Xuzhou Travel Guide

Introduction

As one of China’s Nine Ancient Capitals, Xuzhou is both a historically strategic military stronghold and the birthplace of Han culture.

This ancient city, embraced by Yunlong Lake, seamlessly blends millennia of history with bustling street life. Whether you’re marveling at underground Han tombs or enjoying late-night skewers at a food market, Xuzhou promises unforgettable experiences.

Let’s explore this hidden gem where “Five Provinces Converge.”

Moments You’ll Fall in Love with Xuzhou

Watching the first sunlight pierce the morning mist at Yunlong Lake, sipping tea under carved window frames in Hubushan’s old mansions, seeing lanterns illuminate Huilongwo as dusk falls, and hearing sizzling mutton skewers at night markets—Xuzhou hides countless magical moments. The city whispers stories through Baolian Temple’s chanting halls, Guishan Han Tomb’s starry ceiling, and the sesame-scented aroma of “Shitang” soup on Fuguo Street.

8 Reasons to Visit Xuzhou

1. Living Han Culture Encyclopedia
   Xuzhou Museum’s Han terracotta warriors and Guishan Han Tomb’s Chu King Mausoleum form a complete Han Dynasty legacy.
2. Nature-City Harmony
   Yunlong Lake and Yunlong Mountain create an urban oasis with free 5A-level scenery.
3. Culinary Powerhouse
   From “Diguoji” (clay pot chicken) to mutton soup and “Mitanshao” (honey-glazed pastry), Xuzhou ranks among China’s “Most Happy Cities” for food three years running.
4. High-Speed Rail Hub
   Perfect for weekend getaways as a midpoint on the Beijing-Shanghai line.
5. Living History
   Well-preserved Ming-Qing architecture at Xima Terrace and Hubushan.
6. Unbeatable Value
   Explore core attractions at ¥300 per person; five-star hotels average under ¥500/night.
7. All-Season Appeal
   Spring peonies, summer lotus views, autumn gingko trails, and winter hot springs.
8. Cultural Crossroads
   Emerging experiences like Hanfu studios and intangible heritage workshops.

What to Do in Xuzhou

Morning Routine
5:00 AM Sunrise at Yunlong Mountain Observatory → 7:00 AM “Shitang” soup at Mashijie → 9:00 AM Xuzhou Museum

Cultural Deep Dive
Guishan Han Tomb laser show → Dianshi Garden stone carvings → Imperial Edict Museum

Foodie Itinerary
Fangfang BBQ (Xingfu Road) → Fuguo Street snacks → 1818 Night Market sweep

Family Fun
Xuzhou Amusement Park Water World → Europark Ocean World → Pan’an Lake Wetland

Artistic Stroll
Huilongwo Maokong Bookstore stamps → Hubushan antique market → Baolian Temple sutra copying

Where to Eat in Xuzhou

Must-Try Trilogy

• Diguoji (Lu Hanhan Clay Pot Chicken): Bread soaked in savory broth
• Yangrou Tang (Liuwu Mutton Restaurant): Winter warming essential
• Mitanshao (Taikang Food): Century-old pastry with bursting honey filling

Snack Map

• Fuguo Street: “Wayu” (minnow jelly), eight-strand fried dough, sesame pancake rolls
• Hubushan: Zhengji BBQ tendon, Fengchu Street shaved ice
• Yunlong Lake: Azhe rice noodles, fresh osmanthus cakes

Night Owl Havens

• 1818 Night Market: Laozheng BBQ tendon, octopus balls
• Yiba Night Market: Wheel cakes, cheesy hot dogs

When to Visit Xuzhou

Spring (Mar-May)
Peony festivals at Yunlong Lake, cherry blossoms at Pengzu Park, avg 15°C

Summer (Jun-Aug)
Yunlong Lake Water Park, Guishan Han Tomb cooling, Fuyang Festival (Jul 20-Aug 18)

Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Yunlong Mountain gingko avenue, Pan’an Lake birdwatching, avg 22°C

Winter (Dec-Feb)
Baolian Temple blessings, Hanwang Town hot springs, mutton soup season

Getting to Xuzhou

Air
Xuzhou Guanyin Airport, 40km from downtown, airport bus/metro Line S1直达

High-Speed Rail
Xuzhou East Station (Beijing-Shanghai line), metro Line 1直达 downtown

Self-Drive
Lianhuo Expressway/Jingfu Expressway intersection, downtown parking ¥5-8/hour

Local Transport

• Metro: Lines 1/2/3 cover major attractions
• Bus: Retro You5 Route (Train Station-Yunlong Lake)
• Shared Bikes: Dedicated Yunlong Lake cycle paths

Where to Stay in Xuzhou

Luxury Picks

• Xuzhou Marriott (Yunlong Lake view, ¥1500+)
• Xuzhou Greenland Platinum (Dalong Lake, ¥1200+)

Mid-Range

• Orange Hotel (Suning Plaza, ¥300+)
• Jinji Hotel (Daxue Road, ¥250+)

Unique Stays

• Yundongjing Hotel (Zen theme, ¥800+)
• Hertz Enjoy Hotel (Esports theme, ¥300+)

Popular Areas

• Suning Plaza: Transport hub, vibrant nightlife
• Yunlong Lake: Lake views, morning exercise friendly
• Hubushan: Ancient residences, cultural vibe

Where to Stay in Hotspots

Yunlong Lake Area
Family-friendly: Marriott, Century Park

Downtown Core
Youth hub: Orange, Lavande Hotels

High-Speed Rail Zone
Business travel: Wumian Hotel

Hubushan-Huilongwo
Culture lovers: Floral Garden, Yin Nan Villa

Exploring Xuzhou

Classic 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Xuzhou Museum → Yunlong Mountain → Yunlong Lake → Huilongwo
Day 2: Guishan Han Tomb → Baolian Temple → Hubushan → 1818 Night Market
Day 3: Han Culture Park → Pan’an Lake → Xuzhou Amusement Park

Deep Experience Tips

• Hanfu rental: Multiple shops in Huilongwo
• Intangible heritage: Incense pouch/paper-cut workshops in Hubushan
• Food tours: Allocate half-day for Fuguo Street snacks

Cost of Living in Xuzhou

Dining

• Breakfast: “Shitang” soup + eight-strand fried dough ¥10-15
• Main meal: ¥50/person for clay pot chicken, ¥80/person for BBQ
• Dessert: ¥15/box Mitanshao, ¥12-20 rice noodles

Transport

• Metro: ¥2-5 single journey
• Shared bike: ¥1.5/30min
• Taxi: ¥8起步价

Attractions

• Guishan Han Tomb ¥80, Xuzhou Museum free
• Yunlong Lake boat ¥50/hour, Baolian Temple vegetarian noodles ¥15

Accommodation

• Budget: ¥150-300/night
• Comfort: ¥300-600/night
• Luxury: ¥800+/night

Conclusion

From Han Dynasty grandeur to modern street vitality, Xuzhou crafts a 2600-year tapestry of unique urban character. Here, UNESCO heritage sits beside night market vitality; feel Emperor Gaozu’s “Great Wind” spirit while embracing youthful creativity. For your next adventure, give Xuzhou three days—this underestimated treasure will surely exceed expectations.