The Nantong Museum (the photo is from 1905) is the first public museum in China. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]

Zhang Jian (1853-1926), a Nantong native, was not only an industrial magnate, but also a scholar, educator, and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the cultural development of his hometown.

He established the first public museum – the Nantong Museum – in China and donated his private collection to the museum many times. He also called upon people to exhibit their private collections, leading to the establishment of more public museums in the country.

Photocopies of Yilin, a century-old journal issued by the Nantong Epigraphy, Calligraphy and Painting Association. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]

Zhang attached heavy importance to art education and set up art courses in accordance with the educational goals of different schools in Nantong. For example, in addition to embroidery courses, the city's Needlework Institute also has traditional Chinese paintings and calligraphy courses.

A wide range of acquaintances allowed Zhang to invite various experts, including a water conservancy expert from Netherlands, Chinese culture expert Wang Guowei, and Su embroidery expert Shen Shou, to work in Nantong.

In his later years, Zhang funded the Nantong Epigraphy, Calligraphy and Painting Association to gather renowned artists from around China, leaving precious historical and cultural heritage to future generations.