Nantong 南通市 — Modern Pioneer City by the Yangtze
Nantong sits on the northern bank of the Yangtze's mouth, facing Shanghai across the river. The city was transformed by Zhang Jian (张謇), a late Qing Dynasty scholar who built China's first modern schools, museums, and factories here.
Today Nantong is a prosperous, clean city with a high quality of life. The riverside area offers views of the Yangtze's massive width, and the nearby Langshan (Wolf Mountain) provides scenic hiking.
The city's textile industry is world-class, and Nantong is known as China's 'Hometown of Architecture' due to the many prominent architects it has produced.
A 106-meter hill on the Yangtze plain, considered one of the eight Buddhist holy mountains of China. The mountain features ancient temples, pagodas, and a cable car to the summit. The top offers panoramic views of the Yangtze River and the surrounding plains.
Hours: 6:30–17:00
Admission: ¥50 (combo with cable car)
China's first public museum, founded in 1905 by Zhang Jian. The museum campus combines exhibition halls with beautiful gardens, and covers natural history, art, and Zhang Jian's legacy. A significant piece of Chinese modern history.
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (closed Mon)
Admission: Free
A beautiful moat-turned-scenic-river surrounding Nantong's old city. The 10-km riverside promenade is lined with parks, bridges, and traditional architecture. Night boat tours showcase the illuminated riverbanks.
Hours: 全天开放, boat tours 18:00–21:00
Admission: Free, boat tours ¥30