East China · Jiangsu
Suqian, located in northern Jiangsu Province, is the hometown of Xiang Yu, known as the 'Hometown of the King of Chu.' The city boasts beautiful ecology with wetlands like Hongze Lake. Its economy features liquor-making, textiles, and e-commerce, and it is the birthplace of JD.com founder Liu Qiangdong. With convenient high-speed rail access to the Yangtze River Delta and a low cost of living, it is an ideal place for international students to experience Chinese culture.
Suqian is one of the youngest prefecture-level cities in Jiangsu Province, established in 1996, yet it boasts a long history. It is the birthplace of Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, and the Xiang Yu's Hometown scenic area recreates the glory of the Chu-Han period. Located in the northern Jiangsu plain, the city is traversed by the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and enriched by Hongze Lake and Luoma Lake, earning it the title 'Water Charm City.' Economically, Suqian is known as the 'Capital of Chinese Liquor,' with famous brands Yanghe and Shuanggou. It is also the birthplace of JD.com, driving rapid growth in e-commerce and logistics. In education, Suqian University is the main higher education institution, along with Suqian Vocational and Technical College, which collaborate with domestic and international universities. For international students, Suqian offers a relaxed pace of life, with living costs about half of those in Nanjing or Shanghai. The city is green, with numerous parks and excellent air quality. Although there is no subway, the Suqian Railway Station connects to the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway, reaching Nanjing in 1.5 hours and Shanghai in 2.5 hours. Public buses, shared bikes, and ride-hailing services are convenient. Overall, Suqian is a livable city blending historical heritage with modern vitality, ideal for students seeking deep immersion in local Chinese life and language improvement.
