinjian, and Anyi.
• In 2002, the suburbs of Nanchang City were renamed Qingshanhu District.
• In 2004, due to the suburbs primarily managing suburban townships while other municipal districts mainly managed street communities, a large number of interlocking areas formed during the expansion of Nanchang City's urban area. As a result, adjustments were made to Donghu, Xihu, Qingyunpu, and Qingshanhu districts.
• On August 5, 2015, the State Council officially approved the adjustment plan for some administrative divisions of Nanchang City, agreeing to abolish Xinjian County and establish Nanchang City's Xinjian District, with the administrative area of the former Xinjian County serving as the administrative area of Xinjian District. The People's Government of Xinjian District is located at No. 239 Xinjian Avenue, Changlong Town. After the adjustment, Nanchang City governed three counties and six districts, with the urban area consisting of Donghu, Xihu, Qingyunpu, Qingshanhu, Xinjian, and Wanli districts.
• On December 25, 2019, the Jiangxi Provincial People's Government issued a notice regarding the adjustment of some administrative divisions of Nanchang City. The document indicated: approval was granted for the establishment of Honggutan District in Nanchang City; approval was granted for the abolition of Wanli District in Nanchang City, with its administrative area merged into Xinjian District of Nanchang City. After the adjustment, Nanchang City governed three counties and six districts, with the urban area consisting of Donghu, Xihu, Qingyunpu, Qingshanhu, Xinjian, and Honggutan districts.

4. Geography

Nanchang is one of China's first batch of historical and cultural cities and one of the first low-carbon pilot cities. It has been honored with titles such as National Civilized City, National Innovative City, International Garden City, National Garden City, National Sanitary City, and one of the Global Top Ten Dynamic Metropolises. Nanchang is a city nestled between mountains and waters. It rests against the Meiling Xishan mountains to the west, with the Gan River flowing through the city. Two rivers and eight lakes dot the urban landscape, with water bodies covering 29.78% of the area. The city boasts good greenery, fresh air quality, and is acclaimed as the "Pearl of Poyang Lake" and "China's Water Capital."

4.1 Topography

Jiangxi Province is surrounded by mountains, with hills dominating its interior. However, in northern Jiangxi, the convergence of the Gan River, Fu River, Xin River, Po River, and Xiu River into Poyang Lake forms the Poyang Lake Plain, located between 115°27'–116°35' east longitude and 28°10'–29°11' north latitude. Nanchang City is situated in the central part of the Yuzhang Plain, on the banks of the Gan River. Nanchang features a natural topography of "mountains to the west, waters to the east." In the northwestern part of the urban area lies the isolated Xishan mountain range—Meiling—running southwest to northeast. Its main peak, Xiyao Peak, stands at 841.1 meters above sea level, the highest point in the city. In terms of land composition, plains account for 35.8%, water bodies for 29.8%, and hills and low mountains for 34.4%.

4.2 Water Systems

The entire area belongs to the Poyang Lake water system. Major rivers within the territory include the Gan River, Fu River, Jin River, Liao River, and Xiongxi River. There are hundreds of lakes of various sizes, such as Junshan Lake, Jinxi Lake, and Qinglan Lake. Major lakes within the urban area include East Lake, West Lake, South Lake, North Lake, Qingshan Lake, Aixi Lake, Yao Lake, Xiang Lake, and Huangjia Lake (including Libu Lake and Diezi Lake). The city is characterized by lakes within the urban area and the urban area nestled among lakes.

4.3 Natural Resources

The city's cultivated land area is 208,700 hectares, of which 199,000 hectares are effectively irrigated, accounting for 95.4%. Within the effectively irrigated area, 160,000 hectares are drought- and flood-resistant, accounting for 80.4%. The city's average annual water yield is 5.973 billion cubic meters, with surface runoff at 5.142 billion cubic meters, return flow at 407 million cubic meters, and groundwater resources at 1.48 billion cubic meters. The potential hydropower capacity is 72,700 kilowatts, representing 33.7% of the total potential. The forested area covers 132,000 hectares, with a forest coverage rate of 17.1% and a standing timber volume of 2.2 million cubic meters.

4.4 Qingyunpu District, Nanchang

The overall environmental quality is good. The annual excellent and good air quality rate reached 95.3%; the domestic sewage treatment rate exceeded 77.3%, and the industrial wastewater discharge compliance rate exceeded 94.5%; the compliance rate of centralized drinking water sources reached 99.8%; the average regional environmental noise was controlled below 56.1 decibels, and the average traffic noise on main roads was controlled below 69.9 decibels; the industrial solid waste treatment and utilization rate exceeded 87.6%.

