Nantong Travel Guide - Brief Information on Nantong

Though Nantong itself is not a very large city, it has a population numbering 7.63million, which is the largest of the national prefecture level cities. It also serves as a transportation hub for Jiangsu, Shanghai and the Yangtze Delta area. Nantong contains 2 districts and 2 counties covering an area of 8544 square kilometers, and it has 4 county-level cities under its administration. The 2 districts are Chongchuan and Gangzha, while the 4 county-level cities are Rugao, Tongzhou, Haimen, and Qidong. The 2 counties are Hai'an and Rudong.

Nantong is located on the northern bank of the Yangtze River near the river mouth and at an elevation of only 4 meters above sea level. Nantong has a subtropical and warm temperate monsoon climate. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 35 degrees Fahrenheit, while, at an average temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, July is the hottest. The best time to visit Nantong is March, April, May, September and October.

Nantong has a long history of about 5,000 years. In the Tang Dynasty, it was subordinated to Yangzhou Hailing county. It lost its prefecture status in 958 AD, but it was renamed Nantong in 1724, when it regained its title.

Airlines connect Nantong to more than 10 main cities at home while the city boasts a fine railroad and highway system for local travelers.