Nantong

Nantong combines river-and-sea scenery with old-town lanes. Most major sights are free to enter, making it suitable for a relaxed weekend or short holiday trip.

• Hao River Scenic Area: Hao River is one of only four surviving ancient moats in China and is known as the “Jade Necklace.” The area is open all day with no admission fee. In the evening, take a boat ride to enjoy the lights along the banks and their reflections on the water; tickets cost about 60 yuan.

• Nantong Museum Garden: Founded by Zhang Jian, it was China’s first public museum. Its century-old exhibition halls and traditional Chinese gardens form an integrated museum-and-garden space. Admission is free, but reservations are required, and it is closed on Mondays.

• Langshan Scenic Area: This famous Buddhist mountain lies near the Yangtze River. Walking to the summit takes about half an hour, and from Guangjiao Temple at the top you can look out toward the Yangtze estuary. Admission is 70 yuan in peak season; arrive before 7 a.m. to enter free and watch the sunrise.

• Tangzha Ancient Town: The district preserves industrial heritage from the modern era, with some old factories converted into creative parks and cafés. No ticket is needed to explore the streets, and in the evening you can visit the night market along the canal.

• Wushan Riverside Area: Free riverside parks, including Binjiang Park, are spread throughout the area. Walk along the river, relax on the lawns, and enjoy views of the Yangtze at sunset.

3-Day, 2-Night Slow-Paced Itinerary

• Day 1: Old-Town Culture and Riverside Night Views
  • Morning: Set aside about two hours to visit the Nantong Museum Garden and learn about Nantong’s modern history through its century-old gardens and exhibitions.

• Afternoon: Walk through Sijie and Xinan Camp, observing everyday life in the old town among the gray-brick lanes. You can also buy local gangpan sesame cakes to try.

• Evening: Take a boat ride in the Hao River Scenic Area to see the night views, or visit Bell Tower Square to photograph an old-town landmark, then head to Holland Street Night Market for local snacks.

• Day 2: Mountain Views and Industrial Streets
  • Morning: Go to Langshan Scenic Area early, aiming to arrive before 7 a.m. to avoid the admission fee, then climb to the summit and look out over the Yangtze.

• Afternoon: After the climb, head to the Wushan Riverside Area or Binjiang Park. Walk along the riverside greenway and leave time to watch the sunset.

• Evening: Visit Tangzha Ancient Town to see its industrial architecture lit up at night. Rest in a café converted from an old factory or browse the canal night market.

• Day 3: Nature or Family Activities
  • Option A (Nature): Take a walk or have a picnic in Se Garden, or visit Junshan Scenic Area to enjoy nature and taste fresh Junshan tea.

• Option B (Family): Visit Nantong Forest Safari Park. In the drive-through area, you can feed the animals, and the park also stages performances such as Tianma Bathing in the River, making it suitable for families with children.

Local Dishes and Specialty Snacks

Nantong cuisine is known for its fresh flavors, combining river and sea seafood with distinctive local breakfast foods.

• Clam Pancake: Nantong razor clams are known as “the freshest flavor under heaven.” Chopped clam meat is mixed with egg and pan-fried, producing a crisp surface and tender interior filled with fresh, lightly sweet juices.

• Gangpan: This local sesame cake is diamond-shaped, with a crisp, fragrant crust and a soft interior. It comes in savory and sweet versions. Stuffed with a fried dough stick and served with soy milk, it is a Nantong breakfast tradition passed down through generations.

• Fire Dumplings: One of the area’s traditional breakfast foods, made with dough scalded in boiling water. The wrappers are fire-colored; each bite starts with a crisp outer layer, followed by tender filling and juices.

• Oil-and-Salt-Baked Yellow Croaker: A Nantong home-style dish prepared with simple seasonings such as oil and salt to highlight the fish’s freshness. The skin is slightly charred and fragrant, while the flesh is tender.

• Nantong Tiao Noodles: These chewy noodles come with a flavorful broth and are a common local favorite. Toppings include large pork chops.

• Haimen Soup Lamb: This provincial intangible cultural heritage dish is known for its clear broth, tender lamb, and mild flavor without a strong mutton smell. It is especially suitable for autumn and winter.

Accommodation and Transportation

• Where to stay: Consider Nandajie, the area around Hao River Scenic Area, or the Wanda Plaza area in Chongchuan District. Dining, shopping, and transportation are convenient there. Guesthouses cost a little over 200 yuan, while chain hotels such as Ji Hotel cost about 300 yuan.

• High-speed rail: Nantong Station is convenient for trips around the city. After exiting, you can transfer to Metro Line 1 or use a shared electric scooter. Nantong West Station has more train services but is slightly farther from the old town; you can also take the metro from there.
• Getting around the city: The main sights are relatively close together, so shared electric scooters are a flexible option. Cycling along Hao River or the riverside also makes it easy to stop as you like; taxis are another choice.

Travel Tips

• Opening hours and reservations: Nantong Museum Garden is closed every Monday, so check the schedule before setting out. Evening boat rides on Hao River are in high demand, so booking in advance is recommended.
• Free entry to Langshan: Visitors planning to enter free of charge for sunrise must arrive at Langshan’s north gate before 7 a.m.
• Clothing and weather: Temperatures in Nantong can drop noticeably in October, with lows possibly around 11°C. Bring a light jacket and long sleeves. Winds are stronger by the river and sea, so prepare for both wind and sun.
• Seafood dining: Choose carefully among seafood stalls that actively solicit customers near scenic areas. Consider established restaurants in the city or stalls where local residents queue, and confirm that prices are clearly displayed with no hidden extra charges.
• Mosquito protection: Parks and riverside areas have abundant vegetation and commonly have mosquitoes, so bring mosquito repellent.