A symposium marks the 170th birthday of Zhang Jian in Nantong on Nov 4. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

To mark the 170th birthday of Zhang Jian, Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province hosted a symposium on Nov 4.

Zhang Jian (1853-1926) was a renowned patriot, industrial magnate, educator, and philanthropist in Nantong who devoted his whole life to developing local industries, education, and social welfare.

Gao Yunlong, chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, noted that to commemorate Zhang is to better inherit his entrepreneurial spirit and inspire more contemporary entrepreneurs to do good deeds for society.

He also expressed hope that Jiangsu will make full use of the Zhang Jian Entrepreneurs College and build it into a cradle of influential entrepreneurs in China.

Hui Jianlin, head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, said that Jiangsu's high-quality development is inseparable from private economy and the efforts of local entrepreneurs and also expressed his expectation that entrepreneurs will follow Zhang's patriotism, pioneering spirit, integrity, and sense of responsibility.

Wu Xinming, Party secretary of Nantong, thanked people from all walks of life for their concerns and support in his speech. He also said that Zhang's spirit has been deeply rooted in Nantong's gene and inspired natives to chase their dreams.

Wu pointed out that they should not only cherish the memory of Zhang but also inherit his spirit and continue the city's splendor as the first city of modern China.

The commemorative activity lasted for three days, during which a themed international academic seminar was held and private entrepreneurs were invited to visit Zhang's hometown.