The epic drama Zhang Jian - The Legendary Entrepreneur, which chronicles the life of Zhang Jian, a prominent industrialist and educator of modern China, has aired on CCTV-1, the primary channel of China Central Television, since July 20.

Qidong, a county-level city of Nantong, served as a key filming location for the drama. Below is a guide to some of the historic sites featured in the series that reveal this legendary entrepreneur's deep connection to the land. 

Former site of the Ninth Branch of Chinese People's Anti-Japanese Military and Political College

The former site of the Ninth Branch of Chinese People's Anti-Japanese Military and Political College in Qidong. [Photo/WeChat account: qidongfabu]

The site was originally the Kenmu Higher Primary School, founded by Zhang in 1920. It underwent a complete renovation in 2014 and received an upgrade in 2021 with the addition of a visitor center, a lecture hall, and several classrooms for study and thematic activities. Now, the building serves as a vital center for revolutionary culture education and study tours.

Former site of Tonghai Kenmu Co

A statue of Zhang Jian stands at the former site of the Tonghai Kenmu Co in Qidong. [Photo/WeChat account: qidongfabu]

In 1901, Zhang founded the Tonghai Kenmu Co, China's first agricultural joint-stock company. Today, the site has become a cultural landmark that preserves Nantong's history of coastal reclamation and cultivation and carries forward the spirit of Zhang.

Jianghai Lanwan Resort

The night scenery of Qitang City at the Jianghai Lanwan Resort in Qidong. [Photo/WeChat account: qidongfabu]

Over a century ago, Zhang built seawalls, developed water conservancy projects, and launched the salt-reclamation industry on the barren tidal flats of Qidong. Today, this very land has been transformed into the Jianghai Lanwan Resort, which is thriving in sectors such as cultural tourism and the low-altitude economy.