Nantong (南通)

1. Introduction

Nantong City, abbreviated as Tong, historically known as Jinghai, Tongzhou, and Zilang, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Jiangsu Province, the People's Republic of China. It is designated by the State Council of the People's Republic of China as an economic center on the northern wing of the Yangtze River Delta and a modern port city. The municipal government is located at No. 6 Shiji Avenue, Chongchuan District.

Nantong is situated in East China, in the southeastern part of Jiangsu Province, and is one of the coastal cities. It borders the Yellow Sea to the east and the Yangtze River to the south, making it an important component of the Yangtze River City Cluster and a gateway city on the northern wing of the Shanghai Metropolitan Area. It is one of China's first 14 coastal cities opened to foreign investment, combining the advantages of a "golden coast" and a "golden waterway." The city boasts a 226-kilometer Yangtze River shoreline, strategically positioned at the confluence of the river and the sea and serving as a crucial link between the north and the south.

Nantong is a State Council-approved National Historical and Cultural City. The city covers a total area of 8,544 square kilometers, with an urban built-up area of 246 square kilometers and an urbanization rate of 67.1%. Nantong has a relatively high level of economic development, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of 1,181.33 billion yuan in 2023, ranking sixth among non-provincial capital prefecture-level cities in the People's Republic of China. It is also the second-largest non-provincial capital prefecture-level city in terms of GDP north of the Yangtze River within China.

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2. History

The earliest land formation in Nantong occurred in its northwestern part, which is the outer edge of the Yangtai Upland. Over 5,000 years ago, human clan tribes settled here, and the ancestors of Nantong thrived in this area. Most of the remaining regions were formed by the gradual merging of sandbars in the sea over the past 2,000 years. Before the Sui Dynasty, the area that is now Nantong's urban district gradually formed into a sandbar, initially called "Hudou Zhou" (later also known as Hudou Zhou). The sandbar was inhabited by many exiles who made a living by boiling salt. Slightly to the east was Nanbu Zhou, and to the northeast was Fuhai Zhou. These major sandbars were all under the jurisdiction of Hailing (present-day Taizhou).

In the seventh year of the Yixi era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (411 AD), four counties—Ninghai, Rugao, Linjiang, and Putao—were established in the area of present-day Hai'an and Rugao, belonging to Nanyanzhou (present-day Yangzhou). In the seventh year of the Taishi era of the Southern Song Dynasty (471 AD), the western part of Ninghai County was separated to establish Hai'an County, which was soon abolished, and its jurisdiction was returned to Ninghai County. Later, it was merged into Hailing County.

In the third year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty (583 AD), Rugao County was merged into Ninghai County and later into Hailing County. In the second year of the Jinglong era of the Tang Dynasty (708 AD), the eastern part of Hailing County was separated to re-establish Hai'an County. In the tenth year of the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty (722 AD), Hai'an County was again merged into Hailing County.

During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, the area of present-day Nantong was controlled by the Southern Tang, a separatist regime. In the tenth year of the Baoda era of the Southern Tang (952 AD), the Rugao area of Hailing County was elevated to Rugao County. In the fifth year of the Xiande era of the Later Zhou Dynasty (958 AD), Jinghai Army was established, later renamed Tongzhou, and the prefectural city was built. At that time, it governed Jinghai and Haimen counties. During the Song Dynasty, Tongzhou was once called Chongzhou and Chongchuan, belonging to the Huainan East Circuit. In the fifteenth year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1278 AD), Tongzhou was elevated to Tongzhou Route. In the twenty-second year of the Zhiyuan era (1285 AD), it was restored to a prefecture, belonging to Yangzhou Route, and governed Jinghai and Haimen counties.

In the first year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1368 AD), Jinghai County was abolished, and Tongzhou directly administered Jinghai, governing Haimen and Chongming counties. In the eighth year of the Hongwu era (1375 AD), Chongming was transferred to Suzhou Prefecture, and Tongzhou continued to govern Haimen County. In the second year of the Yongzheng era of the Qing Dynasty (1724 AD), Tongzhou was elevated to a directly administered prefecture, with Taixing from Yangzhou Prefecture and Rugao from Taizhou Prefecture placed under its jurisdiction. In the thirty-third year of the Qianlong era (1768 AD), 19 sandbars from Tongzhou, 11 sandbars from Chongming, and 10 newly formed sandbars were designated to establish Haimen Directly Administered Subprefecture.

