I spent two unforgettable days exploring Gaochun, China's first certified International Slow City located just an hour from Nanjing. Drifting through thousand-acre lotus ponds on bamboo rafts, wandering 900-year-old Ming Dynasty streets under glowing red lanterns, and waking up in forest cabins where pine trees outnumber people—this journey revealed what happens when an entire community decides to embrace the art of slow living. If you're craving an authentic escape from China's tourist crowds without sacrificing comfort or culture, Gaochun delivers a masterclass in mindful travel that surprised even this seasoned explorer.
Trip Overview
When: Late June (Summer, lotus season)
Duration: 2 days
Travelers: With friends
Budget: ~1,000 RMB (~$140 USD) per person
Transportation: Metro Line S9 + Local buses
Day 1: Lotus Dreams and Ancient Streets
Getting There: The Scenic Route
When my friends and I boarded Metro Line S9 from Nanjing, I had no idea the journey itself would become a highlight. As we crossed Shijiu Lake (Shíjiù Hú) between Mingjue and Tuanjiewei stations, the view from the window transformed into something out of a Studio Ghibli film—an endless expanse of water meeting sky, with traditional fishing boats dotting the horizon. I found myself pressing my face against the glass like a child, completely forgetting to check my phone.
Gucheng Lake Water Resort: Into the Lotus Sea
Gucheng Lake Water Resort (Gùchéng Hú Shuǐ Màn Chéng) greeted us with a surprising burst of color—fields of blooming lotus flowers stretching as far as I could see. I visited during the annual Lotus Festival, which runs through late August, and the timing couldn't have been more perfect.
The park offers more than just flower viewing. I watched families challenging themselves on the 50-meter water obstacle course, while younger kids splashed in the pink-themed swimming pool. But the real magic happened when I boarded a bamboo raft.
Drifting through the thousand-acre lotus pond, I understood why ancient poets wrote odes to these flowers. You can hire a boatman or try poling yourself—though I quickly learned that navigating the waterways requires skill. A skilled boatman takes an hour for the round trip, and beginners can easily get lost for hours. But getting lost has its rewards: I found a quiet corner where I could lean over and actually smell the lotus blossoms, something impossible from shore.
🎯 Practical Info
Entry Fee: ¥80 (~$11 USD) Parking: ¥20 per entry Hours: 9:00-17:00 weekdays, 8:30-17:30 holidays Getting There: Take the Gaochun Tourist Bus Line 2 from Gaochun Long-distance Bus Station Pro Tip: Visit in late June through August for peak lotus blooms
Fishing Hotel: Dinner with a View
Evening brought us to the Gucheng Lake Happy Fishing Hotel, a dining spot that doubles as a professional fishing competition venue. I watched anglers practice for the next day's tournament—casting, hooking, and landing fish with astonishing speed, sometimes catching 2-3 fish per minute. The hotel offers free fishing for guests, and they'll even cook your catch for dinner.
Dinner exceeded all expectations. The standout dish was "Flower Prosperity" (花开富贵)—lotus petals wrapped around savory fillings, creating a delicate flavor I'd never experienced before. The lotus leaf chicken arrived tender and infused with herbal fragrance, while the shrimp paste steamed with clams offered a surprising textural contrast that had me reaching for seconds.
Gaochun Old Street: Nine Centuries of History
After dinner, we wandered into Gaochun Old Street (Gāochún Lǎo Jiē), also known as Chunxi Old Street. Dating back over 900 years to the Ming and Qing dynasties, it's hailed as "the second Fuzimiao" but felt infinitely more authentic to me. Unlike Nanjing's heavily commercialized Confucius Temple area, Gaochun's shops have been passed down through generations—families making rice cakes, crafting feather fans, and brewing local wine using centuries-old methods.
The architecture captivated me: two-story brick structures with upturned eaves, wooden lattice windows, and horse-head fire walls. I stopped at Old Wu's shop for traditional steamed rice cakes, watching him work the same recipe his grandfather used. As darkness fell, red lanterns illuminated the street, transforming it into a scene from a historical painting.
🎯 Practical Info
Entry: Free to walk the street Attraction Pass: ¥70 (~$10 USD), half-price for students/seniors 60-69 Hours: 8:30-17:00 Getting There: Metro Line S9 to Gaochun Station, then buses 101, 105, 802, or Tourist Line 1 to Panchi Garden Station
Liuzhou Hui Hotel: Boutique Comfort
We stayed at the Liuzhou Hui Boutique Hotel, a 10-minute walk from the old street. As a newer property, everything felt fresh—from the minimalist design to the oversized bathtub perfect for soaking away the day's adventures. The breakfast presentation included actual rose petals, a romantic touch that made me smile.
Day 2: Forest Retreats and Mountain Adventures
Zhensong Resort: Sleeping Among the Pines
Day two began at Zhensong Resort (Zhěnsōng Dùjià Jiǔdiàn), tucked away in a pine forest where the only morning alarm is birdsong. The hotel's clever naming system delighted me: single rooms are called "Wood" (木), doubles "Forest" (林), and triples "Forest Deep" (森)—each sharing a common living space while maintaining private bedrooms.
