Xuzhou

China · Jiangsu

Xuzhou

Han Dynasty heritage and Jiangsu cuisine

Best for

Han Dynasty HistoryScenic LakesTheme ParksChinese Cuisine

Recommended stay

2-3 days

Best season

Autumn (Sep–Nov) and spring (Mar–Apr) for

Location

China, Jiangsu

Snapshot

City Snapshot

A city at a glance

6 dimensions · 1–5 scale

PandaLoco's read of six travel-relevant dimensions on a 1–5 scale, built from public datasets and our travel criteria.

It describes the city's profile. It is not a ranking of better or worse cities.

Basis: Public datasets and PandaLoco travel criteria

Overview

Xuzhou, a historic eastern city, features Han Dynasty tombs, Yunlong Lake, Fantawild amusement park, and rich culinary traditions.

Ideal Pace

2-3 days

Seasonal Window

Autumn (Sep–Nov) and spring (Mar–Apr) for

Overview

Xuzhou, one of the Nine Huaxia States, is a historic city known for Han culture and ancient battlefields.

Brief Guide

Xuzhou is an important city in eastern China. Historically, it was known as one of the Nine Huaxia States. It is the famous hometown of emperors and the site of many ancient battlefields. Because this place has such a large quantity of cultural heritage items, famous historical sites and ruins, and a profound historical heritage, it is also called the "Athens of the Orient." Western and Eastern Han culture, as represented by Han Terracotta Warriors, the Han Tombs, and Han Dynasty Stone Carvings, are particularly eye-catching. Yunlong Mountain and Quanshan National Forest Park are scenic areas combining the fierceness of northern China with the elegant beauty of southern China. It is northern Jiangsu's unique tourism resource.

Getting There & Around

Xuzhou Railway Station connects Beijing–Shanghai and Longhai railways. Metro Lines 1 and 2 serve key city areas.

How to Get There

Xuzhou's transportation network is well-established, with its railway stations and airport serving as major hubs for intercity travel.

  • Xuzhou Railway Station: Historical and significant junction point connecting the north-south Beijing–Shanghai railway with the east-west Longhai Railway. Accessible via Line 1 and Line 3 of the Xuzhou Metro.
  • Xuzhou East Railway Station: Dedicated to high-speed rail services, lying on the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway and the Xuzhou-Lanzhou high-speed railway, making it a vital point for travelers.
  • Xuzhou Guanyin Airport (XUZ): Located approximately 45 km from the city center, it is the primary airport in Xuzhou, offering flights to various domestic destinations. No direct metro service; travelers can use taxi services or potentially buses.

Local Transportation

Xuzhou Metro serves as a key component of local transportation in Xuzhou. It includes Line 1 and Line 2, which connect major areas across the city.

  • Line 1: Runs from Luwo to East Railway Station.
  • Line 2: Connects North Coach Station to Xincheng District East.

These lines facilitate ease of access to important destinations within Xuzhou, promoting efficient urban mobility for both residents and visitors.

Taxi services in Xuzhou offer convenient transportation around the city at any given time. Taxis are readily available, providing a flexible option for travel not bound to specific routes or schedules.

Online ride-hailing platforms have also become an integral part of urban transportation in Xuzhou. The introduction of proprietary online platforms enhances the accessibility and convenience of booking rides throughout the city. This service supports the growing demand for on-demand travel solutions, complementing traditional taxi services.

Practical Information

Mandarin is official; Alipay and WeChat essential for payments. Humid subtropical climate, hot summers. Use mobile data SIMs for internet.

Local Language

The official language of Xuzhou is Mandarin, reflecting its status within the Jiangsu province of China. As the birthplace of the Han culture, the city showcases varied dialects and cultural expressions. Various translation services, such as language apps or local interpreters, assist visitors in navigating the linguistic landscape.

Local APP

  • Alipay: A highly versatile app used throughout China for cashless transactions in stores, services, and public transport
  • WeChat: Indispensable for communication, social sharing, and payments, making it an essential app for any visitor in China
  • MetroMan: Useful for navigating metro systems across major Chinese cities efficiently
  • WAYGO: Great for instant English translations of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean text, particularly useful for reading menus and signs without internet access

Internet and Communication

Mobile data packages for travelers in China are available through local carriers such as China Mobile and China Unicom.

