Nantong · 南通
Nantong, at the mouth of the Yangtze facing Shanghai, is "the cradle of China's modern textile industry": the country's first major modern textile factory was founded here in 1895, and today it remains one of the largest textile and textile machinery export bases.
City map
What to see
Nantong Textile Museum
China's first textile museum (1985), with six halls dedicated to the city's textile tradition
Langshan (Wolf Mountain)
Hill by the Yangtze with a Buddhist temple, very popular among sailors who prayed for a safe crossing
Nantong Overseas Chinese Museum
The only museum dedicated to the Chinese diaspora in the entire Yangtze Delta region
Getting around
Nantong Xingdong Airport (NTG) is about 10-13 km from downtown, with mostly domestic flights and a few international routes (Taipei, Seoul, Osaka, Bangkok). The most practical option if coming from abroad is to fly to Shanghai (Pudong or Hongqiao) and continue by high-speed rail: since July 2020 there's a direct Shanghai-Nantong connection via the Hutong Yangtze River Bridge, with journeys from 66 minutes. The city has its own metro (Line 1, opened in 2022).
On local networks in mainland China, some international services may be restricted or unavailable. If you rely on them for work, prepare a connectivity solution that complies with current rules before travelling and do not depend on a single app. Hong Kong operates under a different internet regime.
Most used apps
Frequently asked questions about Nantong
When is the best time to visit Nantong?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), with mild weather. The textile machinery fair takes place in April, with good weather.
Do I need a visa to visit Nantong?
As of this review (August 2026), ordinary-passport holders from Spain and Portugal may enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, visits to family or friends, exchange or transit. The exemption for these countries is announced through 31 December 2026. Always check the official policy before booking because it can change.
Sources and practical-data review
Reviewed on 2026-08-23
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