As one of China’s “four great ancient capitals,” Nanjing boasts a storied past and profound cultural depth. As Jiangsu Province’s capital, it flexes impressive urban muscle too—towering skyscrapers in Xinjiekou, innovative energy in Hexi New Town—earning its spot as a buzzing “new Tier 1” city. This blend of old and new draws crowds year-round.
Yet most visitors zero in on downtown icons: Sampling Qinhuai snacks at Fuzimiao, soaking up urban vibes at Xinjiekou, paying respects at Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, or unearthing Ming relics at Xiaoling Tomb. Few venture to Nanjing’s “farthest” outpost: Gaochun District. As China’s first “international slow city,” Gaochun offers a vibe worlds apart from the core—equally worth savoring.
Recently, my friend and I made a beeline for Gaochun District to see for ourselves. Stepping in, it felt nothing like the Nanjing we’d pictured—no soaring towers, just low-slung homes and meandering lanes exuding quiet ease, more like a sleepy county seat. Fun twist: Locals speak not the familiar Nanjing dialect, but a soft Wu-Nong lilt closer to Suzhou or Shanghai—leaving us delightfully intrigued.
This “un-Nanjing” aura likely stems from geography. Nanjing’s map stretches tall and slim north-south; Gaochun hugs the southern tip, far from downtown. Pull up a map—even Anhui’s Ma’anshan, Chuzhou, or Wuhu sit closer to central Nanjing. Thankfully, transport bridges the gap: Metro Line S9 whisks you from the city core in about 90 minutes.
Don’t let the remoteness fool you—Gaochun’s historical and cultural layers run deep. As China’s pioneering “international slow city,” its magic lies in that unhurried rhythm. No frantic paces or honking horns here—just elders sunning on stoops, kids romping roadside, farmers tilling fields. Time slows to a crawl, letting city-weary souls shed stress and rediscover ease.
Gaochun’s tourism trove is equally bountiful. Top billing goes to the national 4A-rated Gaochun Old Street, a Ming-Qing relic nearly a kilometer long. Cobblestone paths wind past tightly packed brick-and-timber facades—eaves curving gracefully, beams intricately carved—oozing classic Jiangnan charm. Shops brim with local specialties: Old brands hawking fragrant Gucheng Lake hairy crabs or sweet street pastries, plus craft workshops showcasing bamboo weaving, wood carving, and paper-cutting. Strolling it feels like time travel to a century past.
Beyond the street, gems abound. Gucheng Lake’s vast lotus ponds shimmer summer greens under endless leaves, pink blooms mirroring the sun—a photographer’s dream. Yangxi International Slow City’s fields burst with rapeseed gold in spring, golden rice waves in fall—nature’s pure bounty. Or head to Youzi Mountain National Forest Park for lush trails, serene ancient temples—ideal for summit views and soul-soothing hikes.
Time in Gaochun revealed its “un-Nanjing” essence as its secret sauce: No core-city dazzle or dash, but tranquil poise; no imperial burdens, but lively everyday pulse. Its “slow” isn’t stagnation—it’s a mindset. Have you wandered Gaochun? What’s your take? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
