Nantong

Nantong
Name	Nantong
Native name	南通
Settlement type	Prefecture-level city
Coordinates	31, 58, N, 120...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	China
Subdivision type1	Province
Subdivision name1	Jiangsu
Leader title	Party Secretary
Leader name	Wang Hui
Area total km2	8001
Population total	7,726,000
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	China Standard Time
Utc offset	+8

Nantong. A major prefecture-level city in eastern China, situated on the northern bank of the Yangtze River estuary. It is a vital port city within Jiangsu province, historically known as a "modern first city" due to its pioneering industrial development in the late Qing dynasty. The city serves as a critical economic and transportation hub connecting northern Jiangsu with the Shanghai metropolitan area.

History

The area's history dates to the Han dynasty, when it was part of Hailing County. During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, the city of Tongzhou was established, which later merged with Chongzhou to form the name Nantong in the early 20th century. Its modern significance was largely shaped by the industrialist and reformer Zhang Jian, who, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, founded the Dasheng Cotton Mill and transformed the region into a model of early Chinese industrialization. This period saw the establishment of Nantong University, the first normal school in China, and other civic institutions. The city was the site of the Battle of Rugao during the Second Sino-Japanese War and experienced significant development following the Chinese economic reform initiated by Deng Xiaoping.

Geography

Nantong is located on the alluvial plain of the Yangtze River Delta, bordered by the Yellow Sea to the east and the Yangtze River to the south, facing Suzhou and Shanghai across the water. Its territory includes extensive riverfront and coastal wetlands, with the Haohe River forming a distinctive moat around the city's historic core. Major geographical features include Langshan, one of the few hills in the otherwise flat region, and the Jiangsu coastline. The city administers several county-level divisions, including the districts of Chongchuan and Gangzha, and the county-level cities of Rugao, Haimen, and Qidong.

Economy

Nantong possesses a diversified and robust economy, traditionally strong in textiles and shipbuilding, with major companies like COSCO Shipping operating facilities there. It is a core part of the Sunan economic zone and a key node in the national Yangtze River Economic Belt strategy. The city has developed significant modern industries in petrochemicals, with large complexes in Qidong, and new energy, including offshore wind power. Its Nantong Port is a major deep-water port handling bulk cargo and containers, facilitating trade with global markets. The service sector has grown rapidly, particularly in finance and logistics, supported by its proximity to the Shanghai Pudong International Airport and the Shanghai Free-Trade Zone.

Culture

The city is renowned for its unique local culture, which blends Wu and Jianghuai influences. It is famous for the Nantong blue calico, a traditional indigo-dyed textile recognized as an Intangible cultural heritage. The Haohe River scenic area preserves historical architecture, including the Tianning Temple and the former residence of Zhang Jian. Performing arts include the Nantong hand-puppet show, a national intangible heritage. The city hosts the biennial China Nantong International Marine Festival and is home to the Nantong Museum, one of the earliest museums in China founded by Zhang Jian. Culinary specialties include the Nantong cake and fresh seafood from the Yellow Sea.

Transportation

Nantong is a critical transportation junction, connected to Shanghai and Suzhou via the Sutong Yangtze River Bridge, the Chongqi Bridge, and the Shanghai–Nantong Railway. The Nantong Xingdong International Airport offers domestic and limited international flights. An extensive network of expressways, including the G15 Shenyang–Haikou Expressway and G40 Shanghai–Xi'an Expressway, links the city nationally. The Nantong Metro began operation in 2022, and the city's port system, centered on Nantong Port, includes major terminals at Yangkou Port and facilitates river-sea intermodal transport.

Education

The city has a strong educational tradition, anchored by Nantong University, a comprehensive university with strengths in medicine and engineering originally founded by Zhang Jian. Other notable institutions include the Jiangsu College of Engineering and Technology and the Nantong University Xinglin College. The city is also home to several specialized secondary schools with long histories, contributing to its reputation as a center for learning. These institutions support the local economy by providing skilled graduates for the shipbuilding, textile, and modern manufacturing sectors.

Category:Prefecture-level divisions of Jiangsu Category:Port cities and towns in China Category:Populated places on the Yangtze River