Sijie Block in Nantong. [Photo/WeChat account: ntwgx6]

As the 2026 Dragon Boat Festival holiday approaches, Nantong, in Jiangsu province, is preparing to host an exciting array of citywide events. From exhilarating sports competitions to lively night markets and trendy bazaars, this summer promises an abundance of food, fun, and shopping.

For the first time, Nantong will host the football finals (men's and women's U12 groups) of the Youth Division of the 21st Games of Jiangsu Province. The 2026 Yangtze River Delta Haohe River Dragon Boat Invitational is also set to kick off, and the Haimen E-sports Center is scheduled to be the venue for the 2026 King Pro League (KPL) Summer Tournament.

The city will come alive at night with lively summer scenes featuring food, shopping, entertainment and tours.

To enhance the nighttime experience, major shopping blocks will extend their hours in coordination with the Jiangsu Football City League (Suchao) schedule, offering a variety of nighttime promotional activities. Locations like the Dasheng Maker Block will continue to host car trunk markets and cultural heritage markets, ensuring that night shopping is a delightful adventure.

On Suchao match nights, simultaneous Suchao and beer carnival events will take place, featuring live band performances, camping, parades, and more, illuminating Nantong's dynamic nightlife.

Robot performances and interactive robot-dog activities will take place in shopping areas like Mixc Mall and Harmony City, providing engaging interactions that allow teenagers and families to experience the allure of technology up close.