Tucked away in China's Jiangsu province, Gaochun (高淳) isn't just another dot on the map. Recognized as an "International Slow City," this place operates on a different rhythm. It’s a living museum, a serene escape where ancient crafts aren't relics behind glass but vibrant parts of daily life. Recently featured on popular national TV shows, Gaochun is captivating audiences with its deep well of cultural traditions, offering a genuine taste of a slower, more mindful China.
Gaochun’s identity is deeply interwoven with its intangible cultural heritage. As the first place in Nanjing to be named a "Hometown of Chinese Folk Culture and Art," it boasts an impressive 155 items of intangible cultural heritage. This isn't just a number; it's a testament to a community that actively lives and breathes its traditions.
A Calendar of Living Traditions
The local calendar is marked by spectacular, moving festivals that are anything but staged performances for tourists. They are profound community rituals.
The most famous is arguably the Tiao Wuchang (跳五猖)—Dance of the Five Fierce Gods. During the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival, performers don colorful masks and wield ritual instruments, leaping and dancing to the intense beat of gongs and drums. It's a powerful, mystical spectacle that drives away evil spirits and welcomes a prosperous new year—a true embodiment of local New Year's ritual.
Another breathtaking sight is the Dongba (东坝) Great Horse Lantern. Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, this tradition dates back to the Tang Dynasty. Artists inside a large, horse-shaped frame mimic the movements of a battle steed, creating a lifelike and majestic display that brings ancient folklore and children's rhymes to life in a vibrant procession.
The Art of the Handmade
Beyond the festivals, Gaochun’s heritage lives in the exquisite craftsmanship of its artisans.
The Feather Fan craft, with a history spanning over 1,700 years, is a marvel of elegance. These fans were once tributes to the imperial court. Crafting one is an act of precision and patience, each fan whispering tales of ancient strategists who wielded them as symbols of wisdom and composure.
Then there is Gaochun Porcelain, a provincial-level intangible heritage. The process is mesmerizingly complex, involving dozens of steps from kneading the local clay to glazing and firing. It’s a tradition kept alive by master potters whose skilled hands shape earth into objects of stunning beauty and functionality. The result is tableware so exquisite it has garnered praise from famous cultural influencers.
Equally impressive is the Wood Carving tradition. The local saying, "a house is not a house without carvings," underscores its importance. From intricate architectural details to decorative art, the carvings showcase a breathtaking blend of technical skill and artistic vision, passed down and innovated upon through generations.
Experience It for Yourself
The best way to understand this culture is to immerse yourself in it. The Gaochun Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall, located in the historic Old Street, is the perfect starting point. Spanning 1,800 square meters, it’s more than a museum; it’s an interactive experience. Here, you can see master craftsmen at work, try your hand at making a feather fan, and admire displays from the Great Horse Lantern to delicate tiger-head shoes.
In a world that often feels overwhelmingly fast, Gaochun offers a rare opportunity to pause. It’s a place to touch a thousand years of history, to watch a craftsman’s hands bring clay to life, to taste local flavors, and to feel the enduring power of culture. This isn’t just a trip; it’s a conversation with the past, an experience waiting to be lived.
