Jiaxing (嘉兴)

1. Introduction

Jiaxing City (Wu Chinese Pinyin: Kā shīng, IPA: /gᴀɕiŋ/), abbreviated as He or Jia, historically known as Youquan, Hexing, and Xiuzhou, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China. It is located in the northeastern part of Zhejiang Province. The city borders Hangzhou, Shaoxing, and Ningbo to the south across the Qiantang River, adjoins Huzhou to the west, shares a boundary with Suzhou, Jiangsu Province to the northwest, extends to Shanghai to the northeast, and faces Zhoushan across Hangzhou Bay to the east. Situated in the central-eastern part of the Hangjiahu Plain, the entire area features flat terrain. The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal traverses the region diagonally, and the area is densely covered with rivers, ports, lakes, and marshes. The Municipal People's Government is located at Guangchang Road, Nanhu District.

Jiaxing is a National Historical and Cultural City of China, with its administrative establishment dating back to the Qin Dynasty. Wuzhen in Jiaxing serves as the permanent site of the World Internet Conference. As a typical Jiangnan water town, it has long been prosperous and affluent, traditionally known as the "Land of Fish and Rice" and the "Home of Silk." Today, it is an important city within the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, strategically located among cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Ningbo, boasting an advantageous geographical position.

2. Etymology

The name Jiaxing can be traced back to the Three Kingdoms period. According to the Records of the Three Kingdoms, Sun Quan, the ruler of the Wu Kingdom, named this place "Jiahe" in the first year of the Huanglong era (229 AD), meaning "auspicious seedlings," in recognition of the local agricultural harvest and prosperity.

During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, Qian Liu, the king of the Wuyue Kingdom, changed the name from "Jiahe" to "Jiaxing" in the fifth year of the Tianfu era of the Later Jin Dynasty (940 AD). The new name, meaning "beautiful and prosperous," expressed the hope that this land would thrive and flourish forever.

3. History

Jiaxing boasts a history spanning 7,000 years and is recognized as one of the cradles of civilization in southern China. It served as the birthplace of the culture around the Taihu Lake region, traceable back to the Neolithic Age as the origin of the Majiabang culture. Throughout various Chinese dynasties, it was a crucial grain-producing area, earning the title "Granary of the Realm."

During the Spring and Autumn period, the area was known as Changshui or Zuili, and it became a contested territory between the states of Wu and Yue. By the Warring States period, it was incorporated into the territory of Chu. Under the Qin dynasty, Youquan County and Haiyan County were established, both belonging to Kuaiji Commandery.

In the Three Kingdoms period, the state of Wu created Yanguan County from the southern part of Youquan County and the western part of Haiyan County. In the third year of the Huanglong era (231 AD), wild rice grew spontaneously in Youquan, which Emperor Sun Quan of Wu considered an auspicious sign. He renamed Youquan as Hexing, and in the fifth year of the Chiwu era (242 AD), it was renamed Jiaxing.

During the Sui dynasty, the Jiangnan Canal was constructed—the Grand Canal running from Hangzhou through Jiaxing to Zhenjiang—bringing irrigation and navigation benefits to Jiaxing.

In the Tang dynasty, 27 military agricultural settlements were established in Jiaxing. Among the "Three Settlements of Western Zhejiang, Jiahe (Jiaxing) was the largest," making Jiaxing a significant grain-producing region in southeastern China.

In the Northern Song dynasty, Xiuzhou was renamed Jiahe Commandery. During the Southern Song dynasty, in the first year of the Qingyuan era under Emperor Ningzong (1195 AD), the commandery was elevated to a prefecture, later renamed Jiaxing Commandery.

In the fourth year of the Xuande era of the Ming dynasty (1429 AD), the northwestern part of Jiaxing County was separated to form Xiushui County, and the northeastern part to form Jiashan County. Haiyan County was divided to create Pinghu County, and Chongde County was divided to establish Tongxiang County. Thus, Jiaxing Prefecture governed seven counties, known as "one prefecture, seven counties." This administrative structure remained largely unchanged for the next four to five hundred years. Due to its importance, Jiaxing Prefecture was directly administered by the Central Secretariat during the Ming dynasty.

On the 26th day of the intercalary sixth month in the second year of the Shunzhi era of the Qing dynasty (August 6, 1645), Qing forces captured the area. Because the military and civilians of Jiaxing refused to comply with the Qing court's queue order, the subsequent brutal Jiaxing Massacre ensued, devastating the city's former prosperity. Investigations indicate that approximately 500,000 people were slaughtered in Jiaxing at that time, causing a severe decline in the city's social development, economy, and cultural dissemination.

