Nanjing's cole fields lure tourists

Cyclists ride through the fields of blooming coleflowers in the Gaochun district of Nanjing, Jiangsu province. [Photo by Zhao Yaohui/China Daily]

Masses of yellow coleflowers illuminate ordinary landscapes in Nanjing's hillsides, attracting tourists for all kinds of activities in spring.

Millions of people get lost in the beauty of endless coleflowers when spring comes in Gaochun district of Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu province.

In the 13,300 hectares of colefields, visitors inhale the fresh aroma of the flowers, children fly kites and newlyweds have wedding pictures taken by professional photographers who try to capture one of the most unforgettable moments of their customers' lives.

The coleflowers in the district, which is located about an hour's drive outside of downtown Nanjing, are specially selected. Only those with big, bright yellow petals have the chance to greet visitors at spring time.

More than 8.7 million visitors went to indulge themselves in the beauty of Gaochun district in 2016, up 20 percent compared with the previous year. It has been rated as one of China's best ecological attractions.

In 2010, Gaochun rose to fame rapidly after being awarded the country's first "slow city" by Cittaslow, an international movement founded in Italy in 1999. Cittaslow aims to preserve leisurely lifestyles in small towns and to remind people of a relaxed pace of life.

The district has barred industry from 70 percent of its area, to protect its natural beauty and better its living environment. It has established winding paths that extend for 48 kilometers through the colefields, along which people can enjoy various kinds of flowers on the roadsides.