Xuzhou

徐州

Ancient city with strategic importance in Chinese history, featuring significant jade carving traditions and impressive museums. The Xuzhou Museum houses one of China's finest collections of Han Dynasty artifacts and bronzes.

Things to do

• Xuzhou Museum — Explore one of China's premier collections of Han Dynasty artifacts, bronze vessels, jade carvings, and ancient terracotta figurines spanning thousands of years of history.
• Cloud Dragon Mountain — Hike this scenic mountain featuring ancient temples, stone carvings, and panoramic views of the city, with historical significance dating back to the Han Dynasty.
• Han Culture Theme Park — Visit this open-air museum recreating Han Dynasty life with traditional architecture, tomb models, and interactive exhibits showcasing ancient daily customs and craftsmanship.
• Jade Carving Workshops — Observe master artisans at work in family-run studios carving jade using traditional techniques, with opportunities to purchase authentic Xuzhou jade pieces.
• Pengcheng Guangchang Square — Stroll through the city's central plaza featuring modern fountains, historical monuments, and evening performances reflecting Xuzhou's status as an ancient strategic city.
• Turtle Mountain Han Tomb — Descend into this well-preserved underground Han Dynasty tomb complex featuring brick architecture, stone carvings, and chamber layouts rarely accessible to visitors.

Food to try

• Xuzhou Oxtail Soup — A warming local specialty featuring tender stewed oxtail in a rich broth flavored with Chinese medicinal herbs, served as a signature comfort dish year-round.
• Dizhou Pie — Crispy-skinned pastries filled with seasoned meat and vegetables, traditionally baked in wood-fired ovens and eaten as a street food breakfast staple.
• Xuzhou Casserole Rice — Claypot rice cooked with local ingredients like mushrooms, preserved vegetables, and cured meats, served sizzling with a fragrant crispy bottom layer.
• Peixian Pickled Vegetables — Traditional preserved vegetables from neighboring Peixian County, offering complex umami flavors used as condiments or served alongside rice and congee.
• Xuzhou Sesame Candy — Brittle candies made from toasted sesame seeds and maltose syrup, sold as popular gift items featuring regional flavors like peanut and black sesame variations.

Local customs & good to know

• Han Dynasty Heritage Pride — Xuzhou residents deeply value their connection to the Han Dynasty as a major ancient capital; showing genuine interest in this history is greatly appreciated.
• Jade Appreciation Custom — When visiting jade workshops or markets, it is respectful to ask about the stone's origin and carving meaning rather than focusing only on price.
• Tea House Social Culture — Local tea houses serve as important social gathering spaces; sitting for extended conversations over tea is normal and visitors are welcome to participate in this relaxed pace.
• Museum Photography Etiquette — While many artifacts can be photographed, tripods and flash are typically prohibited; always check with staff before photographing delicate Han Dynasty pieces.