Abstract: The evolution of Nantong's spatial layout has advantages of favorable geographical location, sound economic basis and developmental history. But there are also disadvantages: the comparatively sluggish urbanization level compared with that of the industrialization, the spatial development misbalance, imperfect hierarchical scale structure,the disproportionally small central urban area which can hardly spur on the whole area's development. Besides, the cities’ and towns’ functions are basically in the comparatively \{unitary\} phrase and the spatial layout is primarily shaped by main traffic arteries. The present article suggests that the deficiency of comprehensive economic strength is the basic reason for the stagnant development of the towns, therefore, the strategies for improving the spatial pattern of Municipal Nantong should take the road of polarized townization, accelerate municipal construction, priorize infrastructure ,and gradually form a municipal system of reasonable administrative level and scientific layout.

Key words: system of cities, central city, strategy, Nantong City