The architecture respects nature—each cabin was positioned to preserve existing pine trees, creating intimate spaces between buildings and centuries-old trees. Waking up and pulling back the curtains to find myself surrounded by forest felt like a luxury I didn't know I needed.
Yaxi International Slow City: Finding Your Pace
Just a short drive away lies Yaxi International Slow City (Yāxī Guójì Mànchéng), China's first certified International Slow City. The philosophy here isn't just a marketing slogan—it's visible in every aspect of the 50-kilometer ecological route winding through apricot forests, bamboo groves, and pearl-like lakes.
I challenged myself on the treetop adventure course, navigating obstacles while secured by safety harnesses—scary at first, but exhilarating. The glass-bottomed skywalk tested my nerves, especially when the glass cracked特效 (special effect) near the end made me jump! But the rainbow slide brought out my inner child—I rode it multiple times, each descent feeling like surfing on colors.
🎯 Practical Info
Entry: Free Rainbow Slide: ¥50 for 2 rides (~$7 USD) Glass Walk: ¥50 for 2 people Hours: 8:30-17:00 Getting There: From Nanjing South Station, take the Gaochun bus to Shuangpaishi, then transfer to Bus 03 to International Slow City intersection
Longshang Village: Poetry and Distance
If Yaxi felt too developed, Longshang Village delivered the authentic rural experience I craved. This idyllic pastoral village features traditional guesthouses where visitors can experience genuine countryside living. The visitor center doubles as a folk museum, displaying agricultural tools that local farmers actually used—not reproductions.
At Wu Wai Café, housed in a restored old building, I met the owner who showed me her homemade bayberry wine still aging in clay jars. Cats and rabbits lounged in corners, and the vintage atmosphere encouraged me to slow down and simply be present.
The Ancient Ship Plank Walk: Walking on History
The Ancient Ship Plank Cultural Walk stretches over ten li (about 5 kilometers), paved with more than 10,000 recycled ship planks treated for durability. The symbolism struck me: these planks, once carrying goods across waters, now carry visitors through a journey of cultural reflection. Three-ton anchors mark each end, grounding the experience in maritime heritage.
Chunqing Tea Garden: Sipping Perfection
My final stop was Chunqing Tea Garden (Chúnqīng Cháyuán), recognized as one of China's most beautiful tea plantations. This is where the famous Biluochun and Yuhua teas grow—varieties I recognized from the TV drama "In the Name of the People," which filmed scenes here.
At the Qing Tea Space Cultural Experience Center, I learned proper tea ceremony etiquette from the owner, discovering which teas suit different body types. There's something meditative about learning to appreciate tea properly—a fitting conclusion to my slow city experience.
🎯 Practical Info
Address: No. 6 Huanshan Road, Youzi Mountain, Dongba Town, Gaochun District, Nanjing Getting There: Take Gaochun Bus 209 to Youzi Mountain Station, then walk 1.3km Hours: 8:30-17:00 daily Entry: Free
Where to Stay: Boutique Experiences
Floral Hotel · Zhengfu Cottage (Xiaomaoshan)
For my second night, I chose Floral Hotel's Zhengfu Cottage at the foot of Xiaomaoshan. This property transcends typical accommodation—it's essentially a private classical garden combining traditional Suzhou-style design with modern minimalist elements. The "One Flower One World, One Cottage One Life" philosophy manifests in their "Seven Sense Service" catering to sight, sound, taste, touch, smell, participation, and memory.
The two-bedroom suite offered ample shared living space, complete with a kitchen and dining area. The courtyard invited relaxation, while comfortable bedding and fresh fruit demonstrated their attention to detail. I found myself extending my morning coffee, reluctant to leave the peaceful atmosphere.
Quick Reference Guide
Getting to Gaochun
From Nanjing: Metro Line S9 to Gaochun Station (~1 hour) From Nanjing South Station: Direct bus to Gaochun Local transport: Buses 101, 105, 802, or Tourist Line 1
Best Time to Visit
Lotus Season: Late June through August Spring: Rapeseed flowers (March-April) Autumn: Comfortable weather, harvest season
Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
Transportation: ~¥50 (~$7 USD) Attractions: ~¥130 (~$18 USD) Meals: ~¥200 (~$28 USD) Accommodation: ~¥300-600 (~$42-85 USD) Total: ~¥680-980 (~$95-138 USD)
Essential Phrases
Gaochun (高淳): Gāo Chún Slow City (慢城): Màn Chéng Old Street (老街): Lǎo Jiē Lotus (荷花): Hé Huā Thank you: Xiè Xiè
Final Thoughts
My weekend in Gaochun reminded me why I travel—to discover places that challenge my assumptions and restore my sense of wonder. In a country often associated with speed and scale, finding a community that deliberately chose slowness felt revolutionary.
From the thousand-acre lotus ponds to the 900-year-old streets, from forest cabins to tea plantations, Gaochun offers a rare combination of natural beauty, cultural depth, and genuine hospitality. Whether you're a first-time visitor to China or a seasoned expat seeking respite from city life, this International Slow City delivers something increasingly precious: the space to breathe, observe, and simply be present.
Pack light, bring your curiosity, and prepare to slow down. Gaochun is waiting.