$ASKH In the 1990’s, Nantong was one of the 14 coastal cities permitted to engage in international trade, and its rapid economic growth is attributed to its advantageous location situated on the northern bank of the Yangtze River connected by two new bridges to Shanghai. Due to its excellent geographical location, Foreign Direct Investment Nantong has become a major destination for domestic and foreign investment making the city one of the fastest growing in China.