The Zhang Jian Memorial House in Haimen district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/WeChat account: haimenfabu]

Changle town in Haimen district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, has been listed as a national boutique rural tour, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced on Sept 23.

One hundred and forty-nine routes in the country made the list.

The town is home to two must-see villages: Yisheng village and Guangonghe village.

Yisheng village is the hometown of Zhang Jian (1853-1926), an industrious and ambitious entrepreneur who not only established the Dasheng Cotton Mills that once led China's cotton-spinning industry in the early 20th century but also built museums, hospitals, nursing homes, and founded and co-founded some 370 schools in Nantong. It was he who earned his hometown the title of the first city in modern China.

Tourists can visit the Zhang Jian Culture and Tourism attraction, a national 4A scenic area, the Yisheng Winery, a provincial intangible cultural heritage item and the former residence of Zhang Jian in the village.

Guangonghe village, which is best known for its wetlands, has rolled out a series of tourist events such as fishing festivals and strawberry-picking festivals.

Jiulong Island Wetland in Haimen district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/WeChat account: haimenfabu]