In the first year of the Republic of China (1912 AD), Haimen abolished its subprefecture status and established a county in January, and Tongzhou was renamed Nantong County in May. On March 1, the 17th year of the Republic of China (1928 AD), Qidong County was established in the outer sandbars of Chongming, belonging to Jiangsu Province. In the 22nd year of the Republic of China (1933 AD), the Seventh Administrative District Commissioner's Office of Jiangsu Province was established in Nantong City, governing five counties: Nantong, Rugao, Haimen, Qidong, and Chongming. The following year, it was renamed the Nantong District Administrative Supervision Commissioner's Office of Jiangsu Province. In June of the 25th year of the Republic of China (1936 AD), it was renamed the Fourth District Administrative Supervision Commissioner's Office of Jiangsu Province. In March of the 30th year of the Republic of China (1941 AD), Ruxi County was established. In the 32nd year of the Republic of China (1943 AD), the Taibei Office was abolished, and Zishi County was established. After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War in the 34th year of the Republic of China (1945 AD), Ruxi County in the western part of Rugao was renamed Rugao County, while Rugao County in the eastern part was named Rudong County. In the 37th year of the Republic of China (1948 AD), Zishi County was renamed Hai'an County. In January 1949, the Communist regime gained control of the entire territories of Haimen and Qidong. On February 2, it gained control of the entire area of present-day Nantong City. On February 3, the Nantong Municipal People's Government was established, with its office located at No. 1 Jianshe Road.

In October 1949, Nantong Prefecture was placed under the Northern Jiangsu Administrative Region, governing five counties: Rudong County, Nantong County, Haimen County, Qidong County, and Chongming County, as well as Nantong City. In January 1950, Hai'an and Rugao counties were transferred from the Taizhou Prefecture of Northern Jiangsu to Nantong Prefecture. In May, Nantong City became a municipality directly under the Northern Jiangsu Administrative Office. In January 1953, Jiangsu Province was re-established, and Nantong City became a province-administered city. In November 1958, Chongming County was transferred to Shanghai Municipality. In 1970, Nantong Prefecture was abolished, and Nantong Region was established. In March 1983, the Nantong Region Administrative Office was abolished, and the six counties originally under its jurisdiction were placed under the leadership of Nantong City, implementing a city-administering-county system. After 1989, Qidong, Rugao, Nantong, and Haimen successively abolished their county status and established cities, with Nantong County renamed Tongzhou City. In April 2009, Tongzhou abolished its city status and established a district. In October 2011, the Tongzhou District–Binjiang New Area was established. In June 2018, Hai'an abolished its county status and established a city.

On July 17, 2020, Jiangsu Province announced adjustments to the administrative divisions of Nantong City: Chongchuan District and Gangzha District of Nantong City were abolished, and a new Chongchuan District of Nantong City was established, with the administrative areas of the original Chongchuan District and Gangzha District as the new Chongchuan District's administrative area. The county-level Haimen City was abolished, and Haimen District of Nantong City was established, with the administrative area of the original Haimen City as Haimen District's administrative area.

3. Geography

It belongs to a subtropical monsoon climate.

Nantong Meteorological Data (1971–2000)

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |------|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|------|------|------|------| | Record high °C (°F) | 18.4 (65.1) | 24.7 (76.5) | 26.1 (79.0) | 31.1 (88.0) | 34.4 (93.9) | 36.0 (96.8) | 38.2 (100.8) | 37.0 (98.6) | 38.5 (101.3) | 31.1 (88.0) | 27.6 (81.7) | 20.7 (69.3) | 38.5 (101.3) | | Average high °C (°F) | 6.8 (44.2) | 8.2 (46.8) | 12.1 (53.8) | 18.6 (65.5) | 24.1 (75.4) | 27.4 (81.3) | 30.9 (87.6) | 30.9 (87.6) | 26.8 (80.2) | 22.0 (71.6) | 15.9 (60.6) | 9.9 (49.8) | 19.5 (67.0) | | Daily mean °C (°F) | 3.1 (37.6) | 4.2 (39.6) | 8.0 (46.4) | 14.0 (57.2) | 19.4 (66.9) | 23.4 (74.1) | 27.2 (81.0) | 27.0 (80.6) | 22.8 (73.0) | 17.6 (63.7) | 11.6 (52.9) | 5.6 (42.1) | 15.3 (59.5) | | Average low °C (°F) | 0.2 (32.4) | 1.2 (34.2) | 4.7 (40.5) | 10.1 (50.2) | 15.5 (59.9) | 20.2 (68.4) | 24.3 (75.7) | 24.2 (75.6) | 19.8 (67.6) | 14.1 (57.4) | 8.0 (46.4) | 2.2 (36.0) | 12.0 (53.7) | | Record low °C (°F) | -9.6 (14.7) | -7.2 (19.0) | -3.8 (25.2) | -0.7 (30.7) | 5.5 (41.9) | 12.8 (55.0) | 15.6 (60.1) | 16.5 (61.7) | 9.9 (49.8) | 3.4 (38.1) | -2.8 (27.0) | -8.4 (16.9) | -9.6 (14.7) | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 43.5 (1.71) | 48.9 (1.93) | 81.3 (3.20) | 72.8 (2.87) | 92.7 (3.65) | 197.2 (7.76) | 164.5 (6.48) | 129.5 (5.10) | 102.8 (4.05) | 55.7 (2.19) | 47.7 (1.88) | 28.3 (1.11) | 1,064.9 (41.93) | | Average precipitation days (≥0.1 mm) | 8.5 | 9.1 | 12.0 | 10.5 | 11.1 | 12.2 | 13.3 | 11.2 | 9.9 | 8.3 | 7.1 | 5.4 | 118.6 |

