Zhenjiang launches global storytelling series on four asteroid namesakes

Jiangsu University professor Danny Dong has launched an English-language series to promote Zhenjiang’s history and global image, starting with a feature on four asteroids named for people from the Chinese city. The project ties celestial naming, local heritage, and international outreach into one cultural campaign.

Why it matters: - Zhenjiang is using a science-and-history narrative to market its cultural identity internationally. - The city says four asteroids named after Zhenjiang figures set it apart from global cities including Paris, New York, and London. - The new series is meant to turn local heritage into broader cultural diplomacy and tourism visibility.

What happened: - Dr. Danny Dong, a distinguished professor at Jiangsu University’s School of Design & Art, launched the “Telling Zhenjiang Stories Well, Showcasing Zhenjiang’s Image” International Communication Series on July 27, 2026. - The first episode was distributed globally through a news distribution network. - The launch came in response to Zhenjiang Party Secretary Wu Qingwen’s call to better tell Zhenjiang’s stories and present the city’s image.

The details: - The first episode focuses on four people from Zhenjiang who each have asteroids named for them: Zu Chongzhi, Shen Kuo, Mao Yisheng and Li Pei. - Zu Chongzhi, a 5th-century mathematician, calculated pi to between 3.1415926 and 3.1415927, compiled the Daming Calendar and wrote Zhui Shu. - In 1964, the Purple Mountain Observatory designated asteroid 1888 as “Zu Chongzhi Star.” - Shen Kuo, who spent his final years in Zhenjiang, wrote Dream Pool Essays, described the magnetic compass, explained mountain formation and used the term “petroleum.” - In 1979, asteroid 2027 was named “Shen Kuo Star.” - Mao Yisheng was born in Zhenjiang in 1896, earned degrees from Cornell University and the Carnegie Institute of Technology, and completed the Qiantang River Bridge in 1937. - Mao Yisheng ordered the bridge destroyed as Japanese forces advanced, then rebuilt it after Japan’s surrender in 1945. - In 2006, asteroid 18550 was named “Mao Yisheng Star” and was discovered on his birthday, Jan. 9. - Li Pei was born in Zhenjiang, studied economics at Peking University and later taught English at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. - Li Pei earned the title “Mother of Applied Linguistics in China.” - Li Pei’s husband, Guo Yonghuai, died in a 1968 plane crash while returning from a classified mission. - Asteroid 212796 is named “Guo Yonghuai Star,” and asteroid 212797 is named “Li Pei Star.” - The two asteroids are consecutive numbers and are described as the world’s only pair of husband-and-wife stars. - Jiangsu University says Li Pei is a model for Zhenjiang students and a symbol of the city’s women. - Zhenjiang sits at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Grand Canal and has been a crossroads of culture and commerce for more than 2,500 years. - The city says it has produced 38 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering. - In January 2026, Zhenjiang’s intangible cultural heritage was featured at the People’s Daily Overseas New Year’s Reception, where diplomats from 21 countries experienced local arts. - Argentina’s ambassador to China reacted to a Taiping Clay Whistle by saying, “It’s fantastic!” - In June 2026, Wu Qingwen said Zhenjiang must further tell its stories well and showcase its image while advancing cooperation in trade, science and technology innovation, and cultural tourism. - The series draws on the five-volume collection Zhenjiang: Shaping China, which documents 38 academicians and historical figures from the city. - The collaboration contact listed in the release is Danny Dong at 1000006895@ujs.edu.cn.

Between the lines: - The release frames Zhenjiang’s history as proof that a regional city can produce figures with global scientific and cultural significance. - The asteroid theme gives the campaign a memorable hook and links local pride to a universal image that is easy to share internationally. - The emphasis on English-language storytelling suggests the city is trying to move beyond domestic promotion and into sustained global branding.

What's next: - Dr. Dong said the series will continue. - The next feature will profile Mao Yisheng in depth, with a focus on the building, bombing and rebuilding of China’s first modern bridge. - Zhenjiang is expected to keep tying cultural heritage to international outreach, trade and tourism promotion.

The bottom line: - Zhenjiang is turning four asteroid namesakes into a city brand: local history, scientific achievement and global storytelling in one message.