Xia Jun (R), chief editor-director of the documentary Sha Yuanbing and the leading actor. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

A documentary about Nantong native Sha Yuanbing was finished recently in Rugao, Jiangsu province and Nanxun ancient town, Zhejiang province.

Sha gave up a comfortable official career to develop industries and education in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Due to his contributions, Rugao at the time became the most developed county in China with a strong economy, culture, education, and public welfare.

"The modernization of Nantong was the result of a group of elites," said Xia Jun, chief editor director of the documentary Sha Yuanbing and also a Rugao native.

The set of the documentary Sha Yuanbing. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Xia added that due to Sha's low-key personality, many Rugao natives do not know of his deeds, although many still enjoy the fruits of his efforts.

Thus, the editor-director decided to produce a film for the entrepreneur to familiarize more people with him.

The documentary includes two episodes, with a total length of 100 minutes.

The first episode recounts how Sha and his good friend Zhang Jian, another renowned industrial magnate in Nantong, resigned from their government posts to return to their hometowns and pursue industrial development.

The second talks about Sha's establishment of schools, development of hydraulic engineering and medical treatment, and compilation of Rugao county records.

The documentary is expected to be released in the first half of next year.