3.1. Topography

The earliest land formation in Nantong was in the area of Hai'an and Rugao, located at the easternmost tip of the ancient Yangtai Sand Spit. The discovery of the Hai'an Qingdun Neolithic site (Qingdun Site) in the 1970s and subsequent research confirmed that over 6,000 years ago, the northwestern part of present-day Nantong had already formed land and witnessed human activity. About 4,000 years ago, the coastal areas of the Jianghuai region were submerged. During the Han Dynasty, the northwestern part of the present-day Nantong area re-emerged. From the 5th century AD to the early 20th century, through four large-scale connections of sandbars to the mainland, ancient sandbars such as Fuhai Zhou (present-day Rudong County area), Hudou Zhou (present-day Nantong urban area and nearby regions), and Dongbu Zhou (present-day Haimen and central-northern Qidong) successively connected with the mainland. While the land was continuously connecting, some areas experienced growth and shrinkage due to hydrological influences. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Yangtze River eroded the land of Tongzhou, and the ancient Haimen County collapsed. Subsequently, twenty to thirty sandbars emerged successively from the Yangtze River estuary. In the 29th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1903), the present-day southern Qidong (originally called Chongming Waisha) connected with the Haimen landmass. By this point, the present-day territory of Nantong was essentially formed.

3.2. Geology and Geomorphology

Nantong is located at the confluence of the river and sea, with its entire area consisting of fluvial and marine sedimentary plains formed in different periods. It can be divided into the Langshan Residual Hill Area, the Hai'an Lixiahe Low-lying Lake Sedimentary Plain Area, the North Bank Ancient Sand Spit Area, the Tonglü Water Ridge Sea-River Sedimentary Plain Area, the Nantong Ancient River Channel Network Plain Area, the Southern Plain and Shoal Land Area, the Sanyu Marine Sedimentary Plain Area, and the Coastal New Reclamation Area, among others. The overall territorial outline of Nantong is longer east-west than north-south, surrounded by water on three sides and bordering land on one side, forming an irregular diamond shape. The terrain is low and flat, with minimal surface relief, generally at an elevation of 2–6.5 meters, sloping slightly from northwest to southeast. Vast plains and dense water networks are its distinctive features.

3.3. Hydrology

The terrain within Nantong is flat, with a network of rivers and channels. The area south of the old Tongyang Canal connecting to the Rutai Canal and leading to the coastal outlet belongs to the Yangtze River Basin, covering over 5,700 square kilometers; the area north of it belongs to the Huai River Basin, covering about 2,200 square kilometers.

Nantong's main trunk waterways (first-class rivers) include the Jiaogang River, Ruhai Canal, Jiuweigang River, Rutai Canal, Tongyang Canal, New Tongyang Canal, Tonglü Canal, Tongqi Canal, Xinjianghai River, Beiling River, Bencha Canal, etc., with a total length of 742.34 kilometers. There are 105 second-class rivers, with a total length of 1,760.58 kilometers. Additionally, there are numerous third and fourth-class rivers. Waterways at all levels interweave into a network, interconnected. Through long-term construction and regulation, they form a river network system capable of diversion, storage, control, regulation, and navigation.

The main stem of the Yangtze River within Nantong spans 87 kilometers, with a river width of 6–18 kilometers. The multi-year average Datong flow rate is 28,700 cubic meters per second, indicating abundant water resources. The water quality of the Yangtze River main stem section is good, with mid-channel quality meeting Class II water standards. It serves as the main water supply source for Nantong City and is also an important channel for Nantong's external water transport.

3.4. Climate Characteristics

Nantong is situated on the alluvial plain of the lower Yangtze River, with a pronounced maritime climate. The annual average temperature is 15.1°C, and the annual precipitation is around 1,040 mm. The climate is mild with four distinct seasons, and spring and autumn are relatively short.

