Nantong — Sourcing & Manufacturing Guide

南通, Jiangsu · NTG Shipbuilding Hub

Last updated: 13 June 2026

City Guides » Nantong

Why Nantong?

Nantong sits on the northern bank of the Yangtze River estuary, directly across from Shanghai. Its deep-water coastline has made it one of China's most important shipbuilding and marine engineering centers. The city's textile industry, dating back over a century, remains one of the largest in Jiangsu province. In recent years, Nantong has also grown as an electronics manufacturing base, attracting investment from Taiwanese and Korean semiconductor and PCB companies. For foreign buyers, Nantong offers unique capabilities in heavy industrial manufacturing, marine equipment, and textile production at competitive Yangtze River Delta costs.

Nantong by the Numbers

100+
Shipyards
Nantong is one of China's top three shipbuilding cities. Builds bulk carriers, container ships, tankers, and offshore platforms.
10%+
China's Shipbuilding Output
Nantong shipyards account for over 10% of China's total shipbuilding tonnage, including massive bulk carriers and LNG carriers.
3,000+
Textile Companies
Nantong's textile industry covers cotton spinning, dyeing, weaving, and garment manufacturing in a mature industrial cluster.
500+
Electronics Factories
Growing PCB, semiconductor packaging, and electronics assembly sector. Home to major companies like ASE Technology and Foxconn affiliates.
$150B+
GDP
Nantong's economy ranks in the top 25 Chinese cities, with strong per-capita output driven by heavy and light manufacturing sectors.

Key Manufacturing Strengths

Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering

Nantong is one of China's premier shipbuilding clusters, home to major shipyards including Nantong Cosco KHI Ship Engineering, Nantong Rongsheng (now Yangzijiang), and several state-owned CSSC subsidiaries. The shipyards build bulk carriers, container ships, chemical tankers, LNG carriers, and offshore engineering vessels. Supporting industries include steel plate processing, pipe bending, marine equipment manufacturing, and marine electrical systems.

Textiles & Home Textiles

Nantong is one of China's oldest textile centers, and its home textile cluster in Dieqiao (叠石桥) is the largest in China. The area produces bed sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, curtains, towels, and quilt fillings. The supply chain covers cotton farming, spinning, weaving, printing/dyeing, embroidery, and finished product sewing. The annual Nantong Home Textile Expo draws international buyers from over 100 countries.

Electronics & PCB Manufacturing

Nantong's electronics sector has expanded rapidly with major PCB and semiconductor packaging investments. The Nantong Tongfu Microelectronics is one of China's top semiconductor packaging and testing companies. The city also hosts PCB manufacturers, flat panel display module producers, and electronics assembly factories serving the consumer electronics and automotive markets.

Heavy Machinery & Steel Fabrication

Backed by its shipbuilding and port infrastructure, Nantong has developed a strong heavy machinery sector producing port equipment, construction machinery, steel structures, pressure vessels, and industrial boilers. The deep-water ports allow direct loading of large and heavy equipment for global export, a significant advantage over inland manufacturing clusters.

Industrial Parks

Business Travel

✈️ Airport

Nantong Xingdong International Airport (NTG) — domestic flights to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and other major cities. Also serves as Shanghai's alternative airport for cargo operations. Direct bus to Shanghai ~2 hours.

🚄 High-Speed Rail

Nantong is connected to the national HSR network via the Shanghai-Nantong HSR line (Shanghai-Nantong Yangtze River Bridge). About 1.5 hours to Shanghai, 1 hour to Suzhou, and 1 hour to Nanjing. The new HSR has transformed Nantong's accessibility.

🏨 Accommodation

Good selection of business hotels in Chongchuan District and the development zone. Several international chain hotels serving the business and industry visitor market.

🤝 Local Support

Strong sourcing infrastructure for textiles and home goods. The long export history means experienced trading companies and sourcing agents are abundant. Marine industry buyers may need specialist agents.

Logistics & Shipping

🚢 Nantong Port

Nantong Port on the Yangtze River handles over 300 million tons annually. With deep-water berths capable of handling 100,000+ DWT vessels, it serves shipbuilding, bulk cargo, and container shipping.

🚢 Combined River-Sea Transport

Nantong's unique position on the Yangtze allows direct river-sea intermodal shipping. Containers can be loaded at Nantong and shipped directly to international destinations via the Yangtze estuary.

🚛 Expressways

Connected via G15 (Shenhai Expressway), G40 (Shanghai-Xi'an), and multiple expressways crossing the Yangtze River via the Sutong Bridge and Hutong Bridge. Excellent highway logistics to all Yangtze River Delta cities.

Practical Information for Buyers

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