FOR generations the people of China have known Nanchang, capital of the inland province of Jiangxi, as 'hero city' because it was the birthplace of the People's Liberation Army.
But for its current leaders, this reputation is no longer enough.
In addition to the heroic reputation the city won through the August 1 Nanchang Uprising in 1927, they want to launch a new tradition of economic dynamism, and have forged plans for major economic development.
'We want to develop Nanchang city into a 'one river, two shores city',' says its mayor, Hong Dacheng.
What he pictures is a city abuzz with economic activity concentrated along both sides of the Gan River, an estuary of the Yangtze River.
On the eastern side the old districts will remain, anchored to the city's historical landmark - the Tengwang Pavilion. On the western side will be the new districts.
Old residences on the eastern side have been demolished and residents relocated east of the city to make way for emergence of a new commercial centre.