Haohe River Scenic Area at night. [Photo provided by Peng Changqing to en.nantong.gov.cn]

The Haohe River Scenic Area in Nantong, Jiangsu province, recently made the list of the top 10 most popular attractions in East China, according to a report recently released by the JD Consumer and Industrial Development Research Institute and Unicom Smart Steps.

Located in the main urban area of Nantong, the scenic area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and one of the most well-preserved ancient moats in China with a history of over 1,000 years. The river stretches for 10 kilometers, winding in the shape of an inverted bottle gourd and reaching a maximum width of 215 meters and a minimum of only 10 m, earning it the nickname "emerald necklace" in Nantong.

If you enjoy strolling, the vibrant historical and cultural blocks along the river will captivate you. Every checkpoint here is a hidden symbol of urban history just waiting to be explored.

On both sides of the river are ancient sites from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) such as Tianning Temple, remnants of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) ancient city wall known as Beijige, a watchtower from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), and Wenfeng Tower from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Historic blocks like Sijie and Xi'nanying still preserve the ancient city layout and style. The Nantong Museum and other museums along the Haohe River are must-visit places for tourists exploring the river.

A night cruise on the river is an unforgettable experience. As the lights come on, sailing through the six bridges offers a completely different beauty from daytime: The colorful lights on both sides, the shimmering water ripples, and the ancient pavilions and modern buildings on the banks unfold like a scroll painting, creating a dreamlike scene.