As the TV drama Zhang Jian – The Legendary Entrepreneur gains popularity this summer, the story of Zhang Jian, a prominent industrialist and educator in modern Chinese history, is once again in the public spotlight.

From building industries and promoting education to contributing to local development, Zhang Jian made significant contributions to the development of modern China. He also played an active role in advancing water conservancy projects in Nantong and invited Dutch water engineers to participate in the efforts, laying the groundwork for China-Netherlands cooperation in water management more than a century ago and leaving a lasting story of friendship between the two countries.