Recently, eight top Party and government leaders from Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui gathered in Shanghai for a meeting. This is the eighth symposium of leading officials from the Yangtze River Delta region since its integrated development was elevated to a national strategy. As this year marks the start of the “15th Five-Year Plan,” the key arrangements made at this meeting have far-reaching significance. So, what did these provincial party secretaries and governors discuss at the meeting? What new plans will the Yangtze River Delta, already a crucial growth engine for China’s economy, unveil after the meeting? This video gives you an overview.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a major global financial hub and one of China’s largest cities, with a history as a key port that opened to foreign trade in the 19th century. During the colonial era, it developed a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, visible in its architecture like the Bund. Today, it is a modern metropolis known for its rapid growth, skyscrapers, and vibrant cultural scene.

Jiangsu

Jiangsu is a coastal province in eastern China with a rich history dating back thousands of years, serving as a major cultural and economic hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is home to historical sites like the ancient capital Nanjing, the classical gardens of Suzhou (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the Grand Canal. Today, Jiangsu remains a vital center for trade, education, and traditional Chinese arts.

Zhejiang

Zhejiang is a coastal province in eastern China known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Historically, it was a key center of the Song Dynasty’s economic and cultural development, with cities like Hangzhou serving as the imperial capital. Today, it is famous for landmarks such as West Lake, the ancient water town of Wuzhen, and the thriving modern city of Ningbo.

Anhui

Anhui is a province in eastern China known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, including the iconic Huangshan (Yellow Mountains), a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its granite peaks and hot springs. Historically, it was home to the Huizhou merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties, whose influence shaped the region’s distinctive Hui-style architecture and cuisine. The province also holds significance as the birthplace of Confucian philosophy and the location of ancient villages like Hongcun and Xidi, which preserve traditional Chinese rural life.

Yangtze River Delta

The Yangtze River Delta is a major economic and cultural region in eastern China, encompassing Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui. Historically, it has been a center of trade, agriculture, and innovation for centuries, with cities like Suzhou and Hangzhou thriving during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, it is one of the world’s most dynamic urban clusters, driving China’s modern economy through manufacturing, technology, and finance.

the Bund

The Bund is a famous waterfront promenade in Shanghai, China, lined with historic colonial-era buildings that once housed banks and trading houses. Originally a muddy towpath for laborers, it was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries into a symbol of the city’s international trade and financial power. Today, the Bund offers a striking contrast between its European-style architecture and the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River.

Nanjing

Nanjing, located on the Yangtze River in eastern China, served as the capital for several dynasties, including the Ming Dynasty (1368–1421) and the Republic of China (1912–1949). The city is rich in historical landmarks such as the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Confucius Temple, and the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, which commemorates the tragic events of 1937 during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Today, Nanjing is a vibrant cultural and educational hub, blending its ancient heritage with modern development.

classical gardens of Suzhou

The Classical Gardens of Suzhou are a collection of meticulously designed traditional Chinese gardens in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, many dating back to the 11th-19th centuries. They represent the pinnacle of Chinese garden artistry, harmonizing natural landscapes with architecture, rockeries, and water features to create serene, miniature worlds. In 1997, UNESCO recognized several of these gardens as a World Heritage Site, highlighting their profound influence on garden design across East Asia.

Grand Canal

The Grand Canal in China is the world’s longest and oldest artificial waterway, stretching over 1,100 miles from Beijing to Hangzhou. Its construction began as early as the 5th century BCE, with major expansions during the Sui and Yuan dynasties to facilitate trade, transport, and political unity. Today, it remains a vital cultural and historical landmark, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

West Lake

West Lake, located in Hangzhou, China, is a renowned freshwater lake celebrated for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. Its history dates back over 2,000 years, with many temples, pagodas, and gardens constructed around its shores during the Tang and Song dynasties. The lake has inspired countless poets, artists, and emperors, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wuzhen

Wuzhen is a historic water town in Zhejiang Province, China, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, stone bridges, and canals that date back over 1,300 years. Originally a settlement during the Tang Dynasty, it flourished as a trading hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties, with its intricate woodcarvings and traditional residences reflecting the region’s cultural heritage. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and also hosts the annual Wuzhen Theatre Festival, blending its historical charm with modern cultural events.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountains)

Huangshan, or the Yellow Mountains, is a renowned mountain range in eastern China, famous for its stunning granite peaks, hot springs, and unique cloud formations. Its history dates back over 1,200 years, as it became a popular destination for poets, painters, and travelers during the Tang Dynasty, who were inspired by its natural beauty. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of China’s most iconic cultural and natural landmarks.

Hongcun and Xidi

Hongcun and Xidi are two well-preserved ancient villages in southern Anhui, China, renowned for their traditional Huizhou-style architecture and scenic waterways. Founded during the Song Dynasty (960–1279), they flourished as prosperous merchant centers during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Both villages are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, celebrated for their harmonious integration of residential buildings, ancestral halls, and bridges with the natural landscape.