The Haohe River scenic area in Chongchuan district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, recently launched a new water tour, local media reported. 

The tour connects the museums on both sides of the river and will take one and a half hours by ship. 

Haonan Villa, part of the Nantong Museum, is one of the destinations of the tour. 

Established in 1914, the villa was the first private house of Zhang Jian, a renowned patriot, industrial magnate, educator, and philanthropist, in Nantong.

The operator of the tour has launched three routes: "Zhangjian Heritage Trail", "Natural History Trail" and "Family Activity Trail". 

These tours will be conducted in small groups, departing at 9:30 am and 2:30 pm. Reservation is required one day in advance.

According to Nantong Haohe Tourism Landscape Construction Co Ltd, the water tour aims to promote culture and tourism in Chongchuan.

"We have also launched many customized services, such as customized routes, tea art experiences, and handicraft activities," said Ji Liangjie, chairman of the company. 

The Haohe River scenic area was listed among the first batch of historic and cultural protection zones in Jiangsu in 1995, and in 2012 it was designated a national 5A tourist attraction. It receives some 8 million visitors each year.

Haonan Villa is one of the destinations of the water tour. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Tourists enjoy views of the Haohe River during the water tour. [Photo/Nantong Daily]