East China is often described as the region that includes the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, and Fujian, as well as the municipality of Shanghai. Some synonyms used to describe this area include Eastern China, Coastal China, and the Yangtze River Delta Region. Other terms such as the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River, the Southeastern Coastal Area, and the Eastern Seaboard of China are also used to refer specifically to certain parts of East China. Furthermore, East China is often recognized as a major center for economics, trade, and culture in China.