Yangtze River meets with the Yellow Sea in Nantong. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]

This summer, why not choose a weekend, hop on the high-speed train, and embark on a "recharging journey" in Nantong, Jiangsu province?

Nothing revitalizes the spirit quite like exceptional cuisine. In Nantong, the appreciation for "freshness" is deeply embedded in the local culture, which is evident throughout the year. The region offers a variety of culinary delights, including the exquisite hairtail fish sourced from the Lyusi fishing port and the succulent razor clams. Nantong's culinary offerings are designed to engage the palate, creating an irresistible experience for all who partake.

The water charm of Jiangsu in Nantong is manifested through rivers and the sea, where the Yangtze River meets with the Yellow Sea, and the inland rivers run through the city. Therefore, visiting Nantong for water activities in the summer brings a sense of healing.

In the city, a night cruise along Haohe River is not just a typical boat sightseeing tour but an immersive light and shadow show that transcends a millennium. Amidst the sounds of oars and lights, you can encounter the fishing fires of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) while glimpsing into the future with technological neon lights.

As the great rivers and sea swiftly wash away your fatigue, the surprises hidden in the alleys and streets of Nantong will reignite your love for life. Exploring the city's culture through a leisurely stroll is the key to rejuvenation in the slow passage of time.

To gain insight into the history of Nantong, one may begin at the Nantong Museum, a site that holds significant value for the childhood memories of local residents. The Dasheng Maker Block has emerged as a notable destination for literature enthusiasts, often referred to as Nantong's "industrial transformer". This area has successfully repurposed century-old spinning workshops into a vibrant creative space.

As dusk approaches, entering this region provides an immersive experience that evokes the ambiance of a "cyberpunk" gathering within a historic factory setting. The harmonious fusion of sounds from machinery dating back a century with contemporary electronic music contributes to the unique cultural narrative of the Jianghai region. Additionally, the Nantong Art Museum stands as a remarkable architectural achievement. Designed to resemble five stacked "artistic shells", the museum's structure elegantly emulates the arc of a finless porpoise leaping from the water, incorporating curved glass and metal mesh to create a striking visual impact.