A craftswoman demonstrates her embroidery skills at a promotional conference for Nantong's culture and tourism attractions in Shanghai on April 20. [Photo/ntjoy.com]

A promotional conference for Nantong's culture and tourism attractions was held in Shanghai on April 20, with nearly 200 representatives from both offline and online travel agencies and media outlets taking part.

The event was Nantong's first interprovincial promotional event this year and was aimed at boosting tourist consumption and promoting Nantong's integration into the Yangtze River Delta region, said Zhu Jin, director of the Nantong tourism association.

Zou Bo, official of the Shanghai culture and tourism authority, echoed Zhu, stating that the opening of the Shanghai-Suzhou-Nantong High-speed Railway has revitalized cultural and tourism exchanges between Shanghai and Nantong. 

He added that Nantong's abundant natural and cultural resources have been increasingly attractive to tourists from Shanghai and around the world.

At the conference, the Nantong bureau of culture, radio, television, and tourism signed cooperation agreements with six Shanghai-based travel agencies to arrange for around 10,000 tourists to travel to Nantong.

Three recommended routes themed around Zhang Jian (1853-1926), a local industrial magnate and scholar were also launched at the event, allowing more people to learn about the  pioneer of China's cotton manufacturing industry who founded more than 20 businesses and over 370 schools, making significant contributions to the development of China's modern national industry and education system.

Route 1:

Day 1: Waterfront area of Five Mountain scenic spot – Nantong Central Innovation District – Nantong Museum – former residence of Zhang Jian – night tour of Haohe River scenic spot by boat

Day 2: Tangzha ancient town – Chinese Charity Museum

Route 2:

Day 1: Junshan Mountain scenic area – waterfront area of Five Mountain scenic spot – Green City Valley – Tangzha ancient town

Day 2: Former residence of Zhang Jian – China Abacus Museum – Chinese Charity Museum

Route 3:

Day 1: Langshan National Forest Park – waterfront area of Five Mountain scenic spot – Nantong Museum – former residence of Zhang Jian – night tour of Haohe River scenic spot by boat

Day 2: Tangzha ancient town – Zhang Jian Cultural Tourist Site – Yisheng Cultural Park