By the mid-Qing dynasty, repeated repairs to the seawalls along Hangzhou Bay gradually improved Jiaxing's socio-economic conditions, and the towns restored their prosperity.

On August 3, 1921, the 11th year of the Republic of China, the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China completed its agenda on a pleasure boat in South Lake, Jiaxing. In November 1993, the urban area of Jiaxing was renamed Xiucheng District; in June 1999, the suburban area was renamed Xiuzhou District; and in 2005, Jiaxing's Xiucheng District was renamed Nanhu District.

4. Geography

Jiaxing City is located in the northeastern part of Zhejiang Province, in the heartland of the Hangjiahu Plain within the Yangtze River Delta. It is one of the important cities along the Yangtze River Delta and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, and is the only city in China around which the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal makes a complete circuit. The city lies between 120°18' to 121°16' east longitude and 30°21' to 31°2' north latitude. It borders the East China Sea to the east, connects with the Tianmu and Tiaoxi rivers to the west, and has the Grand Canal running through its territory. The land area of Jiaxing stretches 92 kilometers from east to west and 76 kilometers from north to south, covering a total land area of 3,915 square kilometers. This includes 3,477 square kilometers of plains, 328 square kilometers of water bodies, 40 square kilometers of hills and mountains, and a maritime area of 4,650 square kilometers. The terrain of Jiaxing is generally low and flat, with an average elevation of 3.7 meters (Wusong elevation). There are over 200 hills scattered along the northern shore of the Qiantang River and Hangzhou Bay, most with elevations below 200 meters. The highest point in the city is Gaoyang Mountain, located at the border of Haiyan County and Haining City, with an elevation of 251.6 meters. The topography of Jiaxing generally slopes from southeast to northwest. The city features a dense network of rivers and numerous lakes, with a total river length exceeding 13,800 kilometers, 57 major rivers, and well-developed inland waterway transportation.

It has a humid subtropical monsoon climate.

Meteorological Data for Jiaxing City (1981–2010) | Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |--------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|----------| | Avg high °C (°F) | 8 (46.4) | 9.9 (49.8) | 14 (57.2) | 20 (68) | 25.3 (77.5) | 28.1 (82.6) | 32.5 (90.5) | 31.7 (89.1) | 27.6 (81.7) | 22.8 (73) | 17.1 (62.8) | 10.9 (51.6) | 20.7 (69.2) | | Daily mean °C (°F) | 4.1 (39.4) | 5.9 (42.6) | 9.6 (49.3) | 15.2 (59.4) | 20.6 (69.1) | 24.3 (75.7) | 28.4 (83.1) | 27.9 (82.2) | 23.8 (74.8) | 18.4 (65.1) | 12.4 (54.3) | 6.4 (43.5) | 16.4 (61.5) | | Avg low °C (°F) | 1 (33.8) | 2.7 (36.9) | 6.2 (43.2) | 11.4 (52.5) | 16.8 (62.2) | 21.2 (70.2) | 25.1 (77.2) | 24.9 (76.8) | 20.6 (69.1) | 14.7 (58.5) | 8.6 (47.5) | 2.8 (37) | 13 (55.4) | | Avg precip. mm (in) | 67.9 (2.67) | 69.3 (2.73) | 113.2 (4.46) | 99.4 (3.91) | 100.5 (3.96) | 179.1 (7.05) | 149.7 (5.89) | 146.4 (5.76) | 109.8 (4.32) | 58.1 (2.29) | 56.5 (2.22) | 43.4 (1.71) | 1,193.3 (46.97) | | Avg humidity (%) | 79 | 79 | 79 | 78 | 78 | 83 | 82 | 84 | 84 | 81 | 80 | 77 | 80 |

Data source: China Meteorological Data Network

5. Administrative Divisions

Jiaxing City currently administers 2 municipal districts and 2 counties, and manages 3 county-level cities on behalf of the province.

