The headquarters of Zhongnan Group in Haimen district, Nantong. [Photo/WeChat account of Haimen Daily]

Zhongnan Group, a leading construction company based in Haimen district, Nantong was ranked second among the top 200 private enterprises in Jiangsu province, according to a list released by the provincial federation of industry and commerce on Sept 23.

Founded in February 1988, the group has developed a "4+1" business layout, focusing on real estate, construction, technology, investment, and education. 

The group has operations in 28 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across the country, as well as in Australia and Algeria. Its combined operating revenue was 316.5 billion yuan ($49.06 billion) in 2020.

It ranks 78th among China's top 500 enterprises, 11th among the country's top 500 private enterprises, 16th among China's real estate enterprises, and eighth among China's construction companies.

As the group bolsters its development, it has also given back to Haimen by donating nearly 1 billion yuan for charity activities and creating jobs for more than 100,000 people.

The group has sponsored two integrated schools offering education from kindergarten to high school in downtown Haimen and Changle town respectively. It has also sponsored nearly 100 primary schools in underdeveloped areas in Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces, as well as Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

In addition, Zhongnan has played an active role in promoting the cultural and tourism industries in Haimen, with two scenic spots respectively themed on football and Zhang Jian (1853-1926), a local industrial magnate, being built.