Jiangsu Nantong 1-Day Tour Guide Weekend Escape from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen Series

It only takes about an hour by high-speed train from Shanghai! Although Nantong seems relatively niche and not really a tourist city, this trip felt very comfortable, with few people and scenery that exceeded expectations! It blends Huizhou merchant culture, Jiangnan gardens, and has many city neighborhoods and alleys.

👣 Itinerary: Tangzha Ancient Town - Xinglong Street - Abacus Museum - Nantong TV Tower - Bell Tower Square - Hao River Scenic Area - Yixiao Alley - Nantong Museum Garden - Yiyuan - Blue Calico Museum - Dasheng Maker Street

🚗 Transportation: If you exit from Nantong West Station, you can take the subway directly to Hao River; if you want to visit Tangzha Ancient Town first, it’s recommended to take a taxi. Walking is possible around Hao River (10-25 minutes between attractions), or you can ride shared electric scooters. Dasheng Maker Street is farther away, a taxi there costs about 20-30 yuan.

📍 Tangzha Ancient Town
Xinglong Street has many very local snack stalls/breakfast shops, like egg pancakes and fire dumplings, just a few yuan each, feeling like childhood streets! The ancient town itself doesn’t have much to see and is less crowded. If time is tight, it’s recommended to go straight to Hao River.

📍 Abacus Museum
The exhibition hall is small, mainly displaying the history of the abacus and abacus exhibits. Worth a visit if you have time.
💰 Free
🕒 9:00-17:00

📍 Nantong TV Tower
Mainly for passing by; it looks better from a distance for photos.

📍 Bell Tower Square
A must-visit photo spot in Nantong! The landmark building "City Center" with a sunken plaza in front.

📍 Hao River Scenic Area
Mainly to enjoy the various scenery around the Hao River encircling the city; boat rides are also available.

📍 Yixiao Alley
A very narrow alley lined with various cafes and creative shops on both sides. It’s basically a happy home for university students!

📍 Nantong Museum Garden
The top must-visit place in Nantong! The country’s first museum garden, combining garden landscapes and a museum. The South Hall and Haonan Bieye require separate tickets, which can be purchased at the new exhibition hall.
💰 Free
🕒 9:00-17:00

📍 Yiyuan
A small peninsula on the Hao River with a nice café, perfect for resting and enjoying the view.

📍 Blue Calico Museum
A small exhibition hall where you can experience printing! Blue calico is also a local traditional craft, so it’s worth a visit.
💰 Free
🕒 9:00-17:00

📍 Dasheng Maker Street
The internet-famous walls, graffiti walls, and trendy cafes are all here! A very fancy neighborhood with many wedding photography studios and exquisite restaurants, perfect for hanging out with friends, eating, and taking photos!