  • China Mobile: Prepaid data SIM cards with unlimited text messages and calls within China, and high-speed connections, sometimes even 5G.
  • China Unicom: SIM cards with data packs that include unlimited music applications; neither carrier requires long-term contracts.

Public WiFi in China is widely available in places like airports, restaurants, coffee shops, and malls. However, connecting to these networks often requires a Chinese phone number for text verification, which can be a challenge for travelers without a local SIM card.

Weather

Xuzhou, located in Jiangsu, China, experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons and a humid subtropical, dry winter weather pattern.

Summers are hot and humid, often accompanied by thunderstorms, with July being the warmest month, where temperatures can exceed 30°C.

Winters are cold and dry, with January being the coldest month, where temperatures can drop to around -2°C and occasionally below freezing.

  • Summer: Lightweight, breathable clothing is advisable, along with rain gear for unexpected showers.
  • Winter: Warm, insulated clothing such as heavy jackets, sweaters, and gloves are essential.

Currency and Payment

In Xuzhou, mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay, along with traditional banking services, are the primary payment methods for foreign tourists. These digital platforms allow linking of international cards for cashless transactions.

  • Digital Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used for everyday transactions and can link Visa and Mastercard for cashless payments.
  • Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard can be linked to mobile payment platforms, reducing the need for cash.
  • Reliable Banks: Agricultural Development Bank of China supports international transactions via SWIFT code; XTransfer is used for international transfers for services not integrated with mobile platforms.

Top Experiences

Explore Han Dynasty stone reliefs and tombs at Guishan, enjoy Yunlong Lake, visit Fantawild for cultural tech attractions.

Must-try Local Experiences

  1. Discover the Historical Treasures of Xuzhou: Explore the Mausoleum of Han Dynasty Stone Reliefs and the Guishan Han Tomb to witness the grandeur and artistry of ancient China. These sites offer intricate carvings and historical artifacts.
  2. Find Tranquility at Xuzhou Yunlong Lake Tourist Area and Yunlong Mountain: Escape the city bustle at Xuzhou Yunlong Lake Tourist Area and Yunlong Mountain. Enjoy a boat ride, hike lush trails, and take in panoramic views from the mountaintop.
  3. Visit the Xuzhou Museum and Han Dynasty Stone Carvings: The Xuzhou Museum houses a rich collection of Han Dynasty artifacts, including exquisite stone carvings. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
  4. Discover the Terracotta Warriors of the Han Dynasty: Xuzhou's Terracotta Warriors offer a unique glimpse into ancient Chinese military history. Though smaller than those in Xi'an, they are equally fascinating.
  5. Experience the Art of Clay Figurine Making: Try your hand at crafting traditional clay figurines in Xuzhou. Learn techniques passed down through generations and create a unique souvenir.
  6. Witness a Captivating Performance of Xuzhou Opera: Attend a Xuzhou Opera performance to experience expressive singing and elaborate costumes, immersing yourself in the local cultural scene.
  7. Savor the Flavors of Xuzhou Cuisine: Indulge in Xuzhou's diverse gastronomy, including specialties like Pengcheng Lamb Soup and Xuzhou Bawang Bian, a traditional pancake.
  8. Visit the Xuzhou Night Market: The night market is a bustling hub where you can sample local street food, buy crafts, and experience Xuzhou's vibrant nightlife.
  9. Stroll along the Ancient City Wall: Walk or bike along the well-preserved Xuzhou Ancient City Wall ruins, enjoying panoramic views and the ambiance of old Xuzhou.

Food Highlights

Xuzhou cuisine: Luo Mo bread, Di Guo Ji clay pot chicken, Sha Tang soup, Mutton Soup.

Food Guide

Xuzhou's culinary delights are renowned for their rich historical and cultural roots, as well as varied cooking techniques. The city's traditional fare includes the chewy Luo Mo, the hearty and spicy Di Guo Ji, the time-honored Sha Tang, and a local favorite, Mutton Soup. Each of these dishes embodies the authentic flavors and eating habits of the region.

