How to get to Nantong

Nantong is a modern and dynamic city in Jiangsu Province, located in the picturesque Yangtze River Delta in eastern China. A trip to Nantong offers the opportunity to discover the unique culture of a region where industrial power meets natural beauty. You can reach this important transport hub in various ways: by direct flight, high-speed train, comfortable bus, or by car across modern bridges.

For those who value time, the best option is flying into the local Nantong Xingdong Airport. This aviation hub receives regular flights and has convenient transport connections to the city centre, allowing travellers to quickly reach their accommodation.

If direct tickets are unavailable, you can use airports in neighbouring major cities. The nearest alternatives are located in Wuxi (about 77 km) and Suzhou (81 km); flight options via Changzhou are also available, from where it is easy to continue the journey by ground transport.

Railway connections to the city of Nantong are actively developing, and today you can get here by train, including high-speed trains, from many regions of the country. The presence of railway stations within the city limits makes this mode of transport convenient and popular among tourists.

If a direct route is not suitable, travellers often choose to transfer at neighbouring transport hubs. Convenient connections are possible via stations in the cities of Wuxi and Suzhou, located approximately 80 km away, or via Changzhou, from where regular services are also established.

Bus services remain a popular and budget-friendly way to get to Nantong, especially for trips from neighbouring provinces. Modern intercity buses run regularly, offering passengers the chance to enjoy views of the countryside and crossings over the Yangtze.

It is recommended to check exact travel times and schedules at departure bus stations or via local online services, as the route network in China is very extensive. A bus trip often becomes a convenient alternative when train tickets are sold out.

Travelling by car is an excellent way to reach your destination while enjoying quality roads and landscapes. The shortest route runs from the city of Suzhou: the distance is about 111 km, and the journey will take approximately 1.4 hours. The path from Wuxi is slightly longer — 124 km, requiring about 1.6 hours behind the wheel.

For travellers departing from the city of Changzhou, the distance will be around 155 km, with an estimated travel time of 1.9 hours. Using a taxi or a rental car ensures schedule flexibility and comfort when moving around the region.

To ensure your trip to Nantong is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, it is worth preparing for local specifics in advance. Here are a few proven recommendations to help you adapt faster.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The climate here is humid subtropical. Summers are hot and humid, so choose light natural fabrics, while in winter (temperatures may drop to zero), a warm windproof jacket is essential due to high humidity.
2. Transport. To move around the city, it is most convenient to use taxis or car-hailing apps (such as DiDi). Public transport is well-developed, but route maps are often only in Chinese.
3. Finance. International Visa/Mastercard cards are rarely accepted. It is highly recommended to install Alipay or WeChat Pay and link your card to them — this is the main payment method everywhere, from shops to street stalls.
4. Health. You cannot drink tap water; always buy bottled water. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross, but medicine names will be in characters, so have a photo of the necessary medication with you.
5. Communication. Few locals speak English. Download an offline translator on your smartphone in advance and save the name of your hotel and necessary places in Chinese for taxi drivers.
6. Internet. Many familiar Western services and messengers are blocked in China. Take care of purchasing a local SIM card or set up roaming in advance.
7. Local Etiquette. Be polite and reserved. Tipping in restaurants and taxis is not customary. When handing over a business card or money, try to use both hands as a sign of respect.

Following these simple rules will make your stay in the city pleasant and safe, allowing you to focus on exploring the sights and culture.