Haohe River lights up at night. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The Haohe River, a millennium-old moat in Nantong, has transformed into a 5A-rated tourist draw, with new drone rentals, upgraded beaches and an immersive night cruise that brings local history to life.

At the Wuting Yingyue section, visitors can now rent drones from self-service kiosks for aerial footage. Nearby, White Sand Beach has been renovated with finer sand, new washing stations and safety rails, making it more family-friendly. "It's so much easier to bring kids here now," said resident Wang Li.

The scenic area has rolled out a series of "micro-renovations", including bilingual signs, upgraded restrooms, electric vehicle charging stations, smart surveillance and improved pier traffic flow, aimed at enhancing visitor experience without altering the historical fabric. "It feels cleaner and more orderly," said Li Zhou, a frequent visitor.

Historic buildings along the river have also found new uses. Yinghong Tower, a lotus-viewing spot, now hosts a coffee shop. The former residence of local industrialist Zhang Jian (1853-1926) offers tea, reading and garden walks. Traditional arts such as Nantong-style bonsai, guqin music and orchid displays are featured regularly.

The highlight is "Night Painting of the Haohe River", a 50-minute evening cruise that has been added as a regular offering. Using projection mapping and lighting effects, the show traces Nantong's story from the construction of the moat to Zhang Jian's industrial reforms, weaving in local crafts like Shen embroidery and banyao kite-making.

"I thought it would be just a night boat ride, but I finally understand the history along this river," said a visitor from Shanghai. A resident said, "This show gives the river a whole new way to be experienced." The ancient moat, once built for defense, now draws crowds with a blend of heritage and modern flair.