A bird's-eye view of Shuihui Garden. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Nantong, a city celebrated for its rich history and culture, recently saw local authorities earmark seven parks as sites of historical importance in a bid to offer appropriate preservation.

Shuihui Garden was the former residence of the gifted scholar Mao Pijiang and the popular courtesan Dong Xiaowan during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The garden consists of ancient architecture, a Rugao-style bonsai garden, the Rugao Longevity Museum, and various other attractions.

Nantong Museum was established in 1905 by Zhang Jian (1853-1926), a renowned patriot, industrial magnate, educator, and philanthropist in Nantong. The facility is a complex of buildings featuring both a rich cultural background and beautiful design. It is an ideal place to learn about Nantong's culture and history.

Nantong Museum. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Urban Green Valley was established by the industrialist Chen Baochu in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It was thus once known as the "Chen Family Garden". Now, Urban Green Valley is home to more than 150 plant species and over 2,000 trees, including more than 20 trees aged 100 to 120.

Wenfeng Park, historically known as "Wufu Temple", features a group of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings standing beside the 39-meter-high Wenfeng Tower.

Built in 1924, Seyuan Garden is one of the largest botanical gardens in Nantong, earning a reputation as a "natural oxygen bar". It also serves as the final resting place of Zhang Jian.

Established in 1913 on the former site of the Chu Family Garden, Tangzha Park features quaint bridges, winding streams, artificial hills, and thatched pavilions.

Dongzhou Park was transformed from a solid waste landfill into a venue for sightseeing, fitness and recreation for local people. The park is also home to many cultural facilities, such as walls featuring two dragons.