Municipal Districts: Nanhu District, Xiuzhou District County-level Cities: Haining City, Pinghu City, Tongxiang City Counties: Jiashan County, Haiyan County In addition to the formal administrative divisions, the following economic functional zones have been established: Jiaxing Economic and Technological Development Zone, Jiaxing Industrial Park, Jiaxing Port Area, Dushan Port Area.

| Division Code | Division Name | Hanyu Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | |-------------------|-------------------|------------------------|----------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------| | 330400 | Jiaxing City | Jiāxīng Shì | 4,236.74 | 5,400,868 | Nanhu District | 314000 | 30 | 42 | | 330402 | Nanhu District | Nánhú Qū | 438.99 | 839,433 | Dongzha Subdistrict | 314000 | 9 | 4 | | 330411 | Xiuzhou District | Xiùzhōu Qū | 547.73 | 679,221 | Xincheng Subdistrict| 314000 | 4 | 5 | | 330421 | Jiashan County | Jiāshàn Xiàn | 506.88 | 648,160 | Luoxing Subdistrict | 314100 | 3 | 6 | | 330424 | Haiyan County | Hǎiyán Xiàn | 595.57 | 456,775 | Wuyuan Subdistrict | 314300 | 4 | 5 | | 330481 | Haining City | Hǎiníng Shì | 862.74 | 1,076,199 | Xiashi Subdistrict | 314400 | 4 | 8 | | 330482 | Pinghu City | Pínghú Shì | 557.39 | 671,326 | Danghu Subdistrict | 314200 | 3 | 6 | | 330483 | Tongxiang City | Tóngxiāng Shì | 727.45 | 1,029,754 | Wutong Subdistrict | 314500 | 3 | 8 |

6. Economy

Jiaxing City is located in the northeastern part of Zhejiang Province, China, situated in the core area of the Yangtze River Delta, and is an important component of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. Jiaxing has a developed economy and a diversified industrial structure, making it one of the significant economic centers in Zhejiang Province and even nationwide.

6.1 Economic Overview

• Economic Aggregate: Jiaxing's economic aggregate ranks among the top in Zhejiang Province. In 2022, its GDP exceeded 600 billion yuan, with its per capita GDP also at a relatively high level.
• Economic Growth: Jiaxing's economy maintains stable growth, with an average annual growth rate higher than the national average, benefiting from its superior geographical location and solid industrial foundation.

6.2 Industrial Structure

Jiaxing's industrial structure is dominated by manufacturing, while the service industry and agriculture also hold significant positions, forming a diversified economic landscape.

(1) Manufacturing

• Jiaxing is an important manufacturing base in the Yangtze River Delta region. Its main industries include:
  • Electronics and Information: Jiaxing clusters numerous electronics, information, and smart hardware enterprises, serving as a vital link in the Yangtze River Delta's electronics and information industry.
  • High-End Equipment Manufacturing: Including robotics, intelligent equipment, automotive parts, etc.
  • New Materials: Jiaxing possesses strong competitiveness in the field of new materials, such as high-performance fibers and composite materials.
  • Textiles and Apparel: As a traditional advantageous industry, Jiaxing's textile and apparel sector holds a significant share in both domestic and international markets.

(2) Service Industry

• Modern Logistics: Located at a transportation hub in the Yangtze River Delta, Jiaxing boasts a developed logistics network and is one of the regional logistics centers.
• Tourism: Jiaxing attracts a large number of tourists with its rich historical culture and natural landscapes, featuring famous scenic spots such as South Lake, Wuzhen, and Xitang.
• Financial Industry: The financial services industry in Jiaxing is developing rapidly, providing strong support for the real economy.

(3) Agriculture

• Jiaxing is traditionally known as a "land of fish and rice." Its agriculture primarily focuses on rice, vegetables, fruits, and aquaculture.
• Modern agriculture is developing rapidly, emphasizing technology and branding. Characteristic agricultural products like Jiaxing grapes and South Lake water chestnuts enjoy nationwide fame.

6.3 Regional Economic Characteristics

• Yangtze River Delta Integration: Jiaxing is a crucial node city in the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. It maintains close economic ties with cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou, undertaking significant industrial transfers and resource spillovers.
• Development Zones and Industrial Clusters: Jiaxing hosts multiple national and provincial-level development zones, such as the Jiaxing Economic and Technological Development Zone and Jiaxing Port Area, forming industrial clusters in electronics and information, new materials, high-end equipment, etc.

6.4 Opening-Up

• Utilization of Foreign Investment: Jiaxing has attracted substantial investment from foreign enterprises, particularly in manufacturing and modern service industries.
• Foreign Trade: Jiaxing has a developed foreign trade economy. Its main export products include electromechanical equipment, textiles, furniture, etc.
• Jiaxing Port: As one of the important ports in the Yangtze River Delta region, Jiaxing Port plays a significant role in regional logistics and international trade.

