Nantong
Nantong
Enjoy the joy of nature at Langshan Hill and Haohe River
Nantong, situated on the northern shore of the Yellow Sea, faces Shanghai across the Yangtze River. Nantong is one of the first 14 coastal cities in China opened to the outside and adopt the modern culture, science, and education system. The Nantong has the seven “firsts” to its name, including the first teacher’s academy, and first private museum. Some of the earliest schools, private museums, and textile schools in the country have also been established here. Amongst others, it’s no wonder it’s called the First City of Modern China.
Landscape Attractions
Historical Attractions
Haohe River Scenic Area
The old town area has a shape resembling Arabic number eight. A boat tour at night on the moat surrounding the town area would be accompanied by swans, gulls and ospreys. You could also catch a glimpse of Nantong’s astonishing past at historical sites such as Tianning Temple, Beijige wall relic site and Wenfeng Pagoda.
Langshan Hill Scenic Area
Langshan Hill, which means “Wolf Hill” in Chinese language, is 109 metres above sea level. The hill is famous due to its relation to Buddhism. A path laying between the verdant forest leads to the hilltop. Standing on the Zhiyun Tower at the hilltop, one could enjoy an unobstructed view of the Yangtze River. Accompanying the Zhiyun Tower are two Buddha temples that constantly draw many believers.
Jianghuai Cultural Park
Jianghuai Cultural Park is a popular attraction based on the history and culture of Jianghuai region, which is located in Hai’an County of Jiangsu Province. The park composed of four major scenic spots, namely Bailong’s Hometown Scenic Area, The Sages Scenic Area, Fengshan Academy Scenic Area and Art Gallery of Chinese famous artist Scenic Area.
Cultural Attractions
Nantong Museum
Established 20 years earlier than the Palace Museum in Beijing, Nantong Museum is the first public museum founded independently by a local in China. The main museum buildings are accompanied by a unique park. Apart from the great many historical relics exhibited, the museum also displays over 220 specimens of cetaceans.
Nantong Kite Museum
Nantong whistling kite, also known as “Banyao”, which means board snipe, is a precious cultural heritage of Nantong. The kite is huge and flat in shape and is installed with whistles. When drifting in the sky, the whistles would play harmonious sounds that are often being described as “symphony in the air”.
Eastern God of Longevity Park
A 49-metre God of Longevity statue is the most eye-catching building in the park. There is also a gigantic ‘Baishou’ bowl with palm prints of a hundred centenarians. Other attractions include the “Longevity Picture of One Hundred Old Persons in the Millennium Year” and Rugao’s hall of fame for longevity. You can visit the China Longevity Museum at Rugao city as well.
Food & Beverage
Longevity Banquet
Rugao city is known to the world for longevity and food is one of the secrets to achieving longevity. Dishes at the Longevity Banquet is based on Rugao’s special dishes, such as meat floss, sausage, dried tea, crab balls, and so on. Each dish is cooked together with carefully selected ingredients that come with health benefits.
Asian Hard Clam
Clam in Nantong used to be an ancient tribute and is now known as “the best seafood”. “Tiao Wen Xi” is a Nantong local specialty made of Nantong seafood and prepared with the relevant ingredients. The dish was cooked by stirring the clams with the big flame for the protein (of the seafood) to turn solid quickly. The clam serves with fresh gravy, and the texture is smooth and brings out the freshness.
Langshan Chicken
Chicken of Langshan Mountain in Nantong is honoured as the top one among the most renowned eight types of chicken in the world. Langshan chicken with its high body fat offers delicious meat. The dish is prepared using specific production techniques and operating procedures. The dish is crispy, savoury, and thick in gravy.
Arts & Crafts
Historical Attractions
Nantong Blue Calico Printing & Dyeing Skill
The artisan-dyed blue-and-white colour is a work of elegance that withstands time. The hand-engraved patterns are mainly of plant flowers and animal patterns although geometric figures are also common. The Nantong Blue Calico Museum allows participation in the production experience as well as souvenir shopping including bags, shoes, hats and other fine art pieces as collectibles.