4.5 Climate

Nanchang has a humid subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Spring sees more overcast and rainy days with relatively less sunshine. The rainy season mainly occurs from April to June, accounting for nearly 50% of the annual rainfall. Heavy rainstorms and flood disasters mostly occur during this season. The annual average temperature is 18.2°C, with January averaging 5.7°C and July averaging 29.6°C. Summers are hot and humid, making Nanchang one of China's "furnace cities." Temperatures above 40°C are rare (only 2 days with daily maximum temperatures ≥40°C from 1951 to 2013).

Meteorological Data for Nanchang City (1981–2010)

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |-----------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|----------|----------|----------|----------| | Record High (°C / °F) | 25.3 (77.5) | 28.7 (83.7) | 32.5 (90.5) | 34.6 (94.3) | 36.5 (97.7) | 37.7 (99.9) | 40.6 (105.1) | 39.7 (103.5) | 38.6 (101.5) | 38.6 (101.5) | 32.3 (90.1) | 26.1 (79.0) | 40.6 (105.1) | | Average High (°C / °F) | 8.8 (47.8) | 11.2 (52.2) | 15.2 (59.4) | 21.7 (71.1) | 26.9 (80.4) | 29.6 (85.3) | 33.7 (92.7) | 33.1 (91.6) | 29.1 (84.4) | 24.1 (75.4) | 17.9 (64.2) | 11.9 (53.4) | 21.9 (71.4) | | Daily Mean (°C / °F) | 5.5 (41.9) | 7.7 (45.9) | 11.4 (52.5) | 17.7 (63.9) | 22.8 (73.0) | 25.9 (78.6) | 29.5 (85.1) | 28.9 (84.0) | 25.1 (77.2) | 19.9 (67.8) | 13.7 (56.7) | 7.9 (46.2) | 18.0 (64.4) | | Average Low (°C / °F) | 3.0 (37.4) | 5.2 (41.4) | 8.7 (47.7) | 14.6 (58.3) | 19.7 (67.5) | 23.0 (73.4) | 26.1 (79.0) | 25.8 (78.4) | 22.2 (72.0) | 16.8 (62.2) | 10.6 (51.1) | 4.9 (40.8) | 15.1 (59.2) | | Record Low (°C / °F) | -7.7 (18.1) | -9.3 (15.3) | -1.7 (28.9) | 2.4 (36.3) | 10.0 (50.0) | 14.8 (58.6) | 18.9 (66.0) | 19.5 (67.1) | 13.3 (55.9) | 3.5 (38.3) | -0.8 (30.6) | -9.7 (14.5) | -9.7 (14.5) | | Average Precipitation (mm / inches) | 76.7 (3.02) | 105.1 (4.14) | 177.6 (6.99) | 221.0 (8.70) | 219.5 (8.64) | 296.3 (11.67) | 145.3 (5.72) | 123.9 (4.88) | 72.2 (2.84) | 54.2 (2.13) | 77.7 (3.06) | 44.1 (1.74) | 1,613.6 (63.53) | | Average Precipitation Days (≥0.1 mm) | 13.3 | 13.6 | 17.3 | 17.2 | 15.7 | 15.0 | 10.5 | 10.3 | 6.9 | 7.6 | 8.5 | 8.2 | 144.1 | | Average Relative Humidity (%) | 76 | 77 | 79 | 79 | 78 | 82 | 76 | 76 | 75 | 71 | 71 | 71 | 76 | | Mean Monthly Sunshine Hours | 89.0 | 83.1 | 94.2 | 125.2 | 161.4 | 159.5 | 248.6 | 233.2 | 189.5 | 168.4 | 143.0 | 137.8 | 1,832.9 | | Percent Possible Sunshine (%) | 28 | 27 | 23 | 30 | 36 | 39 | 59 | 60 | 50 | 47 | 46 | 44 | 41 |

5. Administrative Divisions

Nanchang City administers 6 districts and 3 counties.

• Districts: Donghu District, Xihu District, Qingyunpu District, Qingshanhu District, Xinjian District, Honggutan District
• Counties: Nanchang County, Anyi County, Jinxian County

Additionally, Nanchang has established the following county-level economic management zones: the National-level Nanchang Economic and Technological Development Zone and the National-level Nanchang High-tech Industrial Development Zone.

