Nantong is a prefecture-level city in Jiangsu province, People’s Republic of China. Located on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, near the river mouth, Nantong is a vital river port bordering Yancheng to the north, Taizhou to the west, Suzhou and Shanghai to the south across the river, and the East China Sea to the east.
Nantong, known as a “Pearl of the River and Sea”, is a city with a history since the Chinese Han Dynasty. It has been found that primitive clan inhabitants lived in this region 5,000 years ago.
As one of China”s first fourteen coastal cities permitted to open to international trade and economy, Nantong has a national reputation of “the First Window on the Yangtze River” and is one of the national tourist centers. The city is listed on the China”s Top 100 Counties (county-level cities) for its comprehensive strength in economy. With the completion of the Sutong (Suzhou-Nantong) Yangtze River Bridge in April 2008, the city is becoming the best city for its economic growth and foreign investments in the Yangtze Delta Economic Zone.
What to see:
(1). Shuihuiyuan: It is in Rugao city, which is a part of Nantong. Lots of people believe that Rugao is a Longevity Village of China. Young couples like to come here because of the beautiful love story of Mao Xuejiang and Dong Xiaowan. The admission fee for Shuihuiyuan is 50 rmb, not cheap but still a good place for the lovers.
(2). Yeyouhaohe (Haohe river tour): 300 RMB for a boat (8 persons). If this is your first time to Nantong, you’d better pay this 300 rmb because the boatman can do the tour guide’s job too. He can tell you many stories about this Haohe river. The view of this river is also pretty good in the night.
(3). Nantong Museum: cost 15 rmb for one person. You can find lots of introductions about Zhang Qian (a celebrity in ancient China). He contributes so much to the city of Nantong.
(4). Caiwenha: It is called the Sea Disneyland. Lots of medias reported this. Admission fee: 50 rmb.
Accommodations:
Lots of people recommend a hotel named Yuelongtingshishangjiudian. It is located in the corner of Renminglu street and Yuelonglu street.(near the Haohe river and TV tower) Local people here also call it Longtingshishangjiudian. It has a big parking area (free parking for all the customers). You can get free In-China calls and Internet here too. The standart room is 168 rmb for a night.
Tips:
(1). Nantong is a National Civilized Sanitary City of China. This city is clean and beautiful.
(2). Nantong is a good place to eat sea food. You can try the notable Hetun (globefish) meat here. It is very delicious and the cost is not low for sure. (268 rmb for 500g)
(3). If you wanna drive from Wuxi to Nantong, the cost is about 160 rmb (80 rmb for gas and 80 rmb for the high way fees). You will see the Sutongdaqiao bridge(Wuxi – Nantong). It is called the No. 1 bridge on the Yangtze River (Changjiang River). Very Spendid.
(4). If you plan to do the Caiwenha game in Nantong, you’d better check the time table of the tide first.