Rugao is a unique city in Nantong’s jurisdiction, which doesn’t own a coastline although it is indeed on the northern bank of Yangtze River.

Rugao City is located in the northeast of Jiangsu and on the northern bank of Yangtze River. It borders three cities in the north, east and south, respectively, Huai’an, Rudong and Tongzhou. In the west, Rugao flanks two neighbor cities of Taizhou jurisdiction, Taixing and Jingjiang. The Yangtze River runs through the city's south, forming its southern border with Zhangjiagang of Suzhou City.

The city has a humid subtropical climate influenced by oceanic wind and has distinct four seasons. The annual average temperature is 15ºC and has an abundant precipitation yearly.

Traditionally, Rugao' ariculture was mainly its major income and now it still occupies a remarkable portion in the city’s economy. The important agricultural products include cotton, rice, cocoon, corona oil, etc.

The economic expansion and industrialization over years have added numerous new sectors to the city’s economy. The most dramatic sector is its bonsai production. The city is now the largest bonsai exporter in the Eastern China and each year thousands of bonsais are exported to China's other provinces and international markets.

The Rugao Port is another prestigious industrial sector and it has been planned for a further expansion. The Rugao Port Economic Development Zone is designated to promote the port and attracts more investments. The city has been ranked on the list of China’s Top 100 Counties (county-level cities) for its agricultural strength, science and technology.

Rugao environment is still in a good shape. The local municipal government has been adopted stiff environmental rules into practice over years and has spent significant funds to protect its environment.
In its self recognition, the city boasts three things linked to it which could not ignore: Yangtze River, bonsai and longevity. Yangtze River is certainly crucial for it, making up the city' southern border, confronting Zhangjiagang of Suzhou City in the opposite of the river. Bonsai, a traditional Chinese garden culture, is one of the city's prominent heritages. Long life span, for sure, is really a miracle. Till 2008 there have already been 251 of centenarians in the town, two times higher than the standards set by the INMA (International Natural Medicine Association).