There is also the Wanli Management Bureau, which is temporarily granted all county-level administrative powers.

The Nanchang Municipal Government was originally located on Shengli Road in the city center. In 2001, it moved to the municipal government building in the Honggutan New District, located west of Qiushui Square in the Honggutan New District. The Jiangxi Provincial People's Government relocated to the Jiangxi Provincial Administrative Center in Hongjiaozhou in 2016. The former provincial government compound in the city center is undergoing re-planning and enhancement.

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Permanent Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 360100 | Nanchang City | Nánchāng Shì | 7,238.0 | 6,255,007 | Honggutan District | 330000 | 39 | 48 | 28 | | 360102 | Donghu District | Dōnghú Qū | 57.0 | 421,690 | Yuzhang Subdistrict | 330000 | 7 | 1 | | | 360103 | Xihu District | Xīhú Qū | 35.8 | 485,161 | Chaoyangzhou Subdistrict | 330000 | 10 | | | | 360104 | Qingyunpu District | Qīngyúnpǔ Qū | 35.5 | 349,074 | Sanjiadian Subdistrict | 330000 | 5 | 1 | | | 360111 | Qingshanhu District | Qīngshānhú Qū | 132.4 | 1,307,366 | Jingdong Town | 330000 | 4 | 4 | | | 360112 | Xinjian District | Xīnjiàn Qū | 2,126.9 | 810,614 | Changleng Subdistrict | 330100 | 5 | 14 | 5 | | 360113 | Honggutan District | Hónggǔtān Qū | 410.0 | 555,755 | Shajing Subdistrict | 330038 | 7 | 2 | | | 360121 | Nanchang County | Nánchāng Xiàn | 1,818.1 | 1,452,502 | Liantang Town | 330200 | 4 | 10 | 6 | | 360123 | Anyi County | Ānyì Xiàn | 663.0 | 252,591 | Longjin Town | 330500 | | 7 | 3 | | 360124 | Jinxian County | Jìnxián Xiàn | 1,959.4 | 620,254 | Minhe Town | 331700 | 2 | 10 | |

6. Economy

In 2022, Nanchang achieved a regional GDP of 720.350 billion yuan, an increase of 4.1% over the previous year. The industrial structure was 3.4:48.4:48.2 for the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors respectively. The per capita regional GDP reached 111,031 yuan, growing by 1.8%, which converted to 16,507 USD based on the annual average exchange rate.

The regional GDP figures for 2010-2018 are revised numbers based on the Fourth National Economic Census. The figures for 2019-2020 are final verified numbers, and the 2021 figure is a preliminary estimate.

Nanchang's economy has developed rapidly, ranking 15th among the world's 20 fastest-growing cities. It is recognized as one of the cities with the greatest development potential in China and globally. Nanchang firmly upholds the new development philosophy, focusing on supply-side structural reform as the main task, driven by innovation, centered on high-quality development, and powered by new economic growth. The city is committed to improving the quality and efficiency of the supply system, consolidating the foundation for "stability," making substantial efforts for "progress," and accelerating the gathering of positive factors and new momentum supporting economic improvement. In the first half of the year, Nanchang achieved a regional GDP of 239.498 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.1% calculated at comparable prices.

In 2021, Nanchang's total regional GDP reached 665.053 billion yuan, an increase of 8.7% compared to 2020. In 2017, the city's regional GDP was 500.319 billion yuan, a growth of 9.0% over the previous year. The added value of the primary industry was 19.213 billion yuan, up 4.0%; the secondary industry added value was 266.610 billion yuan, up 8.4%; and the tertiary industry added value was 214.496 billion yuan, up 10.2%. The per capita GDP was 81,598 yuan, equivalent to 12,285 USD based on the annual average exchange rate. The total fiscal revenue for the year was 78.282 billion yuan, an increase of 14.3% over the previous year. Nanchang serves as a transit hub for commercial and trade radiation from coastal areas to central and western China. Large-scale commerce within the city is thriving, forming a pattern of "large shopping malls within the city, large markets in the suburbs, and large logistics outside the city."

