Zhenjiang launches global series on four citizens honored as asteroids

Jiangsu University scholar Danny Dong has launched an English-language series to promote Zhenjiang’s image worldwide, starting with the city’s unusual claim that four asteroids are named for people from Zhenjiang. The project ties local history, scientific achievement, and international cultural outreach to a broader push to raise the Yangtze River city’s global profile.

Why it matters: - Zhenjiang is using a celestial distinction — four asteroids named for people from the city — as a global storytelling tool. - The campaign is meant to strengthen the city’s international image and cultural reach. - The first episode frames Zhenjiang’s history as part of a broader story of scientific achievement, education and public service.

What happened: - Dr. Danny Dong, a Changjiang Scholar 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 follows Zhenjiang Party Secretary Wu Qingwen’s call to further tell Zhenjiang’s stories well and showcase Zhenjiang’s image. - The series opens with the claim that four asteroids bear the names of people from Zhenjiang, a distinction the release says Paris, New York and London do not share.

The details: - The first installment focuses on four figures from Zhenjiang whose names are tied to asteroids: Zu Chongzhi, Shen Kuo, Mao Yisheng and Li Pei. - Zu Chongzhi, who lived from 429 to 500 AD, 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 lived from 1031 to 1095, wrote Dream Pool Essays, described the magnetic compass and discussed mountain formation and petroleum. - Shen Kuo spent his final years in Zhenjiang, and asteroid 2027 was named Shen Kuo Star in 1979. - Mao Yisheng, born in Zhenjiang in 1896, earned graduate degrees from Cornell University and the Carnegie Institute of Technology. - Mao Yisheng completed the Qiantang River Bridge in 1937, ordered its demolition during the war, and rebuilt it after Japan’s surrender in 1945. - In 2006, asteroid 18550 was named Mao Yisheng Star. - Li Pei, born in Zhenjiang in 1917, earned an economics degree from Peking University and later taught at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. - Li Pei trained generations of Chinese scientists in English and was called the “Mother of Applied Linguistics in China.” - Li Pei’s husband, Guo Yonghuai, died in a plane crash in 1968 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 in numbering and are described as the world’s only pair of husband-and-wife stars. - Jiangsu University honors Li Pei as a model of Zhenjiang’s daughters.

Between the lines: - The release uses the asteroid stories to connect local pride with a broader message about science, integrity and cross-cultural understanding. - Zhenjiang is positioning cultural heritage as part of its development strategy, not just as tourism material. - The city sits at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Grand Canal, which the release says helped build a 2,500-year tradition of commerce and ideas. - Zhenjiang says it has produced 38 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering. - The series also reflects a wider effort to package Chinese scientific history for international audiences in English.

What’s next: - Dr. Dong says the series will continue, with the next feature focusing on Mao Yisheng’s story in depth. - Zhenjiang will keep linking cultural heritage, trade, science and tourism in its overseas outreach. - The release points to continued collaboration opportunities, digital exhibits and international engagement tied to the series.

The bottom line: - Zhenjiang is turning four asteroid names into a branding message: this city wants the world to see its scientific legacy as part of shared human history.