Nantong belongs to the northern subtropical humid climate zone, significantly influenced by monsoons. It experiences four distinct seasons, a mild climate, ample sunshine, abundant rainfall, and a long frost-free period. Due to its location in the mid-latitude zone and the land-sea transition zone, common meteorological disasters include floods, droughts, the Meiyu (plum rain) season, typhoons, rainstorms, cold waves, high temperatures, strong winds, lightning strikes, hail, etc., making it a typical area prone to frequent meteorological disasters. According to statistics from the past 30 years, the annual average temperature is around 15°C, the annual average sunshine hours reach 2,000–2,200 hours, and the annual average precipitation is 1,000–1,100 mm, with rain and heat occurring in the same season. Summer rainfall accounts for about 40–50% of the annual total. The average number of annual rainy days is around 120, and there is often a period of Meiyu rain from June to July.

4. Administrative Divisions

Nantong City currently administers 3 municipal districts, 1 county, and manages 3 county-level cities on behalf of the province.

• Municipal Districts: Chongchuan District, Tongzhou District, Haimen District
• County-level Cities: Qidong City, Rugao City, Hai'an City
• County: Rudong County

Additionally, the Nantong Economic and Technological Development Zone, established in 1984 by the State Council of the People's Republic of China as one of the first national-level economic and technological development zones, serves as a key functional area within the urban core of Nantong.

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | 320600 | Nantong City | Nántōng Shì | 10,549.25 | 7,726,635 | Chongchuan District | 226000 | 38 | 65 | | 320612 | Tongzhou District | Tōngzhōu Qū | 1,561.97 | 1,258,739 | Jinxin Subdistrict | 226300 | 4 | 12 | | 320613 | Chongchuan District | Chóngchuān Qū | 578.32 | 1,516,013 | Hongqiao Subdistrict | 226000 | 21 | | | 320614 | Haimen District | Hǎimén Qū | 1,143.51 | 991,782 | Haimen Subdistrict | 226100 | 3 | 9 | | 320623 | Rudong County | Rúdōng Xiàn | 2,791.17 | 880,006 | Chengzhong Subdistrict | 226400 | 3 | 12 | | 320681 | Qidong City | Qǐdōng Shì | 1,714.59 | 967,313 | Huilong Town | 226200 | | 12 | | 320682 | Rugao City | Rúgāo Shì | 1,576.12 | 1,238,448 | Rucheng Subdistrict | 226500 | 3 | 11 | | 320685 | Hai'an City | Hǎi'ān Shì | 1,183.57 | 874,334 | Hai'an Subdistrict | 226600 | 4 | 9 |

5. Economy

In 1984, Nantong became one of the fourteen coastal open cities, accelerating a historic and tremendous transformation in its social economy. The port industry has long been a primary pillar industry for Nantong, with the textile and processing industries also serving as significant sources of revenue. Heavy industries along the coast, particularly shipbuilding, have developed quite rapidly in recent years. The private economy in Nantong is currently in a stage of vigorous development.

5.1. Nantong Coastal Zone

Established in January 2012, the Nantong Coastal Zone is a key development zone directly under the Nantong Municipal Government, established according to national-level development zone standards. Its total planned control area reaches 820 square kilometers, with a current managed area of 585 square kilometers. The goal is to build a modern international coastal new city integrating port, industry, and urban functions. The Nantong Coastal Zone possesses comprehensive advantages including superior port resources, vast development space, excellent geographical location, and good intermodal transport conditions. Its industrial positioning is: a large-scale coastal port-based industrial base in eastern China; a comprehensive logistics base and heavy equipment manufacturing cluster in the northern wing of the Yangtze River Delta; an important energy base in the coastal region of Jiangsu Province; and a national-level ecological tourism resort in the coastal area of Jiangsu.

5.2. Nantong Central Innovation Zone

Located in the eastern part of the new urban area of Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, the Nantong Central Innovation Zone is bounded by Qingnian Road to the north, Tongfu Road to the west, Yuanxing Road to the south, and Dongkuaisu Road/Tongsheng Avenue to the east. Covering a planned area of approximately 17 square kilometers, it is an important component of the new urban area. To further concentrate on innovation and attract talent, the Nantong Municipal Party Committee and Government proposed the goal of building an innovation capital with regional influence. In this context, the Nantong Central Innovation Zone emerged as the "Science and Innovation Special Zone" leading the construction of the innovation capital. The Central Innovation Zone is the flagship project of the "Innovation Capital," tasked with the historic mission of creating a "regional leader in scientific and technological innovation," a "cooperation carrier for Shanghai-Nantong innovation resources," a "demonstration zone for urban transformation and development," and the "new future urban core of Nantong."

