Nanbo Charcoal Chicken Pot (Xuzhou First Store)
Xuzhou, a historic and cultural city with 5,000 years of civilization, is attracting visitors from all over with its profound Han culture and vibrant new tourism energy. Moving from an "internet-famous" destination to a "long-term favorite," Xuzhou has not only preserved its historical gravitas but also integrated trendy, immersive experiences. Below is a curated travel guide to Xuzhou that balances historical depth with modern experiences.
🚗 Transportation and Travel Guide
· External Transportation: For high-speed rail, choose Xuzhou East Station; after exiting, take Metro Line 1 directly to the city center at Pengcheng Square (approx. 20–35 minutes). For standard trains, arrive at Xuzhou Station; Metro Line 1 or 3 will take you to the city center in just about 10 minutes. If arriving by plane at Guanyin International Airport, you can take an airport bus or a taxi to the city center.
· Local Transportation: Metro Lines 1, 2, and 3 cover core attractions such as the Xuzhou Museum, Pengcheng Square, Yunlong Lake, and Hubu Mountain. You can use Alipay to claim the "Xuzhou Electronic Bus Card" to scan and ride. The old town area (e.g., Hubu Mountain, Huilongwo) has narrow streets, so walking is recommended. During holidays, the city center is prone to traffic congestion, so public transportation is the preferred option.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
· City Center (Pengcheng Square/Suning Business District): Located at the intersection of Metro Lines 1 and 2, shopping and dining are extremely convenient. Recommended hotels include the Hyatt Regency Xuzhou, All Seasons Hotel, and Atour Hotel (Xuzhou Suning Plaza, Jianguo East Road).
· Yunlong Lake/Yunlong Mountain Area: Beautiful environment, close to scenic spots, suitable for leisure and vacation. Recommended hotels include Tujia Somerset Xuzhou Yunlong Lake, Radisson RED Xuzhou Yunlong Lake, and Hampton by Hilton Xuzhou Yunlong Mountain.
· High Value-for-Money Options: Outside of holidays, you can choose hotels near Suning Plaza, Yunlong Lake, or Hubu Mountain. When prices are high during holidays, it is recommended to choose areas along the metro lines such as Gulou Square, Junsheng Plaza, or Yunlong Wanda Plaza, where brands like Hanting, 7 Days Inn, and Home Inn offer better value.
🍜 Food Map
Xuzhou cuisine is generally salty and spicy, so order in moderation and inform the staff in advance if you cannot handle spicy food. Popular breakfast spots and restaurants require arriving early or taking a number in advance.
· Signature Main Courses: Xuzhou Di Guo Chicken (recommended: Lianglaifeng, Laodifang Di Guo Chicken, Mianbu Di Guo Chicken), Braised Pork Belly (recommended: Zhouji Braised Pork Belly), Xuzhou Mutton Soup (recommended: Mashijie Mutton Soup), Fish Stuffed in Mutton, Garlic Braised Fish, Scallion Spicy Pancake.
· Specialty Snacks: Spicy Soup (recommended: Lianglaifeng Spicy Soup, paired with Bagu deep-fried dough sticks and pan-fried buns), Xuzhou Rice Noodles (recommended: Qingfeng Rice Noodles, Azhe Rice Noodles, Laoliuzhong Rice Noodles), Luomo (pancake) wrapped with Sanzi (fried dough twist), Wayu (frog-shaped jelly), Oil-seared Duck (recommended: Zhangji Oil-seared Duck), Xiaoxiao Cold Noodles.
· Food Hubs: Fuguo Street, Fengchu Street, Hubu Mountain Night Market, Huilongwo Historical and Cultural Block, Yiba Night Market (1818 Food Plaza), Hubin Xintiandi.
· Souvenirs: Xiaohai Crispy Candy, Misan-dao (honey-glazed pastry), Yangjiaomi (horn-shaped honey pastry), Burdock Crisps, Sesame Sheets, Fengxian Apples, Peixian Dog Meat, Lvjian Yogurt.
🗺️ Classic Itinerary Planning
· Two-Day Trip:
· Day 1: Xuzhou Museum → Hubu Mountain Ancient Architectural Complex → Huilongwo Historical Block → Pengcheng Square Night Market.
