Nantong Two-Day Travel Guide｜Who Says This Place Is a Tourism Desert!

Who says Nantong is a "tourism desert"? 🙅 This riverside and seaside town truly masters the art of being "low-key yet rich in content"! 🌿The city is bursting with greenery, 🌅stunning sunsets by the river, 📸and plenty of photogenic cafes! 🏛️Cultural buffs will love it too, with an immersive experience at Nantong Museum to learn about Zhang Qian’s story! Best of all, there are few people and beautiful scenery, making it a paradise for travelers! Quickly save this guide, it’s really worth it! 🗓 Itinerary: ⛱️Day 1: Morning Citywalk along Hao River, Afternoon Sword Mountain + Riverside Sunset 1. Wenfeng Pagoda: A five-story hexagonal brick tower built during the Ming Wanli period. The nearby Tower Shadow Café is great for photos; it’s best to visit early morning to avoid crowds. You can also stroll through Wenfeng Park opposite. 2. Nantong Museum: A 5-minute walk away, China’s first public museum founded independently by Chinese people. It’s recommended to catch the free guided tour at 9:30 AM. 3. Yixiao Alley: Less than 100 meters from the museum, this artsy alley originated from the medical school founded by Zhang Jian in the late Qing and early Republic periods. It’s home to many cafes and niche shops. 4. Yiyuan Garden: A 10-minute walk, this free city park is perfect for relaxing in a quiet café. You might even catch a dragon boat race during the Dragon Boat Festival. 5. Nantong Blue Calico Museum: A 10-minute walk, free admission; intangible cultural heritage experiences require advance booking. 6. Sword Mountain: East side of Langshan Scenic Area, 30 RMB entrance fee, very beginner-friendly. It takes 15 minutes to reach the summit with views of the Yangtze River and Langshan. 7. Riverside Park Walk: Navigate to Pengxin Garden State Guest Hotel, then walk or bike 2.5 km along the river boardwalk. Perfect for photography at sunset. ⛱️Day 2: Morning Leisure around Bell Tower, Afternoon Tangzha Ancient Town + Futian Temple 1. Bell Tower and Qiao Tower: Nantong landmarks. The Bell Tower was built in 1914, and the Qiao Tower dates back to the Yuan Dynasty. The two towers are connected, blending ancient and modern, East and West, very unique. 2. Xihai Café: Behind Bell Tower Square, an 18-minute walk. The café’s lawn across the river is photogenic and you can spot black swans. 3. Haoxi Book Garden: A 12-minute walk along Hao River. The entrance is adorned with blooming lotuses, and you can also visit the Abacus Museum nearby. 4. Tangzha Ancient Town: The birthplace of Zhang Qian’s industrial salvation efforts. It preserves many industrial relics and is very off the beaten path with little tourism development. Can be skipped if short on time. 5. Futian Temple: Recommended to take a taxi, 15 minutes away. The architecture is exquisite, the place is quiet and peaceful, perfect for relaxing. 🚉 Transportation Tips: Metro Line 1 or Hao River Tourist Line connects major Hao River attractions. Tangzha Ancient Town is far from downtown; ride-hailing is preferred (about 30 RMB one way). Money-saving tip: Get the “Nantong Public Transport E-Card” in advance for a 20% discount. 🏨 Accommodation Tips: Recommended to stay in Chongchuan District, close to Hao River scenic area with convenient transport. Best value options: All Seasons Hotel, Manxin Hotel, Heyi Zhige Hotel. 🍜 Food Map: Siyi Cake Shop: A paradise for glutinous rice lovers. Shunhua Lou Bun Shop: Crab roe soup buns with rich and fresh filling. Nanhetong Food Stall: Instant nostalgia for old Nantong flavors. Zhuafan Meets Nang Keng Rou: Must-try internet-famous lamb pilaf. No. 9 Little Chef: Taste the local specialty pufferfish. Holland Street Night Market: Countless snack stalls. 💗 Other Tips: If you have more time, visit Nantong Forest Wildlife Zoo for close encounters with Yangtze River Delta native species.