Within the city, a central business district has formed around Bayi Square, encompassing Zhongshan Road, Shengli Road, Bayi Square, Dinggong Road, and Beijing Road. Honggutan, Gaoxin, and Chaoyang have also developed into regional commercial districts this year. In recent years, as part of urban renewal, Nanchang has planned and constructed high-standard areas including the Wanshou Palace Jiangyou Merchant Guild Historical and Cultural District, Baihuazhou Four Lakes Park, Youmin Temple Buddhist Cultural Area, Shengjin Tower Historical and Cultural District, Liuyanjing Historical and Cultural District, Jinxiancang Historical and Cultural District, and the renovation and enhancement of the Red Classics Traditional Cultural Block. Combined with the existing traditional Tengwang Pavilion Scenic Area and Bayi Square Scenic Area, these form the central historical, cultural, and commercial district of Nanchang, connected by Zhongshan Road.

6.1 Industry

Nanchang possesses a modern industrial system encompassing automobile manufacturing, metallurgy, electromechanical, textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, as well as emerging high-tech industries represented by electronic information, bioengineering, new materials, software, and service outsourcing, which are at first-class levels both domestically and internationally. Nanchang implements an export-oriented economic development strategy, supports large enterprises, vigorously develops export processing industries, and has achieved economic take-off. In the new era, Nanchang is vigorously developing the photovoltaic industry, electronic information industry, and cultivating a world-class VR industry base.

Nanchang has a well-developed industry; China's largest offensive and defensive missiles were born here. Since the reform and opening-up, Nanchang's modern industrial systems—including automobile manufacturing, metallurgy, electromechanical, textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals—and emerging high-tech industries represented by electronic information, bioengineering, new materials, and software have also reached considerable levels. Currently, focusing on building an important base for modern manufacturing with industrial parks as the main battlefield, it has formed six pillar industries and ten major product bases. Nanchang is a national innovative city, hosting 8 national-level or above industrial parks and nearly 1,000 large-scale enterprises. Nanchang Xiaolan Industrial Park is the industrial park in the province with the most Fortune Global 500 companies. Over a hundred Fortune Global 500 companies have established a presence here, including Ford, Hitachi, HP, Microsoft, Walmart, McDonald's, Metro, KFC, ABB, Carrefour, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, FedEx, Maersk, Merck, and Bertelsmann.

6.2 Agriculture

Nanchang's agriculture is modernized, with a group of high-tech agricultural enterprises such as Huangshanghuang, Guohong, Zhengbang, Yingxiong, and Tiantian Yangguang, significantly increasing the technological content of agricultural products. This has resulted in stable and rising output, optimized and upgraded structure, consolidated and improved foundations, and a renewed appearance of villages and towns. It has formed "Ten Leading Products" including high-quality rice, high-quality fruits, lean-meat pigs, and special aquatic products. Nanchang is an important commercial grain and agricultural by-product production base in mainland China. The city is forming a characteristic agricultural economic pattern with "counties having brands, townships having industries, and villages having bases."

6.3 Finance

Nanchang is one of the important financial centers in Central China, accelerating the construction of the Honggutan Central Business District (CBD). It already hosts four foreign banks: Standard Chartered Bank, Dah Sing Bank, HSBC, and Bank of East Asia. It also has numerous national joint-stock commercial banks such as Industrial Bank, China Zheshang Bank, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, China Merchants Bank, China CITIC Bank, China Minsheng Bank, Huaxia Bank, China Everbright Bank, Bohai Bank, China Guangfa Bank, and Ping An Bank, as well as city commercial banks like Bank of Beijing, Bank of Jiujiang, Bank of Ganzhou, and Bank of Shangrao. Local banks include "Bank of Jiangxi" and "Nanchang Rural Commercial Bank." Bank of Jiangxi completed its IPO in Hong Kong in June 2018.

6.4 Modern Services

Nanchang is renowned as the "Garden Hero City." Every year, it attracts a large number of domestic and international tourists and investors with its unique "red, green, and ancient" attractions for sightseeing, tourism, and business ventures. In recent years, as part of urban renewal, Nanchang has planned and constructed high-standard areas including the Wanshou Palace Jiangyou Merchant Guild Historical and Cultural District, Baihuazhou Four Lakes Park, Youmin Temple Buddhist Cultural Area, Shengjin Tower Historical and Cultural District, Liuyanjing Historical and Cultural District, Jinxiancang Historical and Cultural District, and the renovation and enhancement of the Red Classics Traditional Cultural Block. Combined with the existing traditional Tengwang Pavilion Scenic Area and Bayi Square Scenic Area, these form the central historical, cultural, and commercial district of Nanchang, connected by Zhongshan Road.

