Getting around
Nantong is easy and simple. Many places are within
walking distance with a bit of ambition, typically not much more
than a leisurely stroll of 15 to 20 minutes. Walking is an
excellent way to see what is available in the many shops in
Nantong.
Taxi Cabs:
No matter what
time of the day or night, a Taxi can be easily found in most
areas of Nantong. The majority of the Taxi's are new
vehicles (typically VW sedans or saloons) as of 2008, and all
are metered. Cab fare begins at 8 RMB and increases at 1
RMB after that. Each meter allows for a "waiting time" of
10 minutes before the meter will increase. The vast
majority of cab drivers will automatically start the meter
without being asked, and they will provide a printed receipt at
the end of the trip. If they don't start the meter, just
tell them using sign language if nothing else, to start the
meter. They will comply without an argument. Most
destinations within the city center area will cost only 8 RMB.
Drivers all carry change. Tips are not expected, and may
even be refused by the driver. One or two RMB is usually
sufficient.
Most cab
drivers at this time do not speak English at all, or very
limited English. If you know where you are going, it may
be possible simply to use "sign language" to direct the driver
to your final destination. Nantongmap.net also
provides a page you can print out giving the names and addresses
of the Nantong Map sponsors in both English and Chinese.
This should take care of most of your transportation problems.
Note:
When the cab uses a toll road, such as from the airport
to the city center, the passenger is required to pay the
tolls at the end of the trip. The driver will either
give you or show you the receipts for the tolls if you ask.
In Nantong, you
can also find three wheel bicycle type cabs and 3 wheel enclosed
(during cold weather at least, summertime they may be open) motorbike cabs. These cabs are not metered, and you will
need to negotiate with the driver for the fare. If you
have taken a cab before, you should have a good idea of what
that fare would be. Show some mercy with your negotiations
with the men in the 3 wheel bicycle cabs. Nantong can be
very hot and humid in the summer time and these men - usually
older men - definitely earn their money in that type of weather.
City Buses:
Nantong is served by numerous city buses, with the basic
fare beginning at 1 RMB. Bus stops are easily
identifiable, and most have large covered waiting areas and maps
showing the bus routes. The buses are not traditional city buses
found in other parts of the world. Typically the buses
will have seats for one person down each side of the bus, and a
large area down the center for passengers to stand. During
early morning and early evening rush hours, the buses are quite
crowded, and would probably be best avoided by the novice in
Nantong.
Bike Rentals:
It is possible to rent an electric bike in Nantong.
These bikes are not only energy efficient, but also quite
serviceable in Nantong. Most streets have separate bike
lanes for non-petrol powered bikes which can minimize your
exposure to traffic. No special license is needed to
operate one of these bikes. When Nantongmap.net has a
listing of rental centers it will be posted. For visitors
who are going to be in Nantong for a lengthy time, or will be
making numerous trips back to Nantong, buying an e-bike may
prove to be a good idea. Bikes large enough to carry a
foreigner will typically cost between 2,000 and 3,000 RMB.
For the physically fit and those so inclined, regular bicycles
are also relatively cheap. The only main caution that can
be given is use the wheel lock at all times. Unlocked
bikes, no matter what their condition, age or location, can develop a
"mind" of
their own and go "two wheeling" off into the sunset without any
advance notice.
Getting in
and out of Nantong: Nantong has two bus stations.
Most intra and inter province buses are modern and comfortable.
Some have toilets and water on board, others do not. In a
"toilet emergency" most bus drivers will accommodate a
distressed passenger. One bus station is located in front
of the Nantong Hotel. The main bus station is located
further down that same street. More information about the
bus stations will be provided later as that information becomes
available.
Nantong has one
Airport for domestic flights only. The closest
direct international flights are in Shanghai. A car can
usually be hired to go to the Shanghai airport for about 400
RMB. The Nantong Airport serves limited domestic
locations, primarily Beijing and other near by regional
airports. A second "close by" airport is in Nanjing, the
provincial capital, which serves additional regional locations.
Similarly, there is another domestic airport in Shanghai which
is separate from the International airport.