· Day 2: Guishan Han Tomb → Yunlong Lake Scenic Area (take a cable car/boat) → Yunlong Mountain → Lakeside Restaurant.
· Three-Day Trip:
· Day 1: Xuzhou Museum → Qianlong Imperial Palace → Hubu Mountain Xiamatai → Huilongwo.
· Day 2: Baolian Temple → Guishan Han Tomb → Yunlong Lake → Yunlong Mountain.
· Day 3: Han Culture Scenic Area → Pan'an Lake Wetland Park or Xuzhou Paradise.
· Four-Day Trip: Based on the three-day itinerary, visit the Huaihai Campaign Memorial Hall on the morning of the fourth day and conclude the trip in the afternoon; or arrange family-friendly projects such as Xuzhou Fantawild Adventure or Jiudingshan Safari Park.
✨ Core Experience Highlights
· Pengcheng Qili Millennium Cultural Context: As the core axis of Xuzhou tourism, Pengcheng Qili connects the Confucian Temple block, the "City Under City" Ruins Museum, Hubu Mountain ancient dwellings, Huilongwo historical and cultural block, and the Xuzhou Museum. Strolling through it, you can immerse yourself in the thousand-year evolution from the Neolithic Age to Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, and finally to the vibrant life of present-day Pengcheng.
· Smart Tourism Immersive Experience: Xuzhou is using technology to revitalize its thousand-year cultural heritage. By Yunlong Lake, you can experience the "Pengcheng Fenghua" immersive night tour, taking a boat along the 3.3-kilometer water route to watch holographic light and shadow recreations of the Song Dynasty Pengcheng style. On the third floor of the Xuzhou Art Museum, in the "Han Palace Music Banquet" full-sensory interactive space, you can converse with virtual Han Dynasty characters through XR technology without leaving the room. At the Hanyuan Cultural Experience Hall in the Liu Bang Hometown Cultural Scenic Area in Fengxian, you can use VR, naked-eye 3D, and other technologies to simulate ancient battlefields from the end of the Qin Dynasty.
· Seasonal Special Activities:
· Summer: Experience the 360° dome theater at the Yunlong Lake Water World, participate in the Pengzu Fuyang Festival to taste the "Fuyang Three-piece Set," and enjoy tourism consumption vouchers and scenic spot ticket discounts.
· Autumn: Perfect for visiting the Pizhou Ginkgo Time Tunnel, experiencing intangible cultural heritage crafts and rural roaming in Jiawang and Tongshan Hanwang, and participating in the Han Culture Tourism Festival.
· Winter: Head to the Jiawang Dajingshan, Dugongshan, or Zhuyushan ski resorts to experience ice and snow sports, watch the "Fantasy Water World Light and Shadow Xuzhou Night Lantern Exhibition" created by Zigong intangible cultural heritage lanterns at Yunlong Lake, or enjoy a New Year's concert at the Xuzhou Concert Hall.
💡 Practical Tips and Avoiding Pitfalls
· Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November) have pleasant weather. Summer is hot; it is recommended to go out early in the morning, visit indoor venues (museums, temperature-controlled Han tombs) in the afternoon, and tour the lake in the evening. Winter is great for experiencing hot springs and historical and cultural sites.
· Reservation Tips: Xuzhou Museum, Huaihai Campaign Memorial Hall, Yunlong Mountain, and Yunlong Lake are free but require real-name reservations on their official WeChat accounts 1 day in advance. The joint ticket for the Han Culture Scenic Area is about 90 yuan, Xiamatai is 30 yuan, and the Guishan Han Tomb is about 80 yuan.
· Pitfall Avoidance: Decline "10-yuan guided tours" or "low-price Hanfu" at the entrance of scenic spots; the museum has official free audio guides. The stairs in the Han tomb palace are steep and the lighting is dim, so be sure to wear non-slip flat shoes and do not touch the artifacts. It is windy at Yunlong Lake in autumn and winter, so bring a jacket; in summer, pay attention to sun protection and hydration. Avoid outdoor exposure during the peak sun hours of 11:00 AM–4:00 PM.