Gaochun District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Travel

Gaochun District, Nanjing, Jiangsu — a land of fish and rice south of the Yangtze River, featuring Gaochun Old Street, Gucheng Lake, Yaxi International Slow City, Youzi Mountain and other famous attractions, a 2-day perfect blend of culture and nature.

800+
Ming and Qing buildings
31 km²
Gucheng Lake area
50 km²
Yaxi Slow City area
15+
Gaochun specialty foods
Panoramic view of Gaochun Old Street, Nanjing Gaochun District
Gaochun Old Street - Landmark of Gaochun District
Gaochun Old Street is one of the best-preserved Ming and Qing architectural complexes in East China, with white walls, black tiles, and upturned eaves, showcasing the unique charm of the Jiangnan water town.

Gaochun District 2-Day Cultural Ecology Tour

Old street exploration, lake scenery, slow city leisure, mountain forest adventure

Duration
2 days, 1 night
Main Destinations
Gaochun Old Street, Gucheng Lake Tourist Resort, Yaxi International Slow City, Youzi Mountain National Forest Park, Wujiazui Tropical Scenic Valley
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, food lovers, families, leisure vacationers
Budget per person
¥200-¥550
01
Old Street & Lake Scenery
Gaochun Old Street · Gucheng Lake Tourist Resort
Highlights

In the morning, stroll along Gaochun Old Street and experience Ming and Qing architectural charm; in the afternoon, visit Gucheng Lake Tourist Resort and enjoy lake and mountain scenery; in the evening, taste Gaochun specialty cuisine.

Attractions
Gaochun Old Street
National 4A-level scenic area, also known as Chunxi Old Street, is one of the best-preserved Ming and Qing architectural complexes in East China, stretching over 800 meters. Known as "the first ancient street of Jinling," it retains a large number of Ming and Qing era shops and residential buildings.
Gucheng Lake Tourist Resort
National 3A-level scenic area, centered around Gucheng Lake, integrating lake sightseeing, water recreation, wetland conservation and aquaculture. A famous freshwater lake tourist resort in Nanjing, especially renowned for Gucheng Lake hairy crabs.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Guesthouses near Gaochun Old Street
  • Hotels along Gucheng Lake
  • Business hotels in Gaochun urban area
Food Recommendations
  • Gucheng Lake hairy crab
  • Gaochun crab tofu
  • Gaochun stinky dried tofu
  • Old Street pastries
  • Steamed Gucheng Lake white fish
Travel Tips
  • Gaochun Old Street takes about 2-3 hours to visit, you can taste local snacks along the street
  • Best time to visit Gucheng Lake is autumn, when you can taste hairy crabs
  • Some shops on Old Street allow bargaining, compare prices when buying specialties
  • Enjoy the sunset along Gucheng Lake in the evening
02
Slow City & Mountain Forest Experience
Yaxi International Slow City · Youzi Mountain National Forest Park · Wujiazui Tropical Scenic Valley · Return
Highlights

In the morning, explore Yaxi International Slow City and experience pastoral life; in the afternoon, visit Youzi Mountain to feel Zen culture and explore the Tropical Scenic Valley; in the evening, conclude the trip and return.

Attractions
Yaxi International Slow City
China's first international slow city, a national 4A-level scenic area, featuring ecological agriculture and pastoral scenery. Home to thousands of acres of tea gardens, peach orchards, vineyards and more, an ideal place to experience slow living.
Youzi Mountain National Forest Park
National 4A-level scenic area, named after Confucius who once stopped here during his travels. Integrating mountains, water, forests and ancient temples, it is known as "the finest scenic spot in Laizhu," a great place for prayer and leisure.
Wujiazui Tropical Scenic Valley
National 3A-level scenic area, integrating tropical plant viewing, science education and leisure entertainment. Features a tropical botanical garden, parent-child playground, ecological restaurant and other facilities, an ideal choice for family trips.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Take Metro Line S9 from downtown Nanjing directly to Gaochun District
  • Use tourist shuttle buses or taxis between attractions
  • Yaxi Slow City is large, self-driving or taking the scenic area sightseeing bus recommended
  • Taxi from downtown to Gaochun District costs about ¥150-200
Ticket Info
  • Gaochun Old Street: Free (some pavilions charge fees)
  • Gucheng Lake Tourist Resort: Free (boat rides etc. charge fees)
  • Yaxi International Slow City: Free (some attractions charge fees)
  • Youzi Mountain National Forest Park: ¥25
  • Wujiazui Tropical Scenic Valley: ¥60
Travel Tips
  • Yaxi Slow City is best visited in spring or autumn when flowers are in bloom
  • Youzi Mountain has moderate difficulty, suitable for the whole family
  • Choose reputable shops when buying Gucheng Lake hairy crabs
  • Gaochun dialect is unique, listen patiently when communicating with locals

Must-Try Foods in Gaochun District

Gucheng Lake Hairy Crab

The most famous specialty of Gaochun, known for its tender meat and rich roe, hailed as the "king of crabs." Autumn is the best season to taste them, representing Gaochun's food culture.

Gaochun Crab Tofu

A traditional Gaochun famous dish, cooking crab meat with tofu. Delicious in taste, delicate in texture, rich in nutrition, a highlight dish at local banquets.

Gaochun Stinky Dried Tofu

A Gaochun specialty snack, made from quality soybeans processed into tofu, fermented through a special process and deep-fried. Smells strong but tastes delicious, a common street food.

Old Street Pastries

Specialty pastries from Gaochun Old Street, including various rice cakes, crispy sweets, sesame cookies and more. Made from local ingredients with a sweet taste, popular souvenirs for tourists.

Gaochun District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar-May): Flowers bloom at Yaxi Slow City, perfect for outings
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Lotus flowers bloom at Gucheng Lake, cool escape
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Best season to taste Gucheng Lake hairy crabs
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Strong festive atmosphere at Old Street, great for traditional celebrations
Must-Do Experiences
  • Taste local snacks at Gaochun Old Street
  • Take a boat ride on Gucheng Lake
  • Cycle or hike at Yaxi Slow City
  • Make wishes at Youzi Mountain
  • Taste authentic Gucheng Lake hairy crabs in autumn
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥85
  • Accommodation: ¥100-200/night
  • Meals: ¥80-150/day (including hairy crab season)
  • Transport: ¥150-200
  • Total: ¥200-550
FAQ
  • How to get to Gaochun District? → Take Metro Line S9 from downtown Nanjing directly
  • When are Gucheng Lake hairy crabs at their best? → October-November each year
  • Why is Yaxi International Slow City called "Slow City"? → Advocates slow living philosophy, prohibits fast vehicle traffic
  • What are Gaochun's specialty souvenirs? → Gucheng Lake hairy crabs, Old Street pastries, Gaochun ceramics

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