Students visit the Memorial Hall of Zhang Jian. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Both international and Chinese students were recently impressed by Zhang Jian (1853-1926), a renowned industrial magnate, scholar, and educator in Nantong, Jiangsu province.

On May 26, a group of Chinese and international students from Nantong University together with local residents embarked on a tour themed on Zhang Jian.

Huang Zhengping, an expert in Nantong culture, led the group of visitors to tour the city while explaining The Complete Works of Zhang Jian.

Students visit the Memorial Hall of Zhang Jian. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

"Mr Zhang took 30 years to blaze numerous paths, helping Nantong earn the reputation of 'the first city in modern China'," noted Huang.

Departing from Nantong Museum, the visitors arrived in the Memorial Hall of Zhang Jian to learn about the Nantong native's life through five exhibition zones themed on his growth, efforts in developing industries, education, social undertakings, as well as research in Zhang Jian.

Students listen an explanation by Huang Zhengping, an expert in Nantong culture. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Walking along the Grand Canal in Nantong, they stepped into Dasheng Cotton Mills, a private textile enterprise funded by Zhang Jian in late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), where the showroom of the factory's history and century-old workshops revealed Zhang's efforts to save China by developing industries 100 years ago.

Participating students all expressed their thanks for the tour as it gave them a further understanding of Zhang Jian and Chinese culture. They all marveled at the substantial influence Zhang had on modern China as well as his contributions to industrial and educational development.