Nanchang has a developed modern service industry. The city currently has 57 constructed five-star hotels and over 90 four-star hotels. Notable hotels in Nanchang include: Binjiang Hotel, Jiangxi Hotel, Jiangxi Guest House, Oriental Grand Hotel (formerly the Economic Building), Qianhu Guest House, Galactica Peace Hotel, Galactica Classic Hotel (formerly Nanchang Hotel), Nanchang Swissôtel, Shangri-La Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, Ligo Crown Hotel, Kaimei New Century Grand Hotel (formerly Wuhu Hotel), Greenland HUALUXE Hotel, Wanda Fuli Jia Hua Hotel, etc.

7. Transportation

Nanchang boasts a superior geographical location and convenient transportation, acclaimed as a place that "girds the three rivers and belts the five lakes, controls the southern lands and connects the Ouyue region." Leveraging its high-speed railway and aviation hub, it serves as an interprovincial transportation corridor linking three major economic zones (the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, and the West Coast Economic Zone). Nanchang is one of China's comprehensive transportation hubs and the most important comprehensive transportation hub in Jiangxi Province.

7.1 Railway

Nanchang's railway network is highly developed. The Nanchang Railway Bureau is one of China's most important railway bureaus, handling rail transport in the southeastern direction. Key railways converging in Nanchang include the Beijing-Kowloon Railway, Shanghai-Kunming Railway, Nanchang-Jiujiang Intercity Railway, Shanghai-Kunming Passenger Dedicated Line, Nanchang-Fuzhou Railway, Beijing-Hong Kong High-Speed Railway, and Hangzhou-Nanchang High-Speed Railway. Xiangtang West Station in the southern suburbs is the nation's second-largest freight marshalling yard with 98 tracks.

7.1 Railway Stations

Nanchang will form a pattern of "three main and three auxiliary" passenger stations. The main stations are Nanchang West Railway Station, Nanchang Railway Station, and Nanchang East Railway Station. The auxiliary stations are Changbei Airport Station, Nanchang South Railway Station, and Xiangtang Station. There are also multiple freight stations, such as Nanchang North Railway Station, Qingyunpu Station, Liantang Station, and Sanjiangzhen Station.

7.2 Highway

Nanchang's highway network is extensive and multi-level. Over a dozen national highways, including G105, G238, G316, G320, and G353, converge in Nanchang. Major expressways traversing the city include the G6001 Nanchang Ring Expressway, G70 Changjiu Expressway, G60 Liwen Expressway, G60 Changjin Expressway, Changgan Expressway, Ganyue Expressway, and G60 Shanghai-Kunming Expressway, connecting its north, south, east, and west. This developed expressway network directly links to neighboring provinces like Hunan, Hubei, Anhui, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong, integrating with the national network. Driving from Nanchang to the provincial capitals of surrounding provinces such as Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, and Zhejiang all takes within 5 hours, forming a "5-hour economic circle" centered on Nanchang.

7.3 Water Transport

Nanchang enjoys convenient water transport, with waterways connecting to towns along the Gan River, Fu River, Jin River, Poyang Lake, and various ports on the Yangtze River. Nanchang Port has developed rapidly in recent years, with a maximum inland river loading capacity of 1,000 tons. Ships can travel from Jiujiang along the Yangtze River waters to Shanghai Port for sea access.

7.3 Aviation

Nanchang Changbei International Airport is the largest airport in Jiangxi Province. In 2014, it served 10 international and regional destinations, handling 7.25 million passengers, a 6.3% increase. Among these, entries and exits through Nanchang Aviation Port exceeded 280,000, a nearly 40% growth, becoming a significant driver for the airport's traffic increase and maintaining rapid development momentum. On December 6, 2017, Nanchang Airport's annual passenger throughput exceeded 10 million, making it the 31st "10-million passenger airport" in China. For the full year 2017, passenger throughput reached 10.93 million, a 39.0% year-on-year increase, with a net increase of 3.07 million passengers; flight movements totaled 89,000, up 35.2%; cargo and mail throughput was 52,000 tons, a 3.3% increase. To support the Beijing-Hong Kong High-Speed Railway and the construction of the Nanchang North Station airport composite transportation hub, the airport is currently undergoing large-scale expansion and upgrades.