6.5 Technological Innovation

• Jiaxing emphasizes technological innovation and actively promotes industrial upgrading. In recent years, Jiaxing has made significant progress in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things.
• Jiaxing collaborates with universities and research institutions like Zhejiang University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, establishing multiple technological innovation platforms and incubation bases.

6.6 Future Development Directions

• Digital Economy: Jiaxing identifies the digital economy as a key direction for future development, promoting the digital transformation of traditional industries.
• Green Economy: Jiaxing focuses on sustainable development, vigorously developing green energy and environmental protection industries.
• Yangtze River Delta Integration: Jiaxing will continue to deepen cooperation with cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou to enhance its economic standing within the Yangtze River Delta region.

7. Transportation

Transportation within Jiaxing City is extremely convenient, with various modes of transport available. The roads are generally of high grade and in good condition. Located at the intersection of the Shanghai-Kunming Railway, Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway, and Suzhou-Jiaxing-Hangzhou Expressway, Jiaxing also enjoys highly convenient connections to other regions. Within a one-hour travel radius, one can reach airports such as Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, as well as major seaports including Jiaxing Port, Hangzhou Port, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Port, Shanghai Luchaogang Port, Zhoushan Port, Ningbo Port, and Yangshan Port. The Jiaxing Rail Transit system has already been constructed. Furthermore, Jiashan County has proposed extending Suzhou Rail Transit Line 10 and Shanghai Rail Transit Line 17 to Jiashan. Zhejiang Province has proposed extending Line 9 to Jiaxing, with Nanhu and Jiashan jointly striving to connect with Shanghai's Line 17. In June 2020, Yan Yan, Director of the Fourth Planning Institute of the Shanghai Branch of the China Academy of Urban Planning & Design, stated that the Yangtze River Delta Regional Transportation Higher-Quality Integrated Development Plan strengthens the intercity rail link between the demonstration zone and Hongqiao Hub, planning an intercity line passing through Jiaxing directly to Hongqiao. Also in June 2020, officials from the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission visited Jiaxing for study and exchange. Both sides held in-depth discussions on promoting the integrated development of Shanghai-Jiaxing transportation. The Mayor of Jiaxing proposed promoting the coordinated development of Shanghai and Jiaxing airports and seaports; enhancing the utilization and upgrading of existing Shanghai-Jiaxing transport corridors; accelerating the integration of rail transit in the integrated demonstration zone; and deepening research on planning Jiaxing's transport corridors connecting to Shanghai.

In the era when expressways were underdeveloped, water transport was dominant in Jiaxing, with annual passenger volume reaching 200 million. Railway passenger volume was 7.5 to 8 million annually. Road passenger transport volume was 39 to 42 million annually. Urban bus passenger volume within Jiaxing's municipal district was 59 to 64.5 million annually. Currently, the number of vehicles in Jiaxing's municipal district is 1.7 million (1.1 million private), with a density of 1 vehicle per 2.8 people.

7.1 Highways

G15 Shenyang–Haikou Expressway G1521 Changshu–Jiaxing Expressway G1522 Changshu–Taizhou Expressway G60 Shanghai–Kunming Expressway G92 Hangzhou Bay Ring Expressway G2504 Hangzhou Ring Expressway G9903 Hangzhou Metropolitan Area Ring Expressway S2 Shanghai–Hangzhou Expressway (The section east of Shenshi Junction is part of G60 Shanghai–Kunming Expressway; the section from Dagang Junction to Buyun Junction is part of G92 Hangzhou Bay Ring Expressway) S9 Suzhou–Taizhou Expressway (The section from Fengming Junction to Fuquan Junction is part of G9903 Hangzhou Metropolitan Area Ring Expressway) S11 Zhapu–Jiaxing–Suzhou Expressway (The section from Nanhu Junction to the Jiangsu-Zhejiang provincial boundary is part of G1522 Changshu–Taizhou Expressway; known as Suzhou–Jiaxing–Hangzhou Expressway in Suzhou) S12 Shanghai–Jiaxing–Huzhou Expressway S13 Lianxi–Hangzhou Expressway National Highway 104 National Highway 228 National Highway 320 National Highway 524 National Highway 525 National Highway 634 Provincial Highway 202 Provincial Highway 206 Provincial Highway 207 Provincial Highway 211 Provincial Highway 212 Provincial Highway 302 Provincial Highway 303