5.3. Su-Xi-Tong Science and Technology Industrial Park

Established in May 2020 through the integration of the Su-Tong Science and Technology Industrial Park and the Xi-Tong Science and Technology Industrial Park, the Su-Xi-Tong Science and Technology Industrial Park is a transnational park jointly developed by the Jiangsu Provincial Government and the Singapore Government, an ecological park co-built by the Chinese and Austrian governments, and a demonstration zone for cross-river coordinated development and regional collaboration among Nantong, Suzhou, and Wuxi. It covers a total area of approximately 100 square kilometers with a population of about 100,000. In 2019, the park achieved fixed asset investment of 14.5 billion yuan, utilized foreign capital of 240 million USD, realized a total industrial output value of 13.5 billion yuan, industrial taxable sales of 12.6 billion yuan, service industry taxable sales of 26.3 billion yuan, and general public budget revenue of 1.05 billion yuan. Embracing the new mission of being a "Pilot Zone for Cross-River Integrated Development" and leveraging the unique advantage of "bilateral cooperation and tri-city co-construction," the park holds high the three banners of "transnational cooperation, cross-river integration, and leapfrog development." It continuously learns from the successful experiences of Singapore, Austria, and the Suzhou Industrial Park, vigorously promotes investment attraction, industry cultivation, urban construction, platform development, and institutional reform, forming a favorable development trend. A modern new city suitable for business and living is rapidly rising at the northern bridgehead of the Su-Tong Yangtze River Bridge.

6. Transportation

Nantong has established a relatively convenient three-dimensional transportation network encompassing water, land, and air.

6.1. Aviation

The earliest airport in the Nantong area can be traced back to the Duanjiaba Airfield built in 1936. In 1930, the Jiangsu Provincial Government required Nantong County to report an airfield site. Zhang Dong, the county magistrate, reported the Second Stadium on Langshan Road as the airfield. In 1933, the Ministry of Communications of the Nationalist Government sent personnel to prepare for the construction of Nantong Airport, intended as a backup airfield for aircraft crossing the river southward. Completed in 1936, it was a dirt airfield used only for small aircraft, primarily for trainer flight exercises, with occasional transport aircraft landings. The airfield fell into disuse after 1949, possibly remaining in use until after 1957. In the 1950s and 1970s, two agricultural airstrips were built: the Tongzhou Sanyu Agricultural Airstrip and the Nantong Farm Agricultural Airstrip. In the late 1950s, the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Transportation invested in building the Xingren Airfield (also referred to as Xingdong Airport) in Yanfu Commune, Nantong County, opening an air route to Nanjing, which closed in 1962.

Construction began in 1964 on the military airport—Rugao Airport. It was once converted to a dual-use military-civilian airport and is still used as a military airport. In 1983, following the merger of the prefecture and city, the Nantong Municipal People's Government submitted a report the following year requesting the construction of an airport in Xingdong Town, Nantong County. Approval was granted by the State Planning Commission in 1990, and finally, Nantong Xingdong Airport was completed at the end of 1992.

Nantong Xingdong International Airport officially opened for navigation on August 24, 1993, named Nantong Xingdong Airport; it was renamed Nantong Xingdong International Airport on July 22, 2016; the first phase of renovation and expansion was completed in April 2012; the second phase was completed in 2019; the new terminal building was put into use on August 18, 2019.

The 2019 Jiangsu Provincial Government Work Report pointed out the need to promote the planning and construction of the new Nantong Airport.

On September 30, 2020, it was learned from the Nantong New Airport (Hub) Construction Headquarters that the Civil Aviation Administration of China had approved the Erjia site in Tongzhou as the recommended site for the new Nantong Airport.

A report on the Dragon TV program China's Yangtze River Delta aired on February 20, 2022, stated that a recently issued Jiangsu provincial notice, Notice on the Three-Year Rolling Promotion Plan for Preliminary Work on Key Provincial Transportation Projects from 2022 to 2024, clarified that the new Nantong Airport will commence construction in November 2023, with a construction period of approximately 4 to 5 years, and is expected to be officially completed between 2026 and 2027.

6.2. Highways

Main expressways include: Shenyang–Haikou Expressway (G15), Shanghai–Xi'an Expressway (G40), Hai'an–Qidong Expressway (S28), Nanjing–Nantong Expressway (S79), and Nantong–Wuxi Expressway (S19).

The Sutong Bridge opened to traffic on June 30, 2008, and the Chongqi Bridge opened to traffic on December 24, 2011.

The Huanghai Bridge was fully connected on July 16, 2008, and opened to traffic by the end of 2008.

The Shanghai–Suzhou–Nantong Yangtze River Bridge opened to traffic on July 1, 2020.

Planned projects: Zhangjiagang–Gaogang River-Crossing Passage, Haimen–Taicang Yangtze River Tunnel, Second Sutong River-Crossing Passage, Chongming–Haimen Passage, Nantong–Shanghai River-Crossing Passage.