7.5 Urban Rail Transit

7.5.1 Metro

The Nanchang Metro is the first metro system in Jiangxi Province. Nanchang is among the second batch of cities in mainland China to have a metro system. It will connect Nanchang's main urban area with various satellite cities. Trial passenger operation began on December 26, 2015, making Nanchang the 25th city in mainland China to operate a metro. Planning for the Nanchang Rail Transit project started in 1999, with formal construction commencing in 2009. The first phases of Lines 1 and 2 have a total length of 50.996 km (Line 1 is entirely underground). Line 1 officially began operation at the end of 2015, and Line 2 was fully opened for operation on June 30, 2019.

As of December 2021, the Nanchang Metro has 4 operational lines with 103 stations, totaling 128.6 kilometers in length.

7.5.2 BYD SkyRail

On June 17, 2020, Nanchang signed a strategic cooperation agreement with BYD Co., Ltd. to jointly promote the construction of the SkyRail (also known as "Cloud Bus") project in the Nanchang High-tech Industrial Development Zone, helping to usher in a new era for Nanchang's rail transit.

7.6 Taxi

In Nanchang, the taxi starting fare is 8 yuan for the first 2 kilometers, after which it is 2.1 yuan per kilometer. From 23:00 to 5:00, a 20% night surcharge is added per kilometer. When the travel speed is below 12 km/h, a fare equivalent to 1 kilometer is added every 5 minutes. For one-way trips exceeding 8 kilometers with passengers, a 50% empty return surcharge is added per kilometer thereafter. Toll fees for bridges, expressways, or ferries encountered during the journey are borne by the passenger.

7.7 Bus

Nanchang City has thousands of air-conditioned public buses, boasting one of the most comprehensive bus route systems in China. It is also a domestic five-star service bus operation system, equipped with Asia's most advanced GPS positioning and stop announcement system. This system uses dedicated intelligent voice broadcasts and displays on bus stop signs to provide real-time and accurate arrival information. With the gradual opening of Nanchang's rail transit lines, the traffic development strategy of the Nanchang Traffic Management Bureau has evolved into "rail transit, buses, coaches, and micro-buses complementing each other." Plans are also underway for trams and elevated bridges to form a modern urban public transportation service system.

7.8 Education

Nanchang's secondary education enjoys high national recognition. Key high schools in Jiangxi Province, such as Jiangxi Normal University High School, Nanchang No.1 High School, Nanchang No.2 High School, Nanchang No.3 High School, Nanchang No.10 High School, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University High School, Nanchang No.19 High School, Nanchang Foreign Language School, High School Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang Railway No.1 High School, Lian Tang No.1 High School of Nanchang County, Xinjian No.2 High School, Jinxian No.1 High School, and Anyi High School, are among the first batch of provincial key high schools. Nanchang is home to several of China's top 100 high schools. Each year, over a hundred students gain admission to Tsinghua University and Peking University. The city excels in teacher qualifications, teaching facilities, and education quality.

Nanchang is a renowned hub for higher education and one of China's three major vocational education bases. The city boasts 49 regular higher education institutions, ranking among the top in the country in terms of quantity. In 2021, it had 47,000 postgraduate students, 708,000 undergraduate students, 83,100 secondary vocational school students, and 117,700 regular high school students. Nanchang features a high concentration of universities and research institutes, with significant advantages in science and technology and strong innovation capabilities. As a major educational center in China, Nanchang hosts many prestigious higher education institutions, including Nanchang University, Jiangxi Normal University (formerly the renowned National Chung Cheng University, celebrated as "Chung Cheng in the South, Yenching in the North"), Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, Jiangxi Agricultural University, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang Hangkong University, East China University of Technology, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Nanchang Institute of Technology.

9. Population

By the end of 2022, the permanent resident population of Nanchang City was 6.5381 million.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 6,255,007. Compared with the 5,042,566 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was an increase of 1,212,441 people over the past ten years, representing a growth of 24.04% and an average annual growth rate of 2.18%. Among them, the male population was 3,274,240, accounting for 52.35% of the total population; the female population was 2,980,767, accounting for 47.65% of the total population. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100) was 109.85. The population aged 0-14 was 1,090,937, accounting for 17.44% of the total population; the population aged 15-59 was 4,227,905, accounting for 67.59% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 936,165, accounting for 14.97% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 659,536, accounting for 10.54% of the total population. The urban population was 4,883,763, accounting for 78.08% of the total population; the rural population was 1,371,244, accounting for 21.92% of the total population.