7.2 Railway

The renovated south waiting hall of Jiaxing Railway Station Shanghai–Kunming Railway, with stations within the jurisdiction: Jiaxing Station, Jiaxing East Station, Mawangtang Station Shanghai–Kunming High-Speed Railway, with a station within the jurisdiction: Jiaxing South Station Nantong–Suzhou–Jiaxing–Ningbo Railway, already under construction, with stations within the jurisdiction: Jiaxing North Station, Jiaxing South Station, Haiyan West Station

7.3 Intercity Rail

Hangzhou–Haining Intercity Railway, a metro-style intercity rail connecting Hangzhou and Haining, opened in June 2021. Shanghai–Jiaxing Intercity Railway, an intercity rail under construction connecting Jiaxing South Station and Songjiang, with stations within the jurisdiction including Jiaxing South Station, Caozhuang Station, Jiaxing Science and Technology City Station, Xiangjiadang South Station, Qixing Station, etc. Shanghai–Pinghu Intercity Railway, an intercity rail under construction connecting Pinghu and Jinshan. Haining–Jiaxing Intercity Railway, a planned intercity rail connecting downtown Haining and Jiaxing South Station in Jiaxing City, with a total length of approximately 24 km. The line starts from Biyun Station on the Hangzhou–Haining Intercity Railway and ends at Jiaxing South Station. Currently, it is only in the preliminary research stage. Shanghai–Suzhou–Jiaxing Intercity Railway, starting from Jiashan Station and ending at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, passing through Yaozhuang, Xitang, and Qingpu. It has officially commenced construction.

7.4 Tram

The Jiaxing Tram system plans a total of 7 lines with a total length of 98 km. The first phase project was approved in September 2019, comprising 2 lines with a total length of 15.6 km. The demonstration section of Line 1 (from Fangong Road Binhe Road Station to Jiaxing South Station, 10.6 km) began operation at 14:00 on June 25, 2021.

7.5 Public Transport

7.6 Water Transport

Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal Hangzhou–Shanghai Line Liupingshen Line Zhapu–Jiaxing–Suzhou Line Huzhou–Jiaxing–Shanghai Line

8. Education

8.1 Secondary Education

Nanhu District

Jiaxing No.1 High School Beijing Normal University Nanhu Affiliated School Jiaxing No.1 High School Experimental School Xiuzhou High School Jiaxing Senior High School Jiaxing No.3 High School Jiaxing No.4 Senior High School Jiaxing Nanhu Senior High School Jiaxing No.5 Senior High School Peking University Affiliated Jiaxing Experimental School Tsinghua University High School Affiliated Jiaxing Experimental School Northeast Normal University Nanhu Experimental School Jiaxing Shenshen School

Xiuzhou District

Jiaxing Xiuzhou Modern Experimental School Jiaxing Kaiming Middle School (Ordered by the Education Bureau to stop enrollment starting from the 2020 high school entrance examination, effectively defunct) Jiaxing 21st Century Foreign Language School Jiaxing Xiushui Senior High School

Economic Development Zone

Jiaxing No.1 High School Experimental Jingkai School Jiaxing Chengnan Middle School Jiaxing Canal Experimental School Jiaxing Hongxing Experimental School Jiaxing Tanghui Experimental School Jiaxing International Business District Experimental Middle School Tongji University Affiliated Jiaxing Experimental School

8.3 Higher Education

Jiaxing University Jiaxing Nanhu College Jiaxing Vocational and Technical College Jiaxing Nanyang Vocational and Technical College Tongji University Zhejiang College Zhejiang Jiaxing College of Education Zhejiang University Haining International Campus Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics Dongfang College

9. Population

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 5,400,868. Compared with the 4,501,657 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was an increase of 899,211 people over the past ten years, representing a growth of 19.98%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.84%. Among them, the male population was 2,814,061, accounting for 52.1% of the total population; the female population was 2,586,807, accounting for 47.9% of the total population. The sex ratio of the total population (with females as 100) was 108.79. The population aged 0–14 was 652,445, accounting for 12.08% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 3,705,861, accounting for 68.62% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 1,042,562, accounting for 19.3% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 758,584, accounting for 14.05% of the total population. The population living in urban areas was 3,852,932, accounting for 71.34% of the total population; the population living in rural areas was 1,547,936, accounting for 28.66% of the total population.

