Hao River, Nantong's Emerald Moat
The Hao River rings the old core of Nantong as a city moat that Chinese sources call one of the most complete ancient moats still circulating in the country. Local writing nicknames it an emerald necklace. The waterside parks now form a national 5A scenic area and supply the easiest walk in town after a climb on Wolf Hill. Unlike ticketed temple slopes, much of the loop works as free urban green for mornings and evenings.
History in brief
Records place a moat here as early as 958, in the fifth year of Later Zhou Xiande, when walls and water defences shaped the river-mouth town. The circuit survived later rebuilds better than many Chinese city moats that were filled for roads. Today the water holds gulls, ducks and other birds along planted banks. Paths link everyday neighbourhoods with temples, towers and museum gardens. This is open city green, not a single gated theme park.
What to see along the loop
Near the water you can string together views of Guangxiao Pagoda, Tianning Temple, the North Pole Pavilion, Wenfeng Pagoda and the Nantong Museum compound associated with Zhang Jian's modernising projects. Former residences linked to Zhang Jian, the painter Li Fangying and the actor Zhao Dan appear in local walking lists. You do not need every plaque. Choose one continuous park segment, walk it without backtracking, then stop for noodles when the light fades.
A city tour bus line hugs parts of the Haohe corridor for travellers who want orientation before walking. Evening reflections matter as much as midday sightseeing. Summer humidity is high. Spring and autumn feel kinder. Winter damp is common on the Jiangsu plain.
Pairing with Wolf Hill
A clean day puts Langshan temples in the morning and Hao River parks in the late afternoon. Reverse the order if rain hits the hill first. Travellers using Nantong as a Shanghai side trip should protect at least one of these two half days. Racing past both wastes the stop. Inland canal-city days continue toward Taizhou (Jiangsu) if your route turns west.
Tickets, hours and getting there
Park paths are largely open urban space. Individual temples, museums and boat piers may charge and keep their own hours, so check each stop's notice. Carry ID where tickets apply. Stay near the river if walking is the point. Station hotels suit early trains. Buses and taxis cover both Langshan and Haohe edges from the urban core. The Nantong travel guide keeps food advice near packed rooms along the water.
Before you go
- Pick one continuous segment. Skip trying every tower.
- Bring insect repellent in warm months.
- Pair the walk with Wolf Hill on the same trip.
- Read the Nantong travel guide for timing against Shanghai.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hao River free?
The waterside parks are largely free urban green. Separate temples and museums sell their own tickets.
How long is a good walk?
One to two hours covers a satisfying loop segment. Full-circuit walkers can spend half a day.
Do I need the hill as well?
No. The river alone works for travellers who want flat paths. The hill adds temple and Yangtze views.
Is Nantong only a Shanghai day trip?
It can be, yet overnighting lets you keep both Langshan and Haohe without sprinting.
Museums and rainy hours
When rain closes hill plans, the Nantong Museum gardens and nearby halls near the moat become the indoor option. Zhang Jian's industrial and educational projects shaped modern Nantong, and museum labels explain that story better than a quick gate photo. Boat rides on the Haohe, when running, offer a low-effort circuit. Confirm pier hours and prices on the day's notice.
Evening food near packed rooms by the water beats empty hotel buffets. Jiangsu river fish and seafood influences appear on many menus. Ask weights and set prices before dishes leave the kitchen.
How it differs from Wolf Hill
Wolf Hill is a ticketed climb with temple halls and river-mouth overlooks. Hao River is mostly level parkland threaded through daily city life. Travellers short on energy can keep only the moat. Travellers who want both should still avoid stacking every side temple onto the same afternoon as Langshan stairs.
Night lighting
Selected stretches of the moat use evening lights on bridges and trees. The effect is civic park lighting, useful for a post-dinner stroll after Wolf Hill. Weekend evenings draw more local walkers. Keep valuables simple and stick to well-lit paths.
Sources
Facts in this article were checked against the following sources, retrieved 19 October 2026.
Photos are from Wikimedia Commons under the licences shown in each caption.