Nantong City Travel

Nantong, Jiangsu — the gateway of river and sea, home to Wolf Mountain, Hao River, Nantong Museum and other famous attractions, a tourist destination integrating Jianghai culture, modern industry and ecotourism.

1000+
Years of city history
1
5A-level scenic area (Hao River Scenic Area)
8001
Total area (sq km)
7.73M+
Permanent residents

Nantong City Districts & Counties Travel

Nantong City 3-Day Jianghai Culture Tour

Climb famous Jianghai mountains, stroll through Hao River night scenery, taste river and sea delicacies

Duration
3 days, 2 nights
Main Destinations
Wolf Mountain, Hao River, Nantong Museum, Shui Hui Garden, Yuantuo Cape
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, food explorers, ecotourists, leisure vacationers
Budget per person
¥1200-¥2500
01
Jianghai Famous Mountain
Wolf Mountain & Hao River Scenic Area Tour
Highlights

In the morning, visit Wolf Mountain Scenic Area and climb the first mountain by the river and sea; in the afternoon, tour the Hao River Scenic Area and experience the beauty of urban ecology; in the evening, taste Nantong river fresh delicacies.

Attractions
Wolf Mountain
National 4A-level tourist attraction, the foremost of the eight minor famous Buddhist mountains, towering on the north bank of the Yangtze River, named for its wolf-like shape. Features Guangjiao Temple, Zhiyun Pagoda and other famous sites, offering a panoramic view of the magnificent Yangtze River from the summit.
Hao River
National 5A-level tourist attraction, one of the best-preserved ancient moats in China, known as the "Emerald Necklace of Nantong City." Numerous historical buildings and museums line the river, and the night scenery is particularly captivating.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Resort hotels along Hao River
  • Downtown business hotels
  • Characteristic guesthouses at the foot of Wolf Mountain
Food Recommendations
  • Steamed Eggs with Clams
  • Braised Pufferfish
  • Steamed Saury
  • Nantong Crispy Biscuit
  • Haimen Goat Meat
Travel Tips
  • Wolf Mountain is best climbed in the morning to watch the sunrise
  • Night boat ride on Hao River is highly recommended
  • Pay attention to seasonal availability when tasting river fresh delicacies
02
Cultural Museum Tour
Museum Cluster & Classical Garden Exploration
Highlights

In the morning, visit Nantong Museum to learn about Zhang Jian and the First Modern City; in the afternoon, tour Rugao Shui Hui Garden to experience classical garden art; in the evening, enjoy Nantong nightlife.

Attractions
Nantong Museum
The first public museum in China, founded in 1905 by Zhang Jian, a Number One Scholar of the late Qing Dynasty. The museum houses a rich collection including natural specimens, historical artifacts and artworks, a must-visit for understanding Nantong's history and culture.
Shui Hui Garden
National 4A-level tourist attraction, a masterpiece of Rugao classical gardens, originally built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. Featuring pavilions, towers, small bridges and flowing water, it embodies the characteristics of Jiangnan gardens and was once the secluded dwelling of the talented Mao Pijiang and Dong Xiaowan in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • City buses reach major attractions
  • Intercity buses available from Nantong to Rugao
  • Renting a car for self-driving is more convenient
Ticket Info
  • Wolf Mountain: ¥70
  • Hao River: Free
  • Nantong Museum: Free
  • Shui Hui Garden: ¥50
  • Combo tickets offer discounts
Cultural Experiences
  • Learn about Zhang Jian and modern Nantong's development
  • Appreciate classical garden art at Shui Hui Garden
  • Experience Nantong blue calico making
03
River-Sea Rendezvous
Yuantuo Cape & Qidong Seaside Tour
Highlights

In the morning, head to Yuantuo Cape to witness the wonder where river and sea meet; in the afternoon, visit Golden Beach and enjoy seaside fun; in the evening, buy Nantong specialties and conclude the trip.

Attractions
Yuantuo Cape
The earliest place in Jiangsu to see the sunrise, where the Yangtze River, Yellow Sea and East China Sea converge. Features include the Yangtze River Estuary Monument and Yu the Great Statue, an ideal spot for watching sunrises and tides.
Golden Beach
National 3A-level tourist attraction, the earliest seaside bathing beach in Jiangsu to see the sunrise. With vast tidal flats and abundant shellfish, visitors can experience the fun of "Sea Disco" (stepping on clams), a great summer getaway.
Practical Info
Shopping Guide
  • Qidong seafood products
  • Rugao longevity foods
  • Nantong crispy biscuit
  • Blue calico fabric
  • Lüsi jellyfish
  • Haian pufferfish products
More Food Recommendations
  • Steamed Reeves shad
  • White sauce pufferfish
  • Clam pancake
  • Qidong mud snail
  • Rugao ham
  • Haian shrimp paste sauce
Return Tips
  • Nantong Xingdong Airport is about 18 km from downtown
  • Nantong has multiple train stations with convenient transportation
  • Seafood specialties are recommended for cold-chain shipping

Must-Try Foods in Nantong City

Steamed Eggs with Clams

A traditional Nantong dish made with local specialty clams and eggs steamed together. The clams are tender, the eggs smooth, and the broth delicious and nutritious.

Nantong Crispy Biscuit

A traditional Nantong pastry made from flour, sugar and oil through multiple baking processes. Crispy, sweet and layered, it is a famous Nantong specialty.

Braised Pufferfish

A Nantong specialty, pufferfish meat is delicate and delicious. After professional chefs carefully prepare it, removing toxins while preserving the flavor, it is a delicacy for the adventurous.

Haimen Goat Meat

A specialty of Haimen, Nantong. Local goats fed on natural grass produce tender meat with little gamey flavor. Can be braised, boiled, or used in hotpot, nutritious and delicious.

Haian Shrimp Paste Sauce

A Haian specialty condiment made from local special small shrimp fermented through traditional processes. Delicious in taste, it is an excellent ingredient for enhancing flavor in cooking.

Nantong City Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • April-June: Pleasant spring weather, ideal for mountain climbing
  • September-November: Clear autumn weather, plump seafood
  • Summer seaside escapes, remember sun protection
  • Winter seasonal river fresh delicacies
Must-Do Experiences
  • Climb Wolf Mountain to view the Yangtze River
  • Night cruise on Hao River to enjoy the scenery
  • Watch the sunrise at Yuantuo Cape
  • Step on clams at Golden Beach
  • Taste authentic pufferfish
  • Experience Haian flower drum dance
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥200-300
  • Accommodation: ¥300-600/night
  • Meals: ¥100-250/day
  • Transport: approx. ¥200
  • Total: ¥1200-2500
FAQ
  • Which attraction in Nantong is most worth visiting? → Wolf Mountain and Hao River are must-sees
  • Where is the safest place to eat pufferfish? → Choose qualified regular restaurants
  • Transportation from Nantong to Shanghai? → 1 hour by bullet train
  • What are the Three Delicacies of Nantong? → Clam, pufferfish, saury
  • What are the specialties of Haian? → Pufferfish farming, Qingdun culture, flower drum art