Why is Jiangsu known as the land of fish and rice?

Jiangsu is known as the "land of fish and rice" because of its highly productive agricultural and aquatic landscape. Roughly three-fifths of the province's arable land is dedicated to paddy (wet-rice) fields, making it one of the richest agricultural regions in China.1

The region's reputation is supported by its extensive water systems, particularly the Lake Tai plain, which produces a diverse array of crops including rice, wheat, cotton, and tea. Simultaneously, the province is abundant in aquatic products. South of the Yangtze River, the elaborate network of streams, canals, and lakes—which features the highest stream density in China—supports significant fishing and aquaculture industries. Specialty items such as freshwater Chinese mitten crabs, whitebait, and various river fish, alongside marine products from coastal fisheries, solidify the province's dual identity as a center for both grain cultivation and fishing.12