Staples High School: Sister City

Yangzhou is located in the plateau along the lower reach of the Yangtze River and the central area of Jiangsu province. In August, 1996, the State Council approved Yangzhou's adjustment in administrative areas: 5 of its counties to form a region called Taizhou. Its total area is 6,638 square kilometers and population 4,44 billion. Within the city proper, the area is 148 square kilometers and population 500,000.

Since the King of Wu Kingdom built Hancheng in 486 B.C, Yangzhou has been around for 2484 years. With the opening of Beijing-Hangzhou Canal in the Sui Dynasty, Yangzhou became a hub of communications and a center for business, politics, economy and culture in Southeast China. But Yangzhou lost its favor and gradually became deserted after the Tang Dynasty. With the founding of the country, this ancient city began to take on a new appearance. In 1982, the city was on the list of 24 historical cultural cities issued by the State Council.

With the deepening of the reform and opening-up, Yangzhou has entered a new era in its economic development. In 1996, Yangzhou began to further its reform in the industries to increase productivity and efficiency. As a result, its gross demostic product amounted to US$4.2 billion, a 12 percent increase over 1995.

By the end of 1996, Yangzhou has become a "sister city" to a couple of foreign cities ranging from Rangoon in Aisan to Kent in the United States. Besides, it has been carrying out economic and cultural exchanges with dozens of foreign cities In Europe, North America, South America and Australia.

In the past few years, many party and national leaders such as Qiao Shi, Zou Jiahua, Wu Bangguo, Ni Zhifu, Wu Jieping and Wan Guoquan visited Yangzhou. Vice-premier Rong Yiren also inspected the industrial development of the city. Every year there are foreign vistors participating the annual event called "Watching Autumn Moon at Twenty- four Bridge".

content edited from "Yangzhou On Internet" - http://www.china-yz.com