Nantong: Gateway of River and Sea

An aerial view of Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Nantong, located at the Yangtze River's mouth to the Yellow Sea, is surrounded on three sides by the Yangtze River, Yellow Sea and East China Sea. The confluence of river and seas has nourished the Jianghai (Yangtze River-Yellow Sea) land and fostered Jianghai culture. Over thousands of years, Nantong has grown from a barren area into the Pearl of the River and Sea.

Culture

Nantong, a key part of the Maritime Silk Road, has witnessed historical changes. On this vast and fertile land, the locals have created a culture of land reclamation and animal husbandry. Nantong's sand polder system was even included on the China Important Agricultural Heritage list.

Langshan Mountain, a famous scenic spot in Nantong, is viewed as an embodiment of memories. Buddhist master Seng Jia of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) promoted Dharma in Langshan, and Tang Dynasty poet Luo Binwang was buried here.

Haohe River is one of the most complete and well-preserved city moats in China. Well-maintained historical blocks reveal its prosperous past and bring people back to the busy and lively markets of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

Zhang Jian (1853-1926), a native of Nantong, was a prominent industrialist at the turn of the last century. He believed industrialization could help the nation become independent and powerful. He also developed education by establishing over 100 new-style schools such as a normal school, drama school, and other vocational schools.

Spirit

Nantong locals upheld firm revolutionary ideals and beliefs and displayed their immense bravery by fighting against invaders during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and contributing to the War of Liberation.

After the wars, they went on to boost socialist construction, reform and opening-up. Nantong has now become a nationally important base for grain and cotton production and one of China's first open coastal cities. The Dearshiqiao textile market has developed from a family workshop into a global home-textile center. In addition, Nantong enjoys a strong reputation as the "Iron Army of Architecture" around the world.

The fast-changing city is also full of love and warmth, with 147 Nantong citizens awarded "Good Samaritans of China".

Vision

Nantong has undergone tremendous changes in recent years. It has established a comprehensive transport system, including cross-river bridges, railways, highways and ports, in an effort to enter the half-hour commuting circle of Shanghai and southern Jiangsu cities and become a model for the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region. Meanwhile, a new port and airport are currently being planned.

Nantong's economic aggregate has now broken the 1-trillion-yuan ($140.5 billion) threshold, focusing on the ship and marine engineering, space equipment and green high-end port industries. The city is striving to become a more innovative city and will continue efforts in ecological development to forge a brighter future.