An aerial view of Bencha ancient town in Rudong county, Nantong. [Photo/CFP]

Dongdajie, or East Street, in Bencha town, Rudong county, Nantong will be restored as a national cultural park, according to a cultural protection project list published by the Jiangsu Development and Reform Commission on Aug 12.

The only entry from Nantong on the list, Bencha town boasts a history of more than 1,000 years and has a distinctive folk culture. The town has been home to many literati and artists since ancient times and is one of the birthplaces of the People's Liberation Army Navy.

The town has a wide selection of gourmet restaurants and food outlets that feature a variety of seafood options such as stewed razor clams, steamed buns stuffed with crab roe, and pancakes with shrimp roe.

A renovation project for the ancient town's Zhongshi Street and the banks of the Chaben River are currently underway and is expected to be completed in April 2022.