According to the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the population aged 0-14 was 931,135, accounting for 18.47% of the total population; the population aged 15-64 was 3,722,485, accounting for 73.82% of the total population; the population aged 65 and above was 388,945, accounting for 7.71% of the total population. Compared with the Fifth National Population Census in 2000, the proportion of the population aged 0-14 decreased by 5.81 percentage points, the proportion of the population aged 15-64 increased by 4.54 percentage points, and the proportion of the population aged 65 and above increased by 1.27 percentage points.

9.1 Ethnic Groups

Among the city's permanent resident population, the Han ethnic group population was 6,206,427, accounting for 99.22%; the population of various ethnic minorities was 48,580, accounting for 0.78%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han ethnic group population increased by 1,183,863, a growth of 23.57%, with its proportion in the total population decreasing by 0.38 percentage points; the population of various ethnic minorities increased by 28,578, a growth of 142.88%, with its proportion in the total population increasing by 0.38 percentage points.

There are a total of 37 ethnic groups, namely: Han, Hui, Manchu, Zhuang, Miao, She, Tibetan, Mongolian, Tujia, Dong, Yao, Russian, Bouyei, Yi, Korean, Uyghur, Monba, Derung, Jino, Dongxiang, Mulao, Lahu, Bai, Va, Hani, Dai, Li, Lisu, Gaoshan, Sui, Naxi, Jingpo, Tu, Xibe, Maonan, Qiang, and Gin.

10. Religion

Taoism (Jingming Dao), Buddhism (Hongzhou Chan), Confucianism (Jiangyou School), Catholic culture

11. Culture

• Language

  Gan dialect, represented by "Nanchang dialect"

• Opera and Xiangsheng (Comic Dialogue)

  Gan opera, Nanchang tea-picking opera, Nanchang Qingyin, Xiaoguilin's Nanchang humorous stories

• Folk Arts and Crafts

  Gan embroidery, porcelain plate painting, Anyi suona, Wengang writing brushes

• Entertainment

  Mahjong (Nanchang Mahjong), Poker (Er Qi Wang, Bullfight, Golden Flower, Si Tuan)

• Sports

  Jiangxi Provincial Gymnasium, Nanchang Bayi Stadium, Jiangxi Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Nanchang International Sports Center Stadium

• Media

  Jiangxi Television, Nanchang Television, Nanchang People's Broadcasting Station, Jiangnan Metropolis Daily, Nanchang Evening News, City Consumption News, Information Daily, Jiangxi Business News, Jiangxi Morning Post

11.1 Cuisine

The cuisine is characterized by spicy, oily, and salty flavors, with a wide selection of ingredients, prominent main ingredients, emphasis on knife skills, and meticulous preparation. It highlights the "original flavor" in cooking and represents Gan cuisine. Famous dishes include: Stir-fried Artemisia Selengensis with Preserved Pork, Poyang Lake Lion's Head, Yuzhang Crispy Chicken, Three Cup Chicken, Steamed Pork with Rice Flour, etc.

• Snacks

  Claypot soup, Nanchang stir-fried rice noodles, Nanchang mixed rice noodles, Nanchang white sugar cake, thick soup (Fu soup), mustard green dumplings, Shitou Street fried dough twists, stir-fried river snails, boiled dishes

• Famous Local Products

  Site liquor, Datang Qingming wine, Lidu sorghum wine, Wengang writing brushes, Luojia Maotai wine, Hongzhou White Dew tea, Jasmine Silver Tip tea, Sanjiangkou pickled radish, Huangqin flavored roasted and marinated meats, Junshan Lake hairy crab, frozen rice candy, walnut crisp biscuit, roasted nuts and seeds.

12. Sister Cities

Nanchang has established sister city relationships with the following cities:

• Skopje, North Macedonia
• Toluca, Mexico
• Takamatsu, Japan
• Valkeakoski, Finland
• Toijala, Finland
• Dijon, France
• Naju, South Korea
• Sorocaba, Brazil
• Quilmes, Argentina
• Peine, Germany
• Newcastle, South Africa
• Olympia, United States
• Albacete, Spain
• Lincoln, United Kingdom

nix

nix

nix

Prosperous Southern Frontier, Thriving South

No. 118 Xinfu Road, Honggutan District

Nanchang County

The Han ethnic group accounts for 99.22% of the population; various ethnic minorities account for 0.78%.

Camphor tree

Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata', Chinese Rose