6.3. Railway

Completed: China High-Speed Railway Yancheng–Nantong High-Speed Railway, China High-Speed Railway Xinchang Railway, China High-Speed Railway Nanjing–Qidong Railway, China High-Speed Railway Haiyang Railway, China High-Speed Railway Shanghai–Suzhou–Nantong Railway, China High-Speed Railway Yancheng–Nantong High-Speed Railway.

Planned: China High-Speed Railway Northern Yangtze River High-Speed Railway, China High-Speed Railway Shanghai–Nantong Intercity Railway, China High-Speed Railway Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway Second Line, China High-Speed Railway Nantong–Suzhou–Jiaxing–Ningbo Railway, China High-Speed Railway Coastal High-Speed Railway, China High-Speed Railway Rudong–Nantong–Suzhou–Huzhou Intercity Railway.

On July 1, 2020, the Nantong EMU Depot was officially put into operation, making Nantong the third city in Jiangsu Province to have an EMU depot.

On July 1, 2020, the Shanghai–Suzhou–Nantong Railway opened to traffic, ending Nantong's history of having no railway crossing the Yangtze River.

Upon completion, it will connect with the Xuzhou–Suqian–Huai'an–Yancheng Railway, the Shanghai–Suzhou–Nantong Railway, and others to form an important diversion route for the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway corridor south of Xuzhou. It will also become a crucial link in the high-speed railway loop on both sides of the Yangtze River via the Shanghai–Suzhou–Nantong Yangtze River Bridge or the Northern Yangtze River High-Speed Railway.

6.4. Suburban Railway

In June 2021, the Yangtze River Delta Region Multi-Level Rail Transit Plan was issued. Suburban railway lines involving Nantong include the line from Nantong West Station via Haimen to the New Airport (Jianghai Express Line) and the line from Nantong East Station via the New Airport to Tongzhou Bay (Airport Express Line). In 2022, the Jiangsu Provincial Development and Reform Commission approved the feasibility study report for the pre-construction engineering of Haimen North Station on the Nantong East Station via New Airport to Tongzhou Bay Line (Airport Express Line).

6.5. Intercity Railway

In June 2021, the Yangtze River Delta Region Multi-Level Rail Transit Plan was issued. Intercity railway projects involving Nantong include the Rudong–Nantong–Suzhou–Huzhou Intercity Railway.

6.6. Rail Transit

In August 2014, Nantong City's recent construction plan for urban rapid rail transit received national approval, making Nantong the 6th city in Jiangsu Province and the 37th in China approved to build rail transit. The approved plan includes two backbone lines: Phase I of Line 1 and Phase I of Line 2, with a total length of 59.55 kilometers, 41 stations, and a total investment of 39.713 billion yuan.

On December 18, 2017, construction began on Phase I of Nantong Rail Transit Line 1, making Nantong the 6th prefecture-level city in Jiangsu Province and the first in central Jiangsu to build a subway. Construction on Phase I of Nantong Rail Transit Line 2 began on October 26, 2018. On November 10, 2022, Nantong Rail Transit Line 1 officially opened, becoming Nantong's first rail transit line.

In the future, Nantong plans to have 8 subway lines connecting the urban area of Nantong with its counties and districts.

6.7. Water Transport

Nantong Port is an important port in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, currently consisting of three port areas (Tiansheng, Nantong, Langshan) and two port stations (Qinglong, Qidong). Nantong Port currently has a total wharf shoreline length of 4,110.8 meters, including 7 10,000-ton-class or above freight wharves (3 of which are owned by cargo owners), 19 1,000-ton-class or above freight wharves (15 owned by cargo owners), 5 passenger wharves (3 owned by cargo owners), 5 port service vessel and other non-productive wharves, and 18 inland river wharves below 1,000-ton-class. Additionally, there are 2 loading/unloading platforms (one for oil unloading, one for ore unloading) and 10 buoy berths.

7. Education

By the end of 2018, Nantong City had 8 regular institutions of higher education, such as Nantong University, with 106,800 enrolled students by year-end. There were 2 adult higher education institutions with 21,200 enrolled students; 28 secondary vocational education schools with 74,800 enrolled students; 43 regular senior high schools with 77,800 enrolled students; 163 regular junior high schools with 163,200 enrolled students; 324 primary schools with 346,200 enrolled students; 7 special education schools with 1,500 enrolled students; and 508 kindergartens at various levels with 176,700 children enrolled.

