Nantong is located in eastern Jiangsu Province, on the north bank of the Yangtze River's mouth, facing Shanghai across the river. It is an important port city in the Yangtze River Delta. In the late Qing and early Republic periods, top scholar-entrepreneur Zhang Jian promoted the philosophy of 'father education, mother industry' in Nantong — he founded China's first normal school, first private museum, and first private museum garden, earning Nantong the title 'China's First Modern City'. Nantong is also famous as the 'Textile Capital' — its blue calico and tie-dye craftsmanship are listed as National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Langshan (Wolf Mountain) is one of Buddhism's 'Eight Minor Famous Mountains'. The Haohe River is praised as the 'Jade of the River City'. Nantong is also a famous longevity homeland in China, with one of the highest proportions of centenarians nationwide.
Praised as the 'Jade of the River City' and the 'necklace around a maiden's neck' — the Haohe is Nantong's inner-city river. Green trees shade both banks, pavilions and towers dot the riverside. A night cruise on Haohe is breathtakingly beautiful
One of Buddhism's 'Eight Minor Famous Mountains', 106.94m above sea level, named for its wolf-like shape. The Guangjiao Temple on the summit is a renowned temple. Climb to the top for a magnificent view of the Yangtze River's mouth
China's first museum, founded by Zhang Jian in 1905. Ancient trees reach for the sky in the garden, numerous exhibition halls systematically display Nantong's natural, historical, and artistic treasures
China's only professional blue calico museum, displaying the complete craft process from spinning and weaving to paste-resist, dyeing, and scraping. You can personally experience indigo dyeing — Nantong's most unique cultural experience
Rudong County has a stretching coastline and vast tidal flats — perfect for watching sunrises, catching clams, and savoring seafood. The offshore wind turbine arrays are spectacular — a paradise for photography enthusiasts
Nantong is at the Yangtze River's mouth, with abundant river-fresh varieties. Knife fish, reeves shad, and pufferfish are the 'Three River Delicacies' — tender flesh, rich umami. Nantong's most famous culinary offerings
Rudong coastal clams have plump, tender, juicy flesh — praised as the 'No.1 Fresh Under Heaven'. Can be stir-fried, souped, or noodled — the freshness is unforgettable
Traditional Nantong pastry named for its resemblance to pottery shard fragments. Crispy outside, soft inside, with multiple flavors including scallion-oil, white sugar, and salted vegetables — Nantong's most classic breakfast
Haimen District's goat meat is tender and lean with minimal gamey smell — can be braised, stewed, or hot-potted. Warming for body and stomach in winter — a regular on Nantongers' winter dining tables
Nantong Metro Line 1 is now operational, connecting Nantong Station, Heping Bridge, Nengda Business District, and other major destinations. Supports Alipay/WeChat ride codes and UnionPay contactless — no need to buy physical tickets
Yangtze knife fish is plumpest in March-April (before Qingming Festival), but prices are high. Reeves shad and pufferfish are most delicious in April-May. Recommended: time-honored river-fresh restaurants like Binjiang Garden Hotel — quality guaranteed
The Blue Calico Museum's experience activities include: paste-resist (~30min), dyeing (~1h), and scraping (~20min). Allow half a day for a leisurely experience — you can make a handkerchief, scarf, or small bag to take home
Tide pooling at Rudong seaside requires checking the tide table — usually 2 hours before and after low tide is the best time. You can catch clams, small crabs, razor clams, etc. Contact a local fisherman's B&B to arrange it — they know the tide patterns best
The Shanghai-Suzhou-Nantong Railway, opened in 2020, officially integrated Nantong into Shanghai's '1-hour living circle'. The fastest HSR from Shanghai Hongqiao to Nantong West Station takes only 1 hour 6 minutes — same-day round trips between Shanghai and Nantong are now reality