Following the recognition of Xichong Community in Nan’ao Subdistrict, Dapeng New District as an International Dark Sky Community in 2023, Nan’ao received another international accolade when it was designated as a “slow city” by Cittaslow International, an international organization based in Italy, during a ceremony June 22.

This is the first Chinese first-tier city and area within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to receive this title.

Nan’ao Subdistrict in Dapeng New District is awarded the title of “slow city” by Cittaslow International during a ceremony held in Italy on Saturday. Courtesy of Nan’ao Subdistrict Office

The slow city (Cittaslow) movement, initiated in Italy in 1999 by Cittaslow International, represents a deliberate shift away from the fast-paced, homogenized trends of contemporary society. Emphasizing local distinctiveness within a globalized framework, the movement focuses on nurturing “small localities in an increasingly interconnected world” (Cittaslow Philosophy) to enhance local quality of life.

In October 1999, the Italian city of Orvieto became the world’s first “slow city.” As of April this year, over 200 cities or regions had been honored with the title, including 14 in China.

Situated at the south of the Dapeng Peninsula, Nan’ao overlooks Daya Bay to the east, Dapeng Bay to the west, and the South China Sea to the south. With forested areas covering 87% of its terrain, Nan’ao boasts good air quality and is renowned as China’s “oxygen bar.” It is also home to natural wonders like the Luzui ecological path, the Dongchong Mangrove Wetland Park, the Xichong International Dark Sky Community, and the Shenzhen Dapeng Peninsula National Geopark.