The front cover of the picture book One Person Creates One City. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The picture book One Person Creates One City, which is about Zhang Jian (1853-1926), a renowned industrial magnate, educator, and scholar in Nantong, was recently published, local media reported.

Launched by Nantong Daily agency and Phoenix Juvenile and Children's Publishing Ltd, the picture book depicts some important and touching moments from the life of Zhang, who made great contributions to modern Nantong.

Creators discuss the picture book. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The book includes 15 long paintings portraying hundreds of buildings and more than 1,000 characters.

Picture-book writer Zhang Xiaoling, who is also a Nantong native, was invited to write captions for the book, and seven Nantong painters were invited to draw pictures for the book.

Some sketches in the picture book. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

These artists spent one year on sketches and line drawings and another one year improving the book. To better understand the life of Zhang Jian, they paid several visits to his birthplace and the places where he studied and started businesses.

They said that they hope the book will help children learn about Zhang's era and experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture and his inspiring life attitude.

A painting from the picture book. [Photo/Nantong Daily]