Nantong Museum

　　Nantong Museum, situated on the scenic banks of Haohe River in southeastern Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, was established in 1905 by Zhang Jian, a pioneer of China's early modernization and the top imperial scholar of the late Qing Dynasty. It is China's earliest museum. Initially covering an area of 35 mu, its collections were divided into four categories: natural products, history, fine arts, and education, mainly displayed in exhibition halls such as the South Hall and the North Hall, while large cultural relics and specimens were exhibited outdoors. The garden was extensively planted with flowers, trees, and bred rare birds and animals, complementing the indoor exhibits. Various garden facilities were also interspersed throughout, creating an elegant, refined, yet relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. This unique integration of museum and garden reflected the founder's distinctive philosophy of museology. In 1988, Nantong Museum was designated as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level by the State Council.

　　Nantong Museum is located on the scenic banks of Haohe River in Nantong. Founded in 1905 by Zhang Jian, a top imperial scholar of the late Qing Dynasty, a great patriot, renowned industrialist, educator, and social activist of modern times, it is China's first public museum. In its early days, the museum's collections were categorized into natural products, history, fine arts, and education, primarily displayed in the South Hall, North Hall, and other exhibition spaces, while large cultural relics and specimens were exhibited outdoors. The garden was filled with a variety of flowers, trees, and rare birds and animals, complementing the indoor displays, along with various garden features. This created an elegant, refined, yet relaxed and pleasant ambiance. This distinctive combination of museum and garden embodied the founder's vision for establishing a museum with Chinese characteristics. In 1988, the museum was declared a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the State Council.

　　After March 1938, Nantong Museum was reduced to a stable for Japanese invading troops and suffered severe damage. Most of its collections were looted or destroyed, with only a small portion relocated elsewhere. The museum was reborn after the founding of the People's Republic of China.

　　Through comprehensive planning and construction, the museum—having endured a century of changes—has entered a new phase of development, with its total area now expanded to over 70,000 square meters. The northern part, designated as a historical and cultural preservation zone, houses well-preserved historic buildings such as the original South Hall, Middle Hall, and North Hall, where the exhibition "A Century of Endeavor – A Glimpse into Nantong Museum’s History" is currently on display. The new exhibition hall, designed by Professor Wu Liangyong, a member of both the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, has a total floor area of 6,330 square meters. It currently hosts exhibitions such as "Light of River and Sea – Exhibition on Nantong’s Regional Culture and Natural Resources" and "Soaring Dragon – Special Exhibition on Dinosaurs."

　　Today, Nantong Museum’s collections give equal emphasis to historical artifacts and natural specimens, totaling nearly 50,000 items. The historical relics mainly bear witness to local history, spanning from the Neolithic Age to the contemporary era. The natural specimens include those reflecting Nantong’s animal and plant resources, as well as a wide array of precious rocks, minerals, fossils, and rare animal and plant specimens from both China and abroad.

　　Nantong Museum carries on the founding philosophy of its creator, Mr. Zhang Jian: "Establish schools to educate and increase knowledge of the names of birds, beasts, grasses, and trees." It places particular emphasis on science education and scientific research activities, actively engaging in cultural dissemination. In addition to utilizing its own venues, the museum also organizes exhibitions in communities and schools. In recent years, Nantong Museum has kept pace with the times, moving away from the previous model of long intervals between basic exhibitions and static displays. By fully tapping into its collection resources, it has launched a series of cultural and art exhibitions showcasing traditional Chinese culture and art. At the same time, leveraging its academic research and collection advantages in natural sciences, the museum holds various science-themed exhibitions. Nantong Museum has become an important cultural and science communication hub in the city. Through years of continuous effort, it has been awarded titles such as "Jiangsu Provincial School Moral Education Base," "Patriotic Education Base," "Science Popularization Education Demonstration Base," "Science Popularization Education Base," and "National Defense Education Base." Following its recognition as a "National Advanced Collective in Cultural Work" in 1985, Nantong Museum received this honor again in 2005. After being designated as a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction in 2007, it was further included in the first batch of National First-Class Museums in 2008.

　　Today, the harmonious blend of old and new architecture within the museum complex, together with its rich cultural atmosphere and beautiful garden environment, not only showcases the elegance of history but also radiates the vibrancy of the new era. It has gradually become an ideal destination for people to learn about Nantong, engage with science, experience cultural enrichment, and enjoy leisurely travel. The poetic verse by the founder Zhang Jian, "Hao’nan Garden flourishes with vibrant hues, its scenery fresh and renewed with each passing year," is vividly brought to life here.

　　Address: No. 19 Hao’nan Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong City

　　Type: Museum

　　Rating: AAAA

　　Recommended Visiting Time: 1–2 hours

　　Tel: 0513-85062528; 0513-85516233

　　Official Website: http://www.ntmuseum.com

　　Opening Hours:

　　1. Garden Opening Hours: 5:30–18:00 (April–October); 5:30–17:00 (November–March). 2. Building Exhibitions: 9:00–17:00 (Tuesday–Sunday), closed on Mondays (except public holidays).

　　Ticket Information:

　　Free admission. The museum is free; combined ticket for the South Hall and Hao’nan Retreat (Zhang Jian’s Former Residence) is 15 RMB.