A bird's-eye view of Tangzha Ancient Town. [Photo/WeChat account: ntwgx6]

Nantong, a city known as "China's first modern city", has rolled out a three-day tourism route showing its rich industrial legacy and cultural landmarks.

The tour centers on Tangzha Ancient Town, which is home to the Dasheng Cotton Mills, founded in 1895 by Zhang Jian (1853-1926), a late-Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) scholar-official turned pioneering industrialist. Today, Tangzha retains much of its original character, featuring preserved mill buildings and the iconic clock tower. The mill complex, designated as a national heritage site in 2006, has recently undergone renovations aimed at enhancing tourism. These renovations include the addition of industrial memory halls and exhibition spaces that bring the city's manufacturing past to life.

Beyond the industrial sites, the route takes in Nantong Museum, China's first public museum, which blends traditional Chinese garden design with Western curatorial concepts. Visitors can also tour Zhang's former residence, stroll through the Chinese-Western landscaped City Green Valley, and enjoy evening boat cruises along the Haohe River.

Food features prominently in the itinerary. Tangzha is celebrated for its slow-braised beef, a culinary tradition that flourished alongside the town's industrial boom. The signature whole-beef banquet offers a range of cuts prepared through multiple cooking techniques. Meanwhile, Siyi Rice Cakes, a time-honored local brand with provincial intangible cultural heritage status, serves glutinous rice confections that have been a staple in Nantong since the late Qing Dynasty.

Accommodation options range from the historic Youfei Hotel, originally established by Zhang in 1914 and situated along the scenic Haohe River waterfront, to the modern Jiangong Lake International Hotel, whose design is centered on Zhang's legacy.