Jiangxi << jyahng shee >> Province is a province in southeastern China. It has an area of 63,600 square miles (164,800 square kilometers). Nanchang is the province’s capital and largest city.
Jiangxi, also spelled Kiangsi, has mountains along its eastern, southern, and western borders. Plains surround Poyang Lake in the north. Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China. The Yangtze River forms part of Jiangxi’s northern border with the provinces of Anhui and Hubei. The Gan River flows south to north through Jiangxi. The province has a subtropical climate.
Jiangxi has large deposits of coal, copper, kaolin, and tungsten. Major farm products include oranges, rice, sugar cane, sweet potatoes, and tea. Farmers also raise many cattle and hogs. Industrial products made in the province include automobiles and steel. The city of Jingdezhen is well known for its ceramics. Much fish comes from Poyang Lake. Forest products are also important to Jiangxi’s economy.
Various ethnic groups lived in Jiangxi during China’s early history. Jiangxi became part of the Chinese Empire during the Qin dynasty (221-206 B.C.). A dynasty is a series of rulers from the same family. Starting in the A.D. 200’s, Han Chinese began immigrating to Jiangxi. Today, Han Chinese account for almost all of the province’s population.
Jiangxi played an important role in the rise of China’s Communist Party. On Aug. 1, 1927, Communist forces captured Nanchang. The Communists held the city for a few days before the Nationalists regained control. The Nanchang Uprising is considered to be the origin of the People’s Liberation Army. After the uprising, Mao Zedong and other Communist leaders led guerrilla bands in Jiangxi. Guerrillas are soldiers who travel in small bands, making surprise raids against the enemy.
