Live Your Best Lives
Yaxi International Slow City, located in the northeastern part of Gaochun District, is a comprehensive tourist attraction integrating hilly ecological resources, offering eco-tourism, agricultural experiences, and leisure vacations. It is China's first International Slow City and the home of the International Slow City Alliance's China headquarters.
The Yaxi Ecological Tour is 48 kilometers long and winds through six administrative villages. It has beautiful ecology and pleasant scenery. It is an agricultural sightseeing park and ecological demonstration base with 10,000 mu of economic forestry and fruit.
The scenic area also features the Zhang Xun Memorial Hall, the Yongqing Ancient Temple, the Nancheng Ruins, the Daguantang Pond excavated under the leadership of Liu Bowen, the "Tongluo Well" where the sound of gongs and bells can be heard when a stone is thrown into the well, the Tiandi Theater, built in the 16th year of the Guangxu reign, Zhuangyuan Mountain, the Wanghe Pavilion, and the Jingshan Bamboo Sea, the largest original bamboo forest in Jinling dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. Furthermore, there are supporting facilities such as farmhouses and resorts.
In spring, tens of thousands of acres of rapeseed flowers are in full bloom; in midsummer, frogs croak and cicadas chirp, and the lotus flowers beside the Homesickness Garden are fragrant; in autumn, the maple forest under the Wenfeng Tower has dyed half the sky red; in deep winter, the snow-covered mountains reveal a hint of solemnity, and the mountain village has set up a long street banquet, and the strong New Year atmosphere makes people miss the taste of home.
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Free admission, some attractions and recreational items in the scenic area require additional fees
8:30-17:00
Yaxi International Slow City is designed to promote sustainable living and a slow, eco-friendly lifestyle. It’s part of the "Cittaslow" movement, which aims to slow down the pace of life and promote the well-being of both residents and visitors through sustainable development. The city is recognized for its efforts to preserve local traditions while incorporating modern eco-friendly technologies.
Yaxi International Slow City is located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, around a 30-minute drive from the city center. Visitors can reach it by taxi, or take a bus from Nanjing's central transport stations. The area is walkable once you arrive, with many attractions within walking distance of each other.
The attraction is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the natural surroundings are at their most vibrant. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends and public holidays.
The entrance fee for Yaxi International Slow City is approximately ¥40 per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site or in advance via various online travel platforms.
Advance booking is recommended during peak seasons, such as weekends and holidays. Booking 1-2 days in advance is usually sufficient.
A visit to Yaxi International Slow City typically takes 3-4 hours, depending on how much time you spend in each area and whether you participate in hands-on activities or tours.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and English-speaking guides can be arranged with advance notice. Audio guides are available in Mandarin and English for self-guided exploration.
The best photography spots include the scenic walking trails, the tranquil lakeside areas, and the local farms with their lush fields. Sunset views over the countryside are especially popular.
Night visits and light shows are not typically offered at Yaxi International Slow City, but special cultural events or festivals may take place during certain times of the year. Check for seasonal events before visiting.
The city can get crowded on weekends and public holidays, especially during peak tourist seasons. The best times to visit are during weekdays, particularly in the early mornings or late afternoons when the weather is cooler and fewer tourists are around.
There are basic facilities available, including clean toilets, rest areas, and small cafés. There are also shops selling local products, organic food, and handmade crafts.
Yes, Yaxi International Slow City is designed to be accessible for elderly and disabled visitors. Paths are well-maintained, and there are wheelchair-accessible areas. It is also family-friendly, with plenty of space for children to enjoy outdoor activities.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted widely. Credit and debit cards are also accepted at most locations, though it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
Inside the city, there are several cafés offering local organic food, fresh fruit juices, and traditional snacks. Nearby, you can also find restaurants serving Jiangsu province’s famous dishes like Nanjing salted duck and dumplings.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, with many cafés offering plant-based dishes. Halal food options are less common but can be found in some of the local restaurants catering to the Muslim community in Nanjing.
There are several accommodation options in and around Yaxi International Slow City, including eco-friendly resorts, guesthouses, and boutique hotels offering a relaxing stay amidst nature. For more choices, visitors can also opt to stay in Nanjing city center.
Nearby attractions include the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and the Nanjing Museum. These can easily be combined with a visit to Yaxi International Slow City for a full day of exploration.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling organic products, handmade crafts, local jams, and silk items. Traditional crafts and locally made products are popular souvenirs from this area.
After visiting Yaxi International Slow City, you can easily continue your trip by taxi or public transportation, including buses or the metro to nearby attractions. Nanjing's central railway station is accessible by taxi for further travel to other cities.