8. Population

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 7,726,635. Compared with the 7,283,622 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was an increase of 443,013 people over the ten-year period, representing a growth of 6.08%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.59%. Among them, the male population was 3,805,559, accounting for 49.25% of the total population; the female population was 3,921,076, accounting for 50.75% of the total population. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100) was 97.05. The population aged 0–14 was 841,940, accounting for 10.9% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 4,566,047, accounting for 59.09% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 2,318,648, accounting for 30.01% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 1,751,294, accounting for 22.67% of the total population. The urban population was 5,442,932, accounting for 70.44% of the total population; the rural population was 2,283,703, accounting for 29.56% of the total population.

8.1. Ethnic Groups

Among the city's permanent resident population, the Han ethnic group population was 7,666,516, accounting for 99.22%; the population of various ethnic minorities was 60,119, accounting for 0.78%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han ethnic group population increased by 404,925, a growth of 5.58%, with its proportion of the total population decreasing by 0.48 percentage points; the population of various ethnic minorities increased by 38,088, a growth of 172.88%, with its proportion of the total population increasing by 0.48 percentage points.

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9. Culture

9.1. Dialects

The dialects in the Nantong region are extremely complex, which is related to the area's gradual formation from water to land and the history of accepting immigrants from various regions during different periods.

• Western and Northern Nantong: The dialects in Haian County, Rugao City, and most parts of Rudong County belong to the Tongtai/Tairu subgroup of Jianghuai Mandarin. They are collectively referred to as Rugao dialect and can be further divided into two minor dialect groups: the Rudong accent in eastern Rudong County and the Ruhai accent in other areas, which can be called Rudong dialect and Ruhai dialect, respectively.
• Areas Surrounding Nantong City: The dialects in most parts of Chongchuan District and the central-western parts of Tongzhou District are known as Nantong dialect. Nantong dialect is a transitional dialect between the Piling subgroup of Wu Chinese and the Tongtai/Tairu subgroup of Jianghuai Mandarin.
• Southeastern Nantong: The dialects in the Development Zone, most parts of the Su-Xi-Tong Park, southern Haimen District, southern Qidong City, southeastern Rudong County, and the coastal areas of eastern Tongzhou District (Tongzhou Bay) are known as Shadi dialect (Chongming dialect, Haimen dialect, also called Qihai dialect), which belongs to Wu Chinese.
• Eastern Nantong: The dialects in eastern Tongzhou District, northern Haimen District, and northern Qidong City are known as Tongdong dialect, with the Lüsi and Dongshe branches. Tongdong dialect (also called ancient Changzhou dialect or Jiangbei dialect, with the Nanchang dialect in southeastern Rudong County falling under the broader category of Tongdong dialect) belongs to Wu Chinese.
• Areas Surrounding Tongzhou City: The dialect in central Tongzhou District is known as Jinsha dialect, which belongs to Wu Chinese.

Rudong dialect is a transitional accent between Ruhai dialect and Tongdong dialect. Nantong dialect is a transitional area between the ancient Wu Chinese region and Jianghuai Mandarin. Jinsha dialect is a transitional area between Tongdong dialect and Nantong dialect.

Rudong dialect and Ruhai dialect are mutually intelligible. Jinsha dialect and Nantong dialect are somewhat mutually intelligible. Nantong dialect is difficult to communicate with other dialects (except Jinsha dialect). Jinsha dialect is difficult to communicate with other dialects (except Nantong dialect). Tongdong dialect and Shadi dialect are difficult to communicate with other dialects. Rudong dialect and Ruhai dialect (aside from mutual intelligibility) are difficult to communicate with other dialects.

9.2. Cultural Representatives

• Tong Opera: Tong Opera is a local opera genre in Nantong. Originally known as "Tongzi Opera," it originated from "Shang Tongzi." The so-called "Tongzi" refers to folk professional shamans. It originated from the fusion of the Chu-Yue "dancing to summon gods" shamanism with local dialects, culture, customs, and folk practices, gradually forming another branch of ancient shamanism with distinct Nantong characteristics—the Nantong Tongzi.
• Nantong Tongzi Festival: In the past, after the autumn harvest in the suburbs of Nantong, the "Tongzi Festival," also known as the "Weitang Festival," was held. It was presided over by respected elders in the community, scheduled for the full moon day of the month, and involved inviting Tongzi to perform operas, seeking joy with the help of "heavenly lanterns."
• Tongdong Work Songs: Tongdong work songs are oral music created and sung by people in the Tongdong region during labor, following the rhythm of their work. As a representative form of Tongdong folk songs, it is listed as a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage protection project in Nantong. Collective labor activities, such as water pumping, wheat threshing, mud carrying, cotton stalk pulling, ramming, pole carrying, carpentry, boat pulling, and rice field weeding, all have corresponding work songs. Tongdong refers to the eastern part of Nantong County during the Republic of China era (the Tongzhou Directly Administered Prefecture in the Qing Dynasty), including present-day eastern Tongzhou, northern Haimen, and northern Qidong, represented by towns like Erjia, Sijia, Yudong, and Lüsi Port.
• Haian Flower Drum: Popular in the Jianghuai region during the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing period. It incorporates features from Jiangsu's "Fishing Basket Flower Drum," "Huaiyang Flower Drum," and "Taixing Flower Drum."
• Haimen Mountain Songs: Mainly流传 in Haimen, as well as parts of Qidong and Tongzhou. They share the same lineage as Jiangnan Wu songs and are a branch of Wu songs extending into northern Jiangsu. Haimen mountain songs are broadly divided into two categories: one is improvised mountain songs, mostly sung by farmers during or after labor, with lyrics of four, six, or eight lines, reflecting labor life and romantic relationships; the other is narrative mountain songs, with lyrics ranging from dozens to hundreds of lines, featuring complete storylines, vivid characters, and rich emotions.

