Nantong

City overview

Nantong, located in southeastern Jiangsu Province on the north bank of the Yangtze River estuary, is an economic hub in the northern wing of the Yangtze River Delta. Known as 'China's First Modern City', it boasts a strong foundation in textiles, construction, and shipbuilding, and is renowned as a 'Land of Education' for its excellent basic education. With a riverside and coastal setting, pleasant ecology, and convenient transportation, Nantong is an ideal place for international students to experience Jiangnan culture and modern development.

Basic information

Geography and climate

Detailed introduction

Nantong is located in the southeastern part of Jiangsu Province, on the north bank of the Yangtze River estuary, facing Shanghai and Suzhou across the river. It is a key node city in the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. With a history spanning over a thousand years, Nantong was one of the birthplaces of China's national industry in modern times. Zhang Jian, the top scholar of the late Qing Dynasty, founded Dasheng Cotton Mill and normal schools here, earning Nantong the title of 'China's First Modern City'. Today, Nantong has developed a modern industrial system centered on high-end textiles, shipbuilding and marine engineering, electronic information, and intelligent equipment, with its economic output consistently ranking among the top in Jiangsu. In education, Nantong is renowned as a 'Land of Education', with its basic education quality leading the nation. It hosts several universities, including Nantong University and Nantong Institute of Technology, offering diverse Chinese language and professional programs for international students. The city provides a convenient living environment with commercial centers, international communities, parks, and comprehensive medical facilities. Nantong enjoys a mild and humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Its riverside and coastal location gives the city unique ecological charm. For international students, Nantong offers a strong academic atmosphere, lower living costs compared to first-tier cities like Shanghai, and a culturally inclusive environment, making it an ideal place to experience the blend of Jiangnan water-town culture and modern urban life.