An ancient residential building in Huankuan village. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Jiangsu authorities recently announced the seventh batch of officially recognized traditional villages, including four in Nantong, bringing the city's total number of such villages to 23.

Huankuan village in Rudong county served as strategic high ground above the Huanghai Sea during the late Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). As the ebb tide's water level gradually moved eastward, Huankuan evolved from a rest area for fishermen into a prosperous town centering on seafood trade.

An ancient building in Datong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Another village in Rudong – Datong – is home to an ancient street, which is known to be the birthplace of Nantong's home textile industry. The village has preserved buildings constructed around 1949, when the People's Republic of China was founded.

A courtyard house in Jiaoxie village. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The history of Jiaoxie village in Hai'an can be traced back to the Sui and Tang dynasties (581-907). Rivers flow through the village, which houses numerous ancient courtyard houses and wells.

An ancient building in Fanzhou village. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Fanzhou village in Rugao, formerly known as Fanhuzhou, has a history of more than 2,000 years. Its well-preserved ancient buildings boast high historical and cultural value. Local chronicles recorded that 24 schools were established in Fanzhou during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), a testament to the village's pivotal role in education.