At the end of 2022, the city's registered household population was 3.7185 million, an increase of 44,700 from the end of the previous year. Based on the 2021 population change sample survey (5‰ sampling rate), it is estimated that the city's permanent resident population at the end of the year was 5.516 million, an increase of 105,000 from the end of the previous year. The urban population reached 3.9641 million, and the urbanization rate reached 71.9%, an increase of 0.6 percentage points from the previous year.

According to statistics from the Jiaxing Public Security Bureau, as of the end of 2008, Jiaxing City had 2.21 million temporary migrant residents. The largest sources were Hunan Province (460,000), Chongqing Municipality (440,000), Jiangxi Province (290,000), Anhui Province (220,000), and Sichuan Province (185,000).

9.1. Ethnic Groups

9.1.1. Introduction to Ethnic Groups in Jiaxing City

Jiaxing City is located in the northeastern part of Zhejiang Province, China. It is a city with a long history and diverse culture. The ethnic composition of Jiaxing is predominantly Han Chinese, while also including ethnic minorities, forming a pluralistic yet integrated social structure. The following is an introduction to the ethnic groups in Jiaxing City:

9.1.2. Ethnic Composition

• Han Chinese: The population of Jiaxing City is predominantly Han Chinese, constituting the vast majority of the total population. Han culture plays a dominant role in Jiaxing's history, language, and customs.
• Ethnic Minorities: Jiaxing also has a certain number of ethnic minority populations, mainly including the Hui, Miao, Zhuang, and She ethnic groups. These ethnic minorities have mostly migrated to Jiaxing for work, study, or marriage and are distributed in the urban areas and surrounding regions.

9.1.3. Distribution of Ethnic Minorities

• Hui Ethnic Group: The Hui are one of the main ethnic minorities in Jiaxing, primarily distributed in the urban areas of Jiaxing. The Hui have distinct characteristics in terms of diet and religion. The mosques in Jiaxing are important venues for Hui believers' activities.
• Other Ethnic Minorities: Groups such as the Miao, Zhuang, and She have mostly come to Jiaxing for work, business, or study and have gradually integrated into local society.

9.1.4. Ethnic Culture and Customs

• Hui Culture: The Hui believe in Islam and follow halal dietary customs. The mosques in Jiaxing are important venues for religious activities among Hui believers. Festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are significant cultural events for the Hui.
• Other Ethnic Minority Cultures: Ethnic minorities such as the Miao, Zhuang, and She have preserved some of their traditional cultures in Jiaxing, such as Miao singing and dancing, and Zhuang festival customs. These cultures add diversity to Jiaxing.

9.1.5. Ethnic Integration

• Jiaxing is an open and inclusive city where different ethnic groups coexist harmoniously, forming a pluralistic yet integrated social structure.
• The Jiaxing Municipal Government actively promotes ethnic unity, supports the inheritance and development of ethnic minority cultures, and fosters exchanges and integration among different ethnic groups.

9.1.6. Ethnic Policies and Protection

• The Jiaxing Municipal Government legally protects the legitimate rights and interests of ethnic minorities and supports the preservation and development of ethnic minority cultures.
• By organizing events such as ethnic cultural festivals and ethnic customs exhibitions, the government promotes the exchange and dissemination of various ethnic cultures.

10. Religion

10.1 Introduction to Religion in Jiaxing City

Jiaxing City is located in the northeastern part of Zhejiang Province, China. It is a city with a long history and profound cultural heritage. The religious culture in Jiaxing is diverse, primarily including Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and folk beliefs. The following is a brief introduction to religion in Jiaxing City:

10.2 Buddhism

• History and Current Status: Buddhism has a long history in Jiaxing, having been introduced as early as the Tang Dynasty. Jiaxing is one of the important birthplaces of Buddhist culture in the Jiangnan region, and historically, there have been many famous Buddhist temples.
• Major Temples:
  • Jingyan Temple: Located in the urban area of Jiaxing, it is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Jiaxing, originally built during the Tang Dynasty.
  • Juehai Temple: Located in Haining City, it is a famous Buddhist sacred site in the Jiaxing area.
• Buddhist Activities: There are many Buddhist followers in Jiaxing. On festivals such as Buddha's Birthday and Guanyin's Birthday, temples hold ceremonies, blessings, and other activities.