9.3. Longevity Hometown

Rugao, the longevity hometown, is located in Nantong, a prefecture-level city in southeastern Jiangsu Province. Researchers have found that Nantong, situated in the subtropical zone, enjoys a mild climate year-round, abundant sunshine, ample rainfall, distinct seasons, and a high accumulated temperature rate. Such regional characteristics are highly suitable for crop growth and human habitation. Locals consume both land animals and aquatic products, with fresh vegetables available year-round and a balanced diet of coarse and fine foods. The elderly lead relatively tranquil and warm lives, greatly contributing to their longevity.

9.4. Card Games

Nantong Long Cards, also known as paper cards, are a unique card game in the Nantong region of Jiangsu. Locally, they are called "Long Cards," "Duozi Hu," or "You Hu." As a folk entertainment game, Nantong Long Cards have strong regional characteristics and are only popular within the Nantong area. The game allows "peng" but not "chi," and winning hands include "Piao Hu," "Qing Hu," and "Tazi Hu." There is also a single general gameplay and the use of "Xi" cards ("Fu," "Lu," "Shou," "Xi," "Cai"). It is流传 in areas like Rugao, Haian, Rudong, and Qidong, with more刺激 gameplay.

Basic Gameplay: The "Duozi Hu" game is played by four people, with three playing at a time. Starting from the dealer, the next player and the player opposite take turns playing, while the player to the dealer's left sits out for the round. The dealer draws 23 cards first, while the other two players draw 22 cards each. After the dealer draws the last card, two general cards are revealed. The dealer then plays the first card, followed by the next player drawing a card and playing one. After the round ends, the dealer sits out (rests), and the player to their left becomes the new dealer for the next round, and so on. The dealer for the first round is determined by drawing lots among all four players.

9.5. Cuisine

The dietary preferences of Nantong people are characterized by light, fresh, and balanced flavors, with moderate saltiness, sweetness, and richness.

Dietary habits differ between northern and southern Nantong. Northern Nantong (including Rugao, Haian, Rudong, Tongzhou District, and Chongchuan District) prefers moderate flavors, while southern Nantong (including the Su-Xi-Tong Park, Development Zone, Haimen District, and Qidong) leans toward sweeter tastes, with an emphasis on light and清淡 dishes.

10. Sister Cities

10.1. Domestic Sister Cities

• Guang'an City
• Ankang City
• Fushun City
• Jiujiang City
• Taiyuan City
• Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture

10.2. International Sister Cities

• Swansea, United Kingdom (April 10, 1987)
• Toyohashi, Japan (May 26, 1987)
• Izumi, Japan (April 24, 1993)
• Jersey City, USA (April 2, 1996)
• Troisdorf, Germany (April 8, 1997)
• Gimje, South Korea (October 22, 1997)
• Civitavecchia, Italy (December 1, 1999)
• Rimouski, Canada (September 8, 2003)
• Hroanefed, Namibia (May 2, 2007)
• Gaborone, Botswana (October 30, 2008)
• Irkutsk District, Irkutsk Oblast, Russia (June 14, 2009)
• Phoenix, Mauritius (July 31, 2010)
• Saint Petersburg, Russia (September 17, 2010)
• São José do Rio Preto, Brazil (August 31, 2011)
• Changwon, South Korea (July 29, 2014)
• Siena, Italy (August 18, 2020)

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"Tongzhou Gazetteer": "To the northeast of the prefecture, the sea connects to the various foreign lands of Liaohai; to the southwest, the river links to Wu, Yue, Chu, and Shu; and inland, the canals extend to Qi, Lu, Yan, and Ji. Hence, it is named Tongzhou (通州, meaning 'connecting prefecture')."

Chongchuan District

Chongchuan District

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