During the dog days of summer, dietary practices emphasize light, non-greasy foods and the principle of “medicine and food sharing a common origin.” The people of Nantong have mastered the art of selecting cooling ingredients from riverside fields and farmlands.

1. Intangible Cultural Heritage: Furong Ho Xiang Jiao | Herbal Delicacy Limited to the Dog Days of Summer

A summer-time intangible cultural heritage snack unique to Nantong: fresh ho xiang leaves serve as the wrapper, filled with osmanthus‑infused red bean paste, then lightly deep‑fried after being coated in an egg‑white batter, its shape resembling a hibiscus bud. Ho xiang naturally clears heat and dispels dampness, offering a sweet yet not cloying flavor. You can savor it at Siyi Cake & Dumpling Shop in the old town or at the century‑old tea‑and‑snack shop—paired with a pot of chrysanthemum tea, it banishes the summer’s sweltering heat.

2. Cold Rice Porridge + Pickled Cucumber and Edamame | A Summer-Night Staple in Every Household

During the dog days of summer, when the heat is stifling and your appetite fades, a bowl of ice-cold millet porridge is Nanjing’s saving grace. Paired with locally grown crisp, sweet melon stir-fried with edamame and a cold dish of tapioca noodles, along with a few simple side dishes, setting up tables and chairs on the doorstep to bask in the evening breeze while sipping porridge—this is the quintessential summer scene etched into the memories of the people of Jianghai.

3. Cold-Mixed Jumping Noodles & Grilled Clams on a Hot Plate | A Double Delight for Cooling Off with Fresh Seafood

Nantong “tiao mian,” hand‑pounded to perfection, is boiled and then rinsed in cold water to create a refreshing cold noodle dish, drizzled with sesame paste and garlic sauce—firm yet tender, and delightfully appetizing. Rudong’s razor clams, famed as the freshest in the world, are steamed on a hot iron plate to preserve their pure, unadulterated flavor—fresh yet not dry. In the height of summer, seafood is easy on the stomach, making it an ideal choice; be sure to order from the renowned Hai Xian Guan restaurants in Haier Lane and Lüsi.

4. Langshan Braised Chicken Shredded with Cucumber | A Refreshing Dish to Pair with Alcohol on Summer Nights

Locally free-range Wolong chickens, slow-roasted in an age-old braising sauce, are shredded into tender strips and tossed with julienned cucumbers—light on oil yet rich in flavor. After an evening stroll, grab half a bird to enjoy with a few sips of Jiangfeng liquor, perfect for relieving fatigue and beating the heat.

5. Homemade Ho Xiang Tea and Three-Bean Drink | Nantong Home-Style Health-Promoting Teas

Harvest fresh ho xiang from the fields, boil it into a cooling herbal tea to enjoy with rice—simple and effective for dispelling dampness. Simmer black beans, adzuki beans, and mung beans to make a three‑bean drink, which you can sip throughout the day as a substitute for water, helping to relieve dry mouth and heaviness in the body during the sweltering summer months. This time‑tested home remedy is a staple of our community’s wellness classes year after year.

III. A Hidden Summer Retreat in Nantong

Avoid the midday heatwave.

Don’t want to stay cooped up at home with the AC on? Here are a few local cool spots—hidden gems known only to the locals:

Night Cruise on the Hao River

Home to the best-preserved ancient moat in China, this riverside promenade offers a leisurely evening cruise aboard a traditional painted boat. Lush trees line both banks, their shade providing respite from the midday sun, while a gentle river breeze sweeps across the water. With its soft, soothing night scenery, it’s the perfect spot for a stroll to cool off and unwind.
Rugao Shuihui Garden,

Ancient Town Alleys and Streets
In the ancient gardens, towering trees provide welcome shade, while narrow lanes paved with blue bricks shield you from the sweltering heat. Strolling through the gardens and savoring handmade “tiao mian” noodles—this leisurely pace helps ease the midsummer chill.

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