Jurong

The history of Jurong dates back to ancient times. The first administrative mentions of this location go back to the Han Dynasty, when Jurong County (句容县) was officially established in the territory. This event laid the foundation for the future development of the city, which played a prominent role in the life of the region for centuries.

A key factor in Jurong's growth was its strategic geographical position. Located in the Yangtze River Delta within modern-day Jiangsu Province, the city found itself at the heart of one of China's most fertile and economically active regions. Proximity to vital waterways and major political centers, such as Nanjing, facilitated its integration into national trade and cultural processes.

From its earliest years, Jurong's economy was closely tied to the agriculture that flourished on its fertile lands. Culturally, the region was part of ancient kingdoms that left a rich heritage. Although the city underwent administrative changes throughout its long history — for instance, it was briefly renamed Changning in 1020 during the Song Empire — it successfully preserved its historical name and unique identity.

The history of Jurong spans more than two millennia. Here are some of the key moments in its development:

• 128 BC — During the Western Han Dynasty, Jurong County was officially established in this territory, making it one of the oldest counties in Jiangsu Province.
• 4th–5th Centuries AD — During the Southern and Northern Dynasties period, the region, including Jurong, became an important center for the spread of Buddhism and Taoism; the first Taoist temples were founded on Maoshan Mountain.
• 684 AD — The deposed Tang Dynasty Emperor Zhongzong was exiled to this region, highlighting its somewhat isolated yet strategic location.
• 1020 AD — During the Song Empire, the county was briefly renamed Changning, but its historical name, Jurong, was soon restored.
• 14th–17th Centuries — During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Jurong flourished as an agricultural and craft center due to its close proximity to the then-capital, Nanjing.
• 1949 — After the founding of the PRC, Jurong County became part of the Zhenjiang Special District.
• 1983 — The county was placed under the jurisdiction of the Zhenjiang prefecture-level city.
• 1995 — The State Council of China approved the conversion of Jurong County into a county-level city, recognizing its growing economic importance.
• 2013 — Jurong West high-speed railway station opened on the Nanjing–Hangzhou line, significantly improving the city's transport accessibility.
• 2021 — Line S6 of the Nanjing Metro was launched, directly connecting Jurong with the provincial capital and strengthening its status as an important suburb.
• 2023 — Jurong station opened on the new Jiangsu South Riverside High-speed Railway, further integrating the city into the Yangtze River Delta transport network.

Key Milestones in Jurong's Development

The development of Jurong is a story of gradual transformation from an ancient agricultural county into a modern urban center with a diversified economy. Key milestones encompass administrative reforms, industrial modernization, and the growth of new sectors.

• Ancient Administrative and Agrarian Center. Throughout most of its history, starting from its founding in 129 BC, Jurong functioned as an important county seat with an economy based on agriculture in the fertile Yangtze River Delta. Its strategic position near Nanjing ensured administrative importance and stability.
• Cultural and Religious Significance. The emergence of Maoshan Mountain as one of the primary centers of Taoism established Jurong as an important cultural and spiritual hub. This heritage became the foundation for tourism development in later eras.
• Elevation to County-Level City (1995). In 1995, the State Council of the PRC officially upgraded Jurong's status from a county to a county-level city. This decision was a turning point, accelerating urbanization, industrial development, and investment attraction.
• Industrial Modernization. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the city's economy shifted from predominantly agrarian to industrial. Industrial zones were established, specializing in machinery, automotive components, new materials, and electronics, integrating Jurong into the manufacturing chains of Jiangsu Province.
• Growth of the Tourism Industry. The city actively develops tourism by utilizing its rich natural and historical resources. The primary magnet for visitors is the Maoshan Mountain National Park and Scenic Area, famous for its Taoist temples and natural landscapes.
• Infrastructure Boom and Integration. The construction of expressways and railway lines, including the Nanjing–Hangzhou high-speed line, significantly improved Jurong's transport accessibility. This facilitated its close integration into the economic space of the Nanjing metropolitan area and the entire Yangtze River Delta.
• Ecological and "Green" Development. In recent years, Jurong has emphasized balanced growth, developing eco-friendly agriculture (such as tulip and strawberry cultivation) and creating "green" industrial parks, aligning with modern trends in sustainable development.

