Nantong’s wider region brings together a historic waterscape, industrial history, and specialist collections. Choosing what to see is easier if you first decide what you want to focus on: should a trip along the Haohe River, a look at the industrial past, or a particular museum shape your stay? The experiences described represent different kinds of visits. This lets you plan around your interests rather than treating river activities and historic sites as a single type of excursion.
Haohe River: History and experiences on the water
The Haohe River is 10 kilometers long and was originally built as a moat surrounding the city. It is considered the best-preserved ancient city moat in the country and has been rated a national 5A tourist attraction. Its former role as a fortification and the recreational options described today give the river different layers of significance.
On a traditional boat ride, visitors can experience the “Haohe River Night Painting” show, where light and shadow play across the water and historic architecture. The light display is the focus of this experience. A separate route description published in December 2024 describes a two-hour Haohe River cruise that also takes in museums and destinations on land. Tour guides provide commentary throughout the ride. If you want to include this specific tour in your plans, check its current availability in advance.
Water supercars, water cycling, and stand-up paddleboarding are also offered as recreational activities on the Haohe River. They offer a different focus from the guided tour: here, the emphasis is on activities on the water. Availability may change, so check before making specific plans.
Industrial history and museums in the surrounding area
Tangzha Ancient Town preserves numerous relics of Nantong’s modern industrial history. Nantong Museum was among the country’s first national first-class museums. Another cultural landmark is the Nantong Art Museum on the shore of Zilang Lake, right next to Nantong Grand Theater. The wider region therefore offers both industrial heritage and a museum and theater as distinct options for a cultural stay.
The China Abacus Museum has a particularly clear thematic focus. It houses more than 4,000 abacus-related books and historical records, as well as over 2,000 abacuses; the collection may change over time. The exhibition halls are devoted to the development, history, and culture of the abacus, as well as its physical objects. There is also an interactive hall and a temporary exhibition hall. The interactive hall offers programs that introduce visitors to the abacus. Those interested in this calculating instrument can choose between collection areas, changing exhibitions, and an educational program. If a particular program is important to your visit, check in advance whether it is being offered.
Xisi Temple: The Song dynasty and seasonal activities
In the wider Nantong region, Xisi Temple contains architectural remains from the Song dynasty (960–1279). Its seasonal activities include tea ceremonies, incense ceremonies, and rubbing-making. Historic architecture and seasonal cultural offerings are available side by side, though they need not be the focus of the same visit. If you would like to take part in one of these activities, check the dates in advance.
When choosing what to see, you can weigh several distinct options: a light show or guided cruise on the Haohe River, recreational activities on the water, or a cultural site with a specific theme. Tangzha, Nantong Museum, and the Abacus Museum offer different ways to explore industrial and intellectual history; Xisi Temple adds the Song dynasty and seasonal ceremonies to the mix. You can therefore organize the region’s options according to the kind of discovery you want to shape your stay.
Discover more destinations: Huai'an, Yangzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, Changzhou, Kunshan, Yancheng, Taizhou
For the full travel overview: Jiangsu.
