Traveling to Nantong with Parents! A Thoughtful 3-Day 2-Night Itinerary Without Driving

Want to take your parents on a trip but don’t want to drive? Nantong, Jiangsu, this hidden gem city must be on your list! It boasts rich historical heritage and beautiful natural scenery. A three-day, two-night trip is easy and enjoyable. Quickly save this super detailed guide! 🌟 Itinerary ✅ Day 1: Explore the Ancient City’s Cultural Heritage and Experience the Night Charm of Hao River - Morning: - Nantong Museum (free, closed on Mondays): As China’s first public museum, it carries the memories of time. Highly recommend visiting the "Ancient Charm of Jiangsu and the Sea" exhibition. Arrive before 8 AM to easily avoid crowds and slowly feel the depth of history. - Morning Tea Time: - Tasting authentic Nantong morning tea is a perfect way to start a wonderful day! Crab roe soup dumplings paired with ginger tea warm the stomach and are delicious; low-sugar osmanthus cake is sweet but not greasy; shepherd’s purse wonton soup is fresh and fragrant—every bite is a taste of happiness. - Afternoon: - Hao River Cruise (60 RMB/person, cultural museum special line): Board a cushioned seat painted boat, listen to the commentary while drifting on the gentle Hao River, admire historical sites like Tianning Temple’s Guangxiao Pagoda and the site of China’s first normal school, and feel the passage of time. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the cruise dock to the Temple Street historic district. - Evening: - Temple Street Historic District: The old site of Tongming Electric Company is a perfect spot for vintage-style photos; stroll along Feng Qigan Alley to appreciate the unique charm of Republic of China-era gatehouses; at 5 PM, you can listen to the melodious evening drum of Tianning Temple. - Dinner Recommendation: Try a low-oil white sauce catfish dish with tender meat; clam cakes are fragrant and tasty. Choose a window seat to enjoy your meal while admiring the old street at dusk. ✅ Day 2: Seek Zen at Langshan Mountain and Experience Intangible Cultural Heritage - Morning: - Langshan Scenic Area (70 RMB/person, free for 65+): About a 20-minute taxi ride from downtown, or take Holiday Line 4 bus directly. If you want to avoid fatigue, take the cable car for 30 RMB one way. Touch the "Fu" character screen wall at Guangjiao Temple, and from Wangjiang Pavilion, gaze at the Husu Tong Bridge to feel the grandeur of mountains and rivers. - Afternoon: - Nantong Banyaokite Kite Museum (free): Step inside to explore Nantong’s unique kite culture and feel the charm of intangible cultural heritage. - Tangzha Ancient Town: Visit the old factory buildings at Dasheng Wharf, listen to the ancient oil pressing work songs at Zesheng Street oil mill, and experience the industrial marks and local life left by time. ✅ Day 3: Stroll Through Rugao Shuihui Garden and Savor Flavors on East Street - Morning: - Rugao Shuihui Garden (45 RMB/person, free for 70+): Take the H02 Huimin Bus (6 RMB/person, about 1 hour) from Nantong Chadian Temple Station. Enjoy tea at Hanbitang while listening to the classic "Peony Pavilion," feeling the poetic elegance of Jiangnan gardens. - Afternoon: - Rugao East Street: Walk on the bluestone pavement, browse century-old shops, don’t forget to bring a box of Rugao Dong Sugar (20 RMB/box), crispy and sweet; try the fragrant grass stove baked cakes. Finally, take the bus (20 RMB/person, 1.5 hours) from Rugao Bus Station back to Nantong to end your pleasant journey. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations - Nantong Grand Hotel (about 500 RMB/night): A 3-minute walk to Hao River, offers free afternoon tea, very convenient for travel and leisure. - Nantong Overseas Chinese Hotel (about 300 RMB/night): Converted from a historic building, adjacent to Hao River, full of unique charm. - Hanting Hotel (Hao River Scenic Area Branch) (about 200 RMB/night): The top choice for budget accommodation, only a 10-minute walk to the museum, excellent value for money. 🚇 Transportation Tips - Within the city: Taxi starting fare is 10 RMB between attractions, convenient and fast; you can also choose to ride "Dingda Travel" bikes, some equipped with special cushions for seniors, making riding comfortable and safe. - Cross-district attractions: - Langshan: Take Holiday Line 4 bus directly, first bus departs at 8:30 AM. - Rugao: H02 Huimin Bus operates from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, one bus per hour, about 1 hour travel time. - Airport/Train Station: Take the airport shuttle bus from Xingdong Airport to downtown, fare 20 RMB/person. 📌 Thoughtful Tips 1. Anti-slip protection: The stone steps at Langshan can be slippery after rain. Remember to prepare anti-slip shoe covers for your parents to ensure travel safety. 2. Convenient travel: Some scenic spots offer rental of balance scooters with backrests (30 RMB/hour). If tired, rent one to tour easily. 3. Transportation assistant: Install the "Changxing Nantong" app on your phone in advance. Its real-time bus inquiry feature has a large font version, convenient for parents to check. 4. Avoid peak times: Langshan has many pilgrims on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month, so it’s best to avoid these days; choose the 3 PM Hao River cruise to effectively avoid tour group peaks.