The architectural landscape of Jurong is a characteristic blend of ancient heritage and rapid modern development typical of many Chinese cities. Historically, urban growth was centered around administrative and religious hubs, but in recent decades, the city has undergone a massive transformation that has shaped its current appearance.

Traditional Architecture and Spiritual Heritage

The dominant style in Jurong's historical architecture, as throughout the region, is traditional Chinese architecture, with the best-preserved examples found in temple complexes. The city's primary architectural and historical treasure is Maoshan Mountain, one of the most important centers of Taoism. The temples on Maoshan, with construction dating back many centuries, are striking examples of classical Chinese craftsmanship:

• Palace Style: Complexes such as the main Maoshan Daoyuan temple are built on a palace-style layout with axial symmetry, featuring pavilions with curved tiled roofs and intricate wooden decorations.
• Harmony with Nature: The buildings are seamlessly integrated into the mountain landscape, reflecting the Taoist principle of unity between humanity and nature.
• Materials and Construction: The primary materials used are wood, stone, and tile. Traditional timber-frame construction techniques are employed to create spacious interiors.

Outside of religious sites, Jurong's historical buildings primarily consisted of low-rise residential houses and administrative structures, many of which did not survive the period of rapid modernization.

Modern Urban Planning (Since the late 20th Century)

After being granted city-level status in 1995, Jurong entered a phase of intensive urban development that completely transformed its skyline. This period is characterized by the following features:

• Planning and Zoning: City development follows a modern master plan that provides for clear separation into functional zones: residential quarters, industrial parks, commercial centers, and recreational areas.
• Modernist and Contemporary Architecture: New buildings are constructed in functional and modern styles using glass, concrete, and steel. The cityscape is now defined by high-rise residential complexes, modern office buildings, and large shopping malls.
• Infrastructure Development: Architectural changes were accompanied by the large-scale construction of transport infrastructure, including wide avenues, expressways, and railway stations, integrating Jurong into the economy of the Yangtze River Delta region.

Thus, Jurong's architectural landscape today is a dialogue between ancient spiritual culture, embodied in the temples of Maoshan Mountain, and the pragmatic aesthetics of a modern metropolis focused on economic growth and resident comfort.

The city of Jurong and its surroundings, particularly the sacred Maoshan Mountain, have for centuries been the birthplace and home of many prominent figures in China's history. Famous scholars, thinkers, calligraphers, and religious leaders lived and worked here, leaving a profound mark on the country's culture.

• Ge Hong (葛洪, 283–343) — A distinguished scholar, alchemist, and physician of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, born in Jurong. He is the author of the famous treatise "Baopuzi" (抱朴子, "The Master Who Embraces Simplicity"), which combines Taoist ideas, Confucianism, and the search for the elixir of immortality. His medical works, including descriptions of moxibustion and treatments for infectious diseases, had a massive influence on the development of traditional Chinese medicine.
• Tao Hongjing (陶弘景, 456–536) — One of the greatest Taoist patriarchs and the founder of the Shangqing (Supreme Clarity) school on Maoshan Mountain in Jurong. A versatile scholar, he was involved in medicine, pharmacology, literature, and calligraphy. Despite his life as a hermit, he served as a consultant to several emperors, earning him the nickname "Prime Minister in the Mountains."
• Ge Xuan (葛玄, 164–244) — A Taoist alchemist of the Three Kingdoms period and the great-uncle of Ge Hong. Although not born in Jurong, his activities were closely tied to Maoshan Mountain, where tradition says he engaged in Taoist practices and the quest for immortality. He is considered one of the early patriarchs of Taoism in the region.
• Zibai Zhenke (紫柏真可, 1543–1603) — A native of Jurong and one of the four great Buddhist monks of the late Ming Dynasty. He was an influential reformer of Chan Buddhism, an author of numerous works, and an active public figure who sought to unite various Buddhist schools and advocated for the revival of strict monastic discipline.
• Da Zhongguang (笪重光, 1623–1692) — A renowned poet, painter, and calligrapher of the early Qing Dynasty, born in Jurong. He also held high government positions but became famous primarily for his art. His works in calligraphy and painting remain highly valued today, and his theoretical writings influenced subsequent generations of artists.
• Wu Ji (巫伋, 1090–1154) — A Confucian scholar and official of the Song Dynasty, native to Jurong. He was known for his honesty, integrity, and dedication to service. While holding various posts in provincial administration, he earned a reputation as a fair and wise ruler who cared for the people.