Xuzhou: a first-timer’s guide

Seven days Han legacy — Terracotta, tombs, Yunlong Lake, ancient battlefields.

Xuzhou at a glance

Xuzhou, historically Pengcheng, is a major transport crossroads with a rich Han-dynasty legacy, including royal tombs, stone reliefs and a robust northern Jiangsu food culture.

On a first visit, Han Warriors, Han Reliefs and Yunlong Lake reveal the city’s spatial character and history, while Pulled Noodles, Peppery Chicken and Sesame Pancake add the everyday food culture. Together they connect major landmarks, lived-in neighbourhoods and the pace of the modern city.

Where to stay in Xuzhou

Yunlong District or Gulou

This is the most practical first-visit base. Check the actual walk to a metro or major bus stop and group the nearest sights into one day.

Near Han Tombs & Reliefs

Choose this area when it anchors your itinerary. Staying nearby makes early starts, evening walks and local meals easier.

Near the main station or transport hub

This works well for a late arrival, early departure or short stay. Prioritise simple station access over a decorative hotel address.

Longer stays and local neighbourhoods

For four nights or more in Xuzhou, consider a lived-in neighbourhood with restaurants, supermarkets and reliable public transport. It often offers quieter evenings and better value.

Xuzhou: places you should not miss

Historic character and heritage of Xuzhou — **Historic Xuzhou**Architecture and cultural memory reveal an earlier layer of Xuzhou.

Han Warriors

Start early, carry water and use shoes with grip. Weather and visibility matter more here than squeezing in another distant stop. Han Terracotta, then Lion Hill Tomb, then Yunlong Lake.

Han Reliefs

Choose two or three galleries and allow 2–3 hours; check reservation and weekly closing arrangements before travel. Han Reliefs Museum, then Guishan Tomb, then Stone Carving Park.

Yunlong Lake

Allow half a day and check wind, rain, boat operations and the final return connection before setting out. Yunlong Lake boating, then Yunlong Mountain hike, then Pengzu Garden.

Xuzhou Museum

Choose two or three galleries and allow 2–3 hours; check reservation and weekly closing arrangements before travel. Xuzhou Museum, then Hubu Mountain, then night market.

Yaowan Ancient Town

Visit in the morning or late afternoon, then explore the side lanes and local shops instead of staying only on the busiest main street. Yaowan Ancient Town canal town Ming-Qing.

Taierzhuang Ancient City canal

Allow half a day and check wind, rain, boat operations and the final return connection before setting out. Taierzhuang Ancient City canal battle memorial 1.5hr.

Hubu Mountain historic district

Start early, carry water and use shoes with grip. Weather and visibility matter more here than squeezing in another distant stop. Traditional residences and hillside lanes make a compact old-city walk close to museums and local restaurants.

Han Dynasty Stone Reliefs vivid ancient life

Visit in the morning or late afternoon, then explore the side lanes and local shops instead of staying only on the busiest main street. Han Dynasty Stone Reliefs vivid ancient life. Guishan Han Tomb. Sesame pancake. Pengzu Garden.

What to eat in Xuzhou

Xuzhou food is broader than one or two famous dishes. Begin with breakfast, noodles or a small snack, then plan one regional shared meal. Group restaurants by neighbourhood to reduce travel and see how local people actually eat.

Pulled Noodles

Choose a high-turnover specialist cooking each bowl to order; taste the broth and noodle texture before adding chilli, vinegar or extra toppings. Choose a specialist with high turnover, taste the broth and texture first, then add chilli, vinegar or condiments to preference.

Peppery Chicken

Order it as part of a shared meal and balance the table with vegetables, a staple and one lighter dish.

Sesame Pancake

Eat it freshly steamed, fried or baked. Order a small portion first so you can compare another local snack nearby.

Lamb Soup

Order it as part of a shared meal and balance the table with vegetables, a staple and one lighter dish.

Xuzhou sha soup

Try it at a busy local shop, order a small portion and combine it with other flavours in the same neighbourhood.

Ground-pot chicken

Order it as part of a shared meal and balance the table with vegetables, a staple and one lighter dish.

Bazirou braised pork

. Order it as part of a shared meal and balance the table with vegetables, a staple and one lighter dish.

Xuzhou spicy soup

. Try it at a busy local shop, order a small portion and combine it with other flavours in the same neighbourhood.