10.3 Taoism

• History and Current Status: Taoism also has a certain influence in Jiaxing, especially when combined with the natural landscape and culture of Jiaxing, forming a unique Taoist culture.
• Major Temples:
  • City God Temple: Located in the urban area of Jiaxing, it is an important activity site for Taoist followers in Jiaxing.
  • Wuzhen Xiuzhen Temple: Located in Wuzhen, Tongxiang City, it is a famous Taoist temple in the Jiaxing area.
• Taoist Activities: On Taoist festivals such as the birthdays of the Three Pure Ones and the Jade Emperor, temples hold sacrificial and blessing ceremonies.

10.4 Christianity

• History and Current Status: The spread of Christianity in Jiaxing began in modern times, mainly divided into Catholicism and Protestantism.
• Major Churches:
  • Jiaxing Catholic Church: Located in the urban area of Jiaxing, it is the main activity site for Catholic followers in Jiaxing.
  • Jiaxing Christian Church: Located in the urban area, it is a place of worship for Protestant followers.
• Christian Activities: Worship services are held every Sunday, and special celebrations take place on festivals such as Christmas and Easter.

10.5 Folk Beliefs

• Folk beliefs in Jiaxing are closely related to local nature worship, ancestor worship, and folk culture. For example, residents around South Lake have a tradition of worshipping the South Lake God, and rural areas also have customs of worshipping the Land God and the God of Wealth.
• Folk belief activities are often combined with traditional festivals (such as the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, etc.), reflecting the diversity and inclusiveness of Jiaxing's culture.

10.6 Religious Policies and Management

• The Jiaxing Municipal Government legally protects citizens' freedom of religious belief and supports religious groups in carrying out activities in accordance with the law.
• Under the guidance of the government, religious groups actively participate in social welfare undertakings, promoting the harmonious development of religion and society.

11. Culture

The concept of Wu-Yue culture has faded in the hearts of the new generation of Jiaxing children. The generational gap in the Wu dialect has caused considerable concern among passionate individuals with differing opinions. In recent years, voices advocating to "protect the Wu dialect," "teach children to speak Wu," "preserve the roots of Jiangnan culture," and "respect cultural diversity" have emerged in the Jiangnan region. Enthusiasts in cities like Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou have successively launched campaigns to promote and protect the Wu dialect. In Jiaxing, small-scale groups dedicated to protecting and researching the Wu dialect have gradually formed. Official media outlets, such as the Jiaxing Daily, have begun to pay attention to the endangered state of the Wu dialect and occasionally publish positive reports on the matter.

11.1 Customs

On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month each year, residents of Jiaxing also celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. However, they do not commemorate Qu Yuan; instead, they honor Wu Zixu, the founder of the second-generation city of Jiaxing. It was on this day that Wu Zixu established the second-generation city of Jiaxing, and coincidentally, it is also the day his body was thrown into the Qiantang River. Therefore, the people of Jiaxing hold deep affection for Wu Zixu and conduct grand sacrificial ceremonies annually during the Dragon Boat Festival.

11.2 Specialties

Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumplings)
South Lake Water Caltrop
Hangzhou White Chrysanthemum
Xieqiao Pickled Mustard Tuber
Fengqiang Honey Peach
Wenhu Braised Duck
Hongda Roast Chicken
Blue Calico Fabric

12. Sister Cities

Domestic

Huaihua City, Hunan Province
Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province
Yulin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
Laibin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province
Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province
Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province
Jinshan District, Shanghai City

International

Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan (January 13, 1989; Heisei 1)
Halle (Saale), Saxony-Anhalt, Germany (September 22, 2009)
Gangneung City, Gangwon Province, South Korea (June 11, 1999)
Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia (October 13, 2000)
The following have not established sister city relationships but have established friendly exchange relations:

Sandefjord, Vestfold og Telemark, Norway (May 11, 2001)
Quincy, Illinois, USA (November 24, 2004)
Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana, USA (May 20, 1994)
Tampa, Florida, USA (June 6, 2001)
Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (May 24, 2002)
Rebild Municipality, Denmark (September 23, 2004)
Ponsacco, Italy (September 1, 2001)
Lobatse, Gaborone, Botswana (May 9, 2002)
Drummondville, Canada (March 19, 2004)
Rockville, Maryland, USA (September 14, 2009)

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Originally named Hexing, it was renamed to avoid the taboo of the crown prince's name.

Nanhu District

Nanhu District

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Azalea, Pomegranate Flower

Camphor tree