Nantong Museum in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province recently launched an online exhibition about Zhang Jian (1853-1926), a renowned patriot, industrial magnate, educator, and philanthropist from Nantong.

The exhibition comprises six parts and uses over 80 objects and more than 130 pictures to tell Zhang's life story. Many of these objects are being exhibited for the first time at Nantong Museum.

The exhibition offers visitors an immersive experience through multimedia technology and an intelligent site map.

Part one: Patriotic Zhang Jian

The wharf of Dasheng Cotton Mill. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This part introduces the contributions that Zhang made in terms of reform as well as industrial and educational development.

After the First Sino-Japanese War in 1894, Zhang gave up civil service to explore ways in which China could become independent. It was during this time that his thoughts about the country and political ideas were developed. 

Part two: Open-minded Zhang Jian

The Grand Prize given to Zhang Jian by the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This section delves into Zhang's learning of advanced technology, trading with foreign countries, and his efforts in establishing a model city.

As a forerunner of early modernization in China, Zhang paid close attention to the economic and social development of the world and sought opportunities and experiences that could be used by the then poor and weak China.

He learned Western ideas, experiences and technology so as to explore ways to save China through the development of various industries.

Party three: Innovative Zhang Jian

Nantong Museum. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This part revolves around Zhang's innovations in agriculture, education, corporate governance, rural development, traditional handicrafts, and social morality.

In the course of China's early modernization, Zhang was a trendsetter who spent 30 years exploring new ways to improve China. During this process, he also introduced numerous new innovations to Nantong.

Part four: Honest Zhang Jian

Trademark of Dasheng Cotton Mill. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This part is centered on Zhang's emphasis on quality and reputation, his efforts to promote integrity, and his formulation of laws.

Integrity is one of the five Confucian virtues. Zhang's grandfather and father were known for never prioritizing profit when doing business, keeping their promises, and never being late in their rental or debt payments. These qualities would in turn mold Zhang into the businessman he was.

Part five: Responsible Zhang Jian

People with visual impairments attend a class at the special school established by Zhang Jian in Nantong. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This section is focused on Zhang's philanthropic projects and the public infrastructure established by Zhang.

People-oriented thought is the core idea of Confucianism and it is centered on the important role that people play in economic and social life as well as political life.

Born in the rural areas of Nantong, Zhang started doing farm work when he was a child. When he was four years old, his hometown was hit by a severe locust plague that left many natives dead. In light of this incident, Zhang's mother took various measures to help the community, and this act of compassion quickly rubbed off on her son.

When Zhang grew up, he witnessed the turbulent period in China when the nation's sovereignty was compromised and people were living in poverty.

Because of these events, he set out to develop industries, establish schools, and launch a series of philanthropic projects involving culture, hydraulic engineering, and transportation to improve the well-being of his compatriots.

Part six: Inheriting Zhang Jian spirits

Volunteers in Nantong offer help to a girl. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The last part of the exhibition is about how Zhang's legacy can still be witnessed in Nantong's efforts to preserve cultural relics and in the textile, education, sports, and charity sectors.

It also delves into how his patriotism, open-mindedness, innovative spirit, integrity, and sense of social responsibility have become an integral part of Nantong's identity.

Conclusion

Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, Zhang was best known as the founder of the Dasheng Cotton Mill, which later evolved in Dasheng Group – a major conglomerate that had 37 transportation, finance and trading companies and 20 reclamation and pasture companies. 

Zhang also established more than 300 schools as well as numerous cultural facilities and infrastructure in Nantong, leaving behind substantial material and spiritual wealth for the later generations.

Scan the QR code to visit the exhibition about Zhang Jian at Nantong Museum online. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]