Nantong history

The history of the city of Nantong is closely linked to its unique geographical location in the Yangtze River Delta. The territory on which the city stands today was formed by river deposits that gradually created land from a small sandy island that existed during the Han Empire. The first significant settlements appeared here during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), when the village of Jinghai was founded, where residents were engaged in salt evaporation. This marked the beginning of the region's economic specialization.

A key stage in the city's formation was the establishment of a military district in 958, which was soon transformed into the Tongzhou prefecture. Over the centuries, the status and administrative boundaries of the territory changed repeatedly, reflecting its growing importance. The city received its modern name—Nantong—in 1724. Its development was defined by two main factors: its advantageous location on the northern bank of the Yangtze, near its mouth at the East China Sea, and trade. The city became an important port and commercial hub for an agricultural region specializing in rice, cotton, and salt production.

Nantong's early economic and cultural characteristics largely determined its future destiny. Initially prospering through the salt industry, the city eventually became one of the largest centres of the textile industry in China. The first cotton mill was founded here as early as 1895. In the early 20th century, thanks to the efforts of local industrialist and philanthropist Zhang Jian, China's first public museum (1905) and the first teacher training institute were opened in Nantong, cementing the city's reputation as a cultural and educational centre.

Key Milestones in Nantong's History

The history of Nantong is a fascinating chronicle of the transformation of an ancient settlement on alluvial lands into one of the most dynamically developing cities in the Yangtze Delta. Key events of the past have not merely remained on the pages of history but have shaped the unique appearance and character of the modern city.

• Antiquity and Middle Ages: Emerging during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) as a salt-making centre, the settlement officially became the administrative centre of Tongzhou in 958, laying the foundation for future growth.
• 18th Century: In 1724, the city received its modern name—Nantong ("Southern Tong")—to distinguish it from another city with the same name near Beijing.
• Turn of the 19th–20th Centuries — The Era of Zhang Jian: Local scholar and industrialist Zhang Jian launched an unprecedented modernization project. He turned Nantong into a "model city" by opening not only the first major cotton mill but also China's first public museum (1905), as well as schools and theatres.
• 20th Century — New Status: Following the establishment of the PRC, Nantong officially received city status in 1949. In 1984, it became one of the first 14 coastal cities opened to foreign investment, kickstarting its rapid economic ascent.
• 21st Century — Era of Mega-projects: The opening of the Sutong Bridge (2008), one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world at the time of construction, and the launch of the high-speed railway to Shanghai (2020) radically improved transport accessibility, transforming Nantong into a vital hub within the Yangtze River Delta economic zone.

Key Achievements and Transformations of Nantong

Beyond well-known historical facts, the path of Nantong is marked by unique milestones in culture, urban planning, and technological development. These achievements have formed its modern image—a city that harmoniously combines rich heritage with a futuristic vision, making it not just an industrial centre but a comfortable and interesting place for living and travel.

• Becoming a "City of Museums": Building on the legacy of Zhang Jian, who founded China's first public museum in 1905, Nantong has developed a constellation of unique cultural institutions. Today, the city is rightfully called a "museum city". Besides the main Nantong Museum, there are unique venues such as the Museum of the Chinese Abacus and the Blue Calico Museum (traditional textile craft), each revealing a distinct page of the region's rich culture.
• Creation of the "Emerald Necklace" — The Hao River Zone: One of the major achievements in urban planning was the transformation of the ancient city moat. The Hao River, encircling the historic centre, has been turned into a picturesque park zone known as the "Emerald Necklace of Nantong". This area, which has received the highest national tourist rating of 5A, is a perfect example of integrating nature into the urban environment and serves as the city's "green lungs", a favourite recreational spot for residents and guests.
• Leadership in Marine Engineering and Shipbuilding: Going far beyond the traditional textile industry, Nantong has established itself as one of the leading national centres for shipbuilding and marine equipment manufacturing. Local shipyards build complex vessels and offshore platforms, making a significant contribution to the maritime industry of China and the world. This sector is one of the pillars of the city's modern economy.
• Development of Innovative Technologies: The city is actively developing a knowledge economy, evidenced by the creation of the National High-tech Industrial Development Zone. Enterprises working in electronics, smart equipment manufacturing, new materials, and biopharmaceuticals are concentrated here. This transforms Nantong into an important innovation hub in the Yangtze River Delta.

The architectural appearance of Nantong represents a unique blend of traditional Chinese urban planning and early 20th-century European influence, complemented by modern futuristic buildings. Historically, the city's development was closely tied to its riverside location, which is reflected in the layout and the presence of a picturesque embankment along the Haohe River, which was once the city moat.

A key stage in the formation of Nantong's architectural style occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, local industrialist and public figure Zhang Jian set out to turn the city into the "first modern city of China". Under his leadership, projects combining Western urban planning ideas with local traditions were implemented. Not only factories were built, but also public buildings, including schools and the country's first public museum—the Nantong Museum, founded in 1905. The architecture of this period is often characterized by a fusion of styles: one can find both elements of classicism and traditional Chinese motifs.

Modern Nantong continues to develop actively, which is reflected in its new architecture. High-rise buildings, modern residential complexes, and ambitious public spaces are appearing in the city. A vivid example is the construction of the metro system, the first line of which opened in 2022, as well as the erection of new bridges across the Yangtze that improve connections with Shanghai. This contrast between historic districts, such as the Haohe River embankment with its old structures, and new business districts with skyscrapers, creates a multifaceted and dynamic image of the city.

The city of Nantong has given China and the world many talented individuals who have made significant contributions to science, culture, sports, and social development. Here are some of the most famous personalities associated with this city.

Figures of the Past

• Zhang Jian (1853–1926) — Industrialist, reformer, and educator, considered the "father of modern Nantong". In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he founded numerous industrial enterprises in the city, China's first public library, a museum, a teacher training institute, and a number of other educational institutions, transforming a county town into a model centre of modernization.
• Fan Zhongyan (989–1052) — Although not born in Nantong, his activities as a statesman and reformer of the Song Dynasty had a great impact on the region. He oversaw important irrigation projects, including the construction of seawalls on the coast, which was of immense importance for protecting agricultural lands.
• Wang Ganchang (1907–1998) — A distinguished nuclear physicist and one of the founders of the Chinese nuclear programme. He made significant contributions to particle physics and thermonuclear fusion, and was also a co-discoverer of the antisigma-minus hyperon while working at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna.
• Zhao Dan (1915–1980) — One of the most famous actors of 20th-century Chinese cinema. He starred in many classic films, such as "Street Angels" and "Crossroads", and became a symbol of the golden era of Chinese cinema in the 1930s and 1940s.

Modern Celebrities

• Cao Wenxuan (born 1954) — A world-renowned children's author and professor at Peking University. In 2016, he became the first Chinese author to receive the Hans Christian Andersen Award—the highest international accolade in children's literature. His books, such as "Bronze and Sunflower", have been translated into many languages.
• Chen Ruolin (born 1992) — A celebrated diver and one of the most titled athletes in the history of the sport. She is a five-time Olympic champion and multiple world champion in the 10-metre platform event.
• Lin Li (born 1992) — An Olympic champion in volleyball. As a member of the Chinese national team, she won the gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, playing in the libero position.