I don't know when it started, but the pace of our lives is getting faster and faster, like a spinning top that is constantly being whipped, and seems to gradually forget what life is like. Therefore, we also yearn for a slow-paced living atmosphere and the concept of "slow life" that returns to nature.
So, what kind of place is the "slow life" that people yearn for? Some people say that if you want to slow down, you must return to pastoral life. Some people say that no matter how slow your life is, you cannot be divorced from the times. In fact, the concept of slow life is also officially certified. For example, there is a small city in my country that was awarded the title of "International Slow City" by the International Slow City Organization.
This small city is not Hangzhou, a paradise on earth, nor Chengdu, a comfortable place, but Gaochun, known as the "Holy Land of Jiangnan". As early as 2010, the Yaxi Ecological Tour was awarded the title of "International Slow City" by the International Slow City Organization.
Gao Chun, have many people never heard of this name? It is a district of Nanjing, a famous cultural and historical city in China, located at the southernmost tip of Nanjing. Adjacent to Suzhou, Xichang in the east and Anhui in the west, it is the land of fish and rice in the south of the Yangtze River where "the sunrise fights for gold and the sunset fights for silver." As early as when Emperor Qianlong went to Jiangnan, it became known as the "Jiangnan Holy Land".
When you come to Gaochun, the first thing you feel is the fusion of fashion and classical temperament. Although it is known as the "Slow City", it is also refreshing to see the beautiful urban landscapes. There are four distinct seasons here, abundant rainfall, sufficient light, and an average annual temperature of 15.9℃.
However, Gaochun's "slowness" allows for mountains and quiet and deep lakes here. It is surrounded by Gucheng Lake, Shijiu Lake and Shuiyang River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, with a dense water network. Of course, there is also the old street that has been passed down for thousands of years, and there are also soothing fireworks.
As the back garden of Nanjing, Gaochun's sense of existence has always been very low. It was not until one day that I came to Gaochun Old Street that I truly felt why it was known as the "Slow City". One day, I met Gaochun Old Street at 6 a.m., making a fire to cook and sawing wood to buy vegetables. It was really a rare fireworks in Jinling.
Gaochun Old Street is also known as the "First Ancient Street in Jinling" and has a history of more than 900 years. At 6 a.m. in Gaochun Old Street, there are very few pedestrians on the street, and only the merchants who open breakfast shops are busy. I actually saw people sawing wood, making fires to cook, and buying groceries on the street. This scene immediately took me back to my childhood.
The ancient buildings on Gaochun Old Street are well preserved. The doors and windows are all wooden structures, and the details highlight the style of Huizhou architecture. I especially like the decoration on the old house here. The wood carvings are very exquisite and full of a sense of age.
There are many delicious food on Gaochun Old Street. You don't have to rush here, walk slowly and taste slowly.
Compared with Suzhou and Yangzhou, Gaochun's reputation is much lower, and many people have not even heard of this name, but this place is like the back garden of Nanjing. It is ancient and has a lot of flavor. Since it has been awarded the title of "International Slow City" by the International Slow City Organization, it naturally has its unique charm.
I wonder if you have ever been to Gaochun? What impression did Gaochun leave on you? Pay attention to street light photography and welcome everyone to communicate in the comment area.