Luo Mo

Luo Mo

Xuzhou Luo Mo is famous for its deep historical roots and its soft, chewy texture. It is made with an extremely thin outer layer.

  • Wrap thin layers around crispy, butterfly-shaped fried dough twists for a mix of textures.
  • Roll with additional fillings or another layer of Luo Mo to suit preferences.
  • Enjoy on its own for its unique and appealing taste.
Di Guo Ji

Di Guo Ji

Di Guo Ji is a classic specialty of Xuzhou, cherished by food enthusiasts for its unique cooking style. The dish features a clay pot lined neatly with raw dough dumplings around the edges.

At the heart of the dish are juicy chicken pieces, generously seasoned with chili and Sichuan peppercorns, alongside various accompaniments. The chicken not only retains its tenderness but also soaks up the rich, spicy, and numbing flavors of the broth, creating an intensely aromatic experience.

The contrast between the crispy dumplings on top and the succulent, broth-soaked ones below provides a delightful textural combination that garners much acclaim.

Sha Tang

Sha Tang

Sha Tang, a beloved specialty soup from Xuzhou, carries a rich cultural history spanning over a thousand years.

  • Crafting an authentic bowl involves meticulous preparation: five primary ingredients and numerous secondary ones.
  • The preparation includes a series of complex, time-consuming steps.
  • When serving, the chef cracks an egg directly into the bowl, then pours hot soup over it.
  • This yields a beautiful display of golden egg strands with a soft, moist, exquisitely rich taste.
Mutton Soup

Mutton Soup

  • Mutton Soup is a celebrated specialty of Xuzhou, cherished by locals due to its deep-rooted history.
  • The regionally famous Pengzu Fuyang Festival, especially popular in the summer, draws food enthusiasts from afar to savor this delicacy.
  • The soup, characterized by its creamy white hue and rich, savory flavors, contains mutton that’s aromatic without any gaminess.
  • A spoonful of vibrant, spicy chili oil makes the dish irresistibly appetizing.

Best Time to Visit

Mild weather in autumn (Sep–Nov) and spring (Mar–Apr); summers hot and humid with thunderstorms.

The best time to visit Xuzhou is during autumn (September to November) and spring (March to April). During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities.

  • Autumn: Mild and sunny weather, not too hot nor too cold. Provides a comfortable environment for tourism.
  • Spring: Initially mild, becomes warmer. Avoids the extremes of cold winter and hot, humid summer.

Attraction Highlights

Guishan Han Tombs, Yunlong Lake, Xuzhou Fantawild Wonderland, Han Dynasty Cultural Site.

Xuzhou Yunlong Lake Tourist Area

Xuzhou Yunlong Lake Tourist Area

徐州云龙湖旅游景区

Yunlong Lake, set in central Xuzhou, captivates with its year-round misty allure. The eastern shore offers water activities and tours, the west features health resorts, and the south provides hotels and entertainment. Visitors also enjoy beaches, a children's water park, and a large swimming pool.

0.5-1 day
Free
Xuzhou Fantawild Wonderland

Xuzhou Fantawild Wonderland

徐州方特乐园

Xuzhou Fantawild Wonderland brings Chinese myths, folklore, and local traditions to life through cutting-edge technology like spherical screens and AR. The park features eight indoor themed attractions, 30 outdoor rides, and over 200 dining, shopping, and landscape spots, offering a complete experience of culture, entertainment, and leisure.

1 day
99 CNY

FAQ

What's the most popular attractions in Xuzhou?
The most popular attractions in Xuzhou include Xuzhou Leyuan Huanle World, Guishan Han Dynasty Tombs, and Yaowan Ancient Town.
Things to do near Xuzhou for family & child?
For family and child-friendly activities near Xuzhou, consider visiting Xuzhou Amusement Land Candy World, Xuzhou Paradise Caribbean Water World, Xuzhou Underwater World, Pan'an Water Town, and Pan'an Lake Wetland Park.
Last updated 10/8/2026 · published