Things to do in Nantong

There were still quite a few people queuing. This must be Nantong's signature night cruise attraction. Our boat had its entire ceiling opened when it started moving, so there were no obstructions and the effect was fantastic. There were various performances and light shows along the riverbanks, allowing us to learn about Nantong's history – it was truly wonderful. When we reached a particular performance, the boat would stop there, allowing us to quietly enjoy the view. Thumbs up!

Nantong Museum, located in Nantong City, is one of China's earliest public museums. The building is an old-style Western-style structure, and the interior is dimly lit. The exhibition halls are divided into natural history and cultural history sections. One room is dedicated to displaying Zhang Jian's personal belongings, including his clothes and stationery. The outdoor exhibition area features old-fashioned looms and waterwheels, quietly nestled in the shade of trees. There aren't many visitors; you can hear footsteps in the corridors and the sounds of cars on the distant road. A complete visit takes about two hours.

Shuihui Garden, located in the northeast corner of Rugao Ancient City, Jiangsu Province, was first built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, boasting a history of over 400 years. The garden's name, meaning "water paintings all around from north to south and east to west," reflects its location. It was the retreat of Mao Pijiang, one of the "Four Gentlemen of the Late Ming Dynasty," and Dong Xiaowan, one of the "Eight Beauties of Qinhuai." The garden features shimmering waters and picturesque scenery, comprising attractions such as Shuiming Tower and Gudan Garden. Designated a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 2001, it enjoys the reputation of being a "Famous Garden Under Heaven." Admission is free.

The museum houses many precious items, including the 2016 Connecticut Lifetime Achievement Award certificate awarded to Li Changyu, the silver medal of the Magnolia Memorial Award, an on-site footprint collector, an old black microscope used in Dr. Li Changyu's laboratory, a dissection tool set, stone fragments from the Oklahoma City explosion site, and more.

I went to Nantong Riverside Park to climb Ma'anshan and Huangnishan, two of the five mountains. Huangnishan is not open to the public at present (as shown in the photo); Ma'anshan is open from 6:00 to 18:00. Huangnishan and Ma'anshan are located on the banks of the Yangtze River, with excellent environments, and are a good place to view the Yangtze River. Ma'anshan is only a little over 50 meters above sea level, and mountaineering and scenery viewing are suitable for people of all ages.

Shanghai After Dark — The Bund Never Sleeps ✨“Where the river reflects a thousand city lights and the future rises above a timeless waterfront. The Bund is more than a view — it’s Shanghai at its most magical, where elegance, ambition, and endless dreams meet.” 🌃❤

My second visit to West Lake was great; the boat tour was excellent. The dock was easy to find, the staff were very friendly, provided clear explanations, and helped with any issues. There were also sightseeing buses, which were nice but a bit pricey. Taking the boat tour and then walking around was both perfectly fine.

Haohe River Museum is located in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province. It is one of the museums around Haohe River in Nantong and is located in the national 5A-level Haohe River tourist scenic area. Haohe River Museum is a comprehensive museum that collects Haohe River cultural relics, studies the city and river culture, displays the scenery of Haohe River scenic area, and disseminates relevant knowledge.

Zhang Jian was a modern Chinese industrialist. The Zhang Jian Memorial Hall in Haimen has an elegant environment. There is a Zhang Jian Cultural Square in front of the hall. The hall includes Zhanggong Ancestral Hall, Jinao Terrace, Cultural Gallery, Zhuangyuan Mountain, Zhuangyuan Pavilion and ancient ginkgo trees. The main building of the memorial hall is a two-story building with the overall architectural style of the Republic of China. It is mainly used to display historical materials about Zhang Jian.

At the summit, there's just a rock and a flat area, nothing special. On the other side, there's a temple to the God of Wealth with 1399 steps. You need to be very sincere to reach the top. Below are various Buddhist halls and temples, as well as some stone carvings of Buddha statues. The scenery is pleasant, with mountains, water, and forests.