Hidden Gem: Xingwei Village in Nanjing

Nestled in Qixia District, Xingwei Village might not be on every tourist’s radar, but it’s a perfect escape for those wanting to experience Nanjing’s rural charm without venturing too far from the city. Located at 90 Hezuo Village, Jingwu Road, Maigaoqiao Street, this spot blends nature, culture, and cozy vibes—ideal for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Getting There (and Back!)

Xingwei Village is easy to reach. If you’re coming from downtown Nanjing, hop on Metro Line 1 or 4 and get off at Maigaoqiao Station. From there, a short taxi or bike ride (~15 minutes) will land you at the village. Driving? Punch “Jingwu Road, Qixia District” into your GPS—there’s free parking near the entrance. Pro tip: Rent a bike in the city; the roads to Xingwei Village are flat and scenic!

Nature’s Playground

Surrounded by gentle hills and lush fields, Xingwei Village feels like a mini escape from urban life. In spring, cherry blossoms and油菜花（rapeseed flowers）create a yellow-and-pink blanket, perfect for photos. Wander along the village’s narrow paths, and you’ll spot locals tending to vegetable plots, ducks waddling by canals, and tiny temples tucked between trees. The air here? Crisp and fresh—a far cry from Nanjing’s busier areas.

A Peek Into Village Life

Unlike overly touristy spots, Xingwei Village keeps it real. Stroll through the historic lanes to see traditional houses with gray roofs and wooden doors. Some homes have been turned into teahouses or craft shops, where you can chat with residents about their lives. During festivals, the village buzzes with lanterns, dragon dances, and homemade snacks like糯米饼（sticky rice cakes）. It’s like stepping back in time—but everyone’s super friendly!

What to Do (and Eat!)

Start your visit at the village square, where a map highlights walking trails. The highlight? A centuries-old archway rumored to have sheltered emperors during hunts. For food, try the family-run eateries serving 盐水鸭（Nanjing’s famous salted duck）and野菜炒蛋（fried eggs with wild herbs）. Wash it down with chrysanthemum tea—a local specialty. If you’re feeling active, rent a paddle boat on the nearby lake or join a calligraphy workshop hosted by a village elder.

Tips for Your Visit

  • Best Time: Spring (March-May) for flowers, autumn (September-November) for harvest views.
  • Wear: Comfy shoes! The terrain is flat, but you’ll walk a lot.
  • Language: Locals speak basic English, but learning a few Mandarin phrases (like 你好, nǐ hǎo) goes a long way.
  • Souvenirs: Buy handmade straw hats, dried plumpp（a local fruit）, or embroidered cloth—all made by villagers.

Why You’ll Love Xingwei Village

It’s the perfect mix of “authentic” and “accessible.” Unlike crowded spots like the City Wall or Xuanwu Lake, Xingwei Village lets you slow down. Sip tea under a pergola, watch sunsets over rice paddies, or just sit quietly while crickets chirp. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, Xingwei Village offers a slice of Nanjing most visitors miss—but you’ll be glad you found it.

Note: Be respectful of residents’ privacy—knock before entering private spaces, and avoid loud noise after dark.