As one of the first batch of fourteen coastal cities opening up to the outside world in China, Nantong is surrounded by the Yangtze River and the Yellow Sea on three sides, taking the shape of a peninsula.

Nantong faces Shanghai and Suzhou in the south and borders on the vast Northern Jiangsu Plain in the north. It is known as "Jianghai Portal", "the first window on the Yangtze River" and "another Shanghai in northern China".

With a land area of 8,001 square kilometers and a total population of 7.7 million, Nantong now governs eight counties (districts and cities) and one state economic and technological development area. Suzhou-Nantong Yangtze River Bridge, which connects Suzhou and Nantong, with a span of 1088 meters, is the first cable-stayed bridge in the world. It only takes 60 minutes from Nantong to Shanghai via the bridge. Chongqi Bridge, which is directly connected to Shanghai, has already opened to traffic.

Over 6500 years ago, Nantong started to dry up into land. In modern times, Zhang Jian led the fashion and founded China's first normal school, first public museum - Nantong Museum - and many other firsts. Zhang was the number one scholar during the imperial examination of late Qing Dynasty, an industrialist and an educator. With the modern concept of city, he made a comprehensive plan to build Nantong independently, rendering it the "the first city in modern China". Nantong has been named "National Historical and Cultural City" by the State Council of China.

--- Nantong is a tourism city. As an excellent tourist city in China, Nantong boasts fabulous river and sea scenery. Haohe river Scenic Area and Langshan Scenic Area are transforming from national 4A to 5A tour scenic spots. Langshan Hill, standing beside Yangtze River, ranks first among the eight small sacred Buddhist holy places in China.

--- Nantong is a city of textile. As one of the birthplaces of China's national industry, the textile industry is the "mother industry" of Nantong. Dieshiqiao is the largest home textile market in China.

--- Nantong is a city of architecture. As a powerful city in architecture, Nantong has employed 800,000 people in the architecture industry. It has won a total of 61 "Luban prizes", ranking first among all prefecture-level cities.

--- Nantong is a city of education. Its quality-oriented education has become a model in China and the admission rate for the college entrance examination has stood at a leading position in the province for many consecutive years. It has won the title of "National Advanced City of Science and Technology" five times in a roll.

--- Nantong is a city of sports. Up until now, Nantong has cultivated 16 world champions, the most among prefecture-level cities, and is praised as "the cradle of world champions". Nantong players won four gold medals, one silver medal and one copper medal in the Beijing Olympic Games, winning three gold medals within a day.

--- Nantong is a city of longevity. With more than 700 centenarians in Nantong, it is among the three longevity regions in China.

--- Nantong is a city of cultural heritage. A museum group consisting of 28 museums has taken shape, which includes Nantong Museum (a national museum), Museum of Chinese Abacus, China Audit Museum, Textile Museum, and Shenshou Gallery.

--- Nantong is city of security. Nantong has ranked first in the province regarding public satisfaction with security for many years in a row. With the lowest incidence of criminal cases and highest rate of solved criminal cases, Nantong has become one of the most secure cities in China.

--- Nantong is a civilized city. The counties (cities) under its jurisdiction are all among the first provincial civilized cities in Northern Jiangsu. Nantong was awarded the honor of "National Civilized City".

With abundant tourism resources and distinguished tourist programs, Nantong is one of the key tourist cities of Jiangsu province. The spectacle of the Yangtze River and the Yellow Sea, the miracle of longevity and fitness, the quietness of the garden city and the delicious seafood are all aspects which draw in visitors.