Thanks to its unique landforms and profound history and culture, Nantong is home to one 5A-level Haohe River Scenic Area and 12 4A-level attractions, including Langshan Mountain Scenic Area, Shuihui Garden, and Jianghuai Cultural Park.

Haohe River Scenic Area

The Haohe River has been dubbed the "jade necklace" of Nantong, as the gourd-shaped river encircles the city's old downtown area, making it look like a chain of jade beads.

With a history of over 1,000 years, the Haohe River is one of the four remaining ancient city moats and the most well-preserved ancient moat in China.

The river spans a length of 10 kilometers with a width ranging from 10 to 215 meters and has a total surface area of 1,080 mu (72 hectares).

There are numerous places of interest on both sides of the Haohe River, including Guangxiao Pagoda, Tianning Temple, and Nantong Museum. Former residences of renowned figures such as Zhang Jian, Li Fangying and Zhao Dan along the river have also become famous tourist attractions.

Entertainment venues have been built along the river as well, including the Haoxi Library, Huanxi Culture Square, and Cultural Palace.

Langshan Mountain Scenic Area

Langshan Mountain Scenic Area is one of six major scenic spots in Jiangsu province.

Located six kilometers from the downtown area, the scenic area consists of five hills – Junshan Mountain, Jianshan Mountain, Langshan Mountain, Ma'an Mountain, and Huangni Mountain.

The five hills stretch from east to west for 4.5 kilometers along the Yangtze River and are hailed as a "natural river and rockery bonsai decoration".

Langshan Mountain, or Wolf Mountain, is named for its wolf-like shape and is the tallest among the five hills.

Atop the mountain is Guangjiao Temple, an ashram of Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, making Langshan Mountain one of the eight famous Buddhist mountains in China.

Built in the second year (669) of the Zongzhang period reigned over by emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the temple also houses a statue of Master Seng Jia, founder of the temple and the only Buddhist master to wear an imperial robe in Southeast Asia.

He was regarded as an incarnation of the Goddess of Mercy, and people believed he would respond to every prayer, especially prayers from pilgrims traveling from afar.

The mountain's Putuo Courtyard houses the world's largest jade statue of the Goddess of Mercy.

Nantong Museum

The Nantong Museum was founded in 1905 by Zhang Jian (1853-1926), a scholar, modern patriot, famous businessman, educator, and social activist in Nantong.

The museum is the first public museum founded by a Chinese person and is also a complex of buildings with both a rich cultural background and beautiful architectural design.

In 1988, the museum was listed by the State Council as a major historical and cultural site under national protection.

The museum is an ideal place for people to relax and learn about Nantong's history, science, and culture. 

Editor-in-chief: Yu Lei

Editor: Wang Yun

Photo by Gu Yao

Translated by Wang Haifei from the Shanghai Waiyuan Translation Agency