Xuzhou

Xuzhou is a famous historical and cultural city whose reputation has been somewhat overshadowed by its food. It is the birthplace of Han dynasty culture and is also widely recognized as a barbecue capital. Its sights are concentrated and its food scene is dense, making it perfect for a relaxed 3-day, 2-night itinerary of sightseeing and eating.

3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: First Impressions of Pengcheng and Night-Market Energy
  • Morning: Arrive in Xuzhou and head to your hotel to check in. Staying near Pengcheng Square or Fuguo Street is recommended for the easiest transportation.
  • Afternoon: Explore Xingshi Residential Community and Fuguo Street, where countless long-running local eateries are tucked away. Try Lao Zheng Grilled Beef Tendon, Xiaoxiao Liangpi, fried steak, and jujube cake.

• Evening: Go to Yiba Night Market to check in at the large “Xuzhou” character wall, or find a local barbecue place, such as a Jiaqing Barbecue branch, and experience Xuzhou barbecue’s distinctive way of eating it with sweet vinegar.

• Day 2: Ancient Han Charm and a Stunning Sunset
  • Morning: Get up early and rush to the Pengzu Garden Cableway to buy a full-route ticket, limited to 100 per day, or navigate to the Jinshan Park parking lot and walk the metasequoia boardwalk for a fairy-tale forest feel.

• Afternoon: Visit Xuzhou Museum, making sure to reserve in advance, to see its prized gold-threaded jade burial suit. You can also stroll around the nearby Qianlong Temporary Imperial Palace.

• Dusk: Take the cable car for a sweeping view of Yunlong Lake’s beautiful sunset. In the evening, walk around Huilongwo Historical and Cultural Block and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of its bluestone-paved lanes.

• Day 3: Buddhist Grandeur and an Old-City Walk
  • Morning: Head to Baolian Temple to admire its High Tang-style architecture and Tongtian Pavilion, the tallest Buddhist pavilion in China. Remember to take photos from the side corridor to capture the layered look of the ancient-style buildings, and you can also have a bowl of vegetarian noodles.

• Afternoon: Explore the Hubu Mountain Ancient Architectural Complex and climb to the top of Ximatai to connect with the history of Xiang Yu. Then go to Fengchu Street to eat your way through snacks such as Songji Chicken Fillet Wraps and Yipin Piaoxiang Rice Noodles before heading home.

Must-Visit Attractions

Xuzhou’s attractions are relatively concentrated, with a focus on the combination of Han dynasty culture and natural scenery. Here are the core recommendations:

Must-Eat Foods and Restaurants

Xuzhou cuisine is mainly savory, fresh, aromatic, and spicy, with barbecue, diguodi chicken, and rice noodles as the absolute stars:

• Xuzhou Barbecue: Must-orders include oil-wrapped liver, lamb skewers, and beef skewers. They are grilled to about 70% done before being brought to the table for you to finish grilling yourself. Dip them in sweet vinegar to cut the richness and boost the aroma. Recommended spots include Leige Barbecue and Laomentou Barbecue.

• Diguodi Chicken: The soul of the dish lies in freshly slaughtered free-range chicken stir-fried over firewood, with flatbread pieces soaking in the rich broth until deeply flavorful. Recommended spots include Lujia Mianbu Diguodi Chicken and Xiaochao Barbecue.

• Sauce-Flavored Rice Noodles: Xuzhou rice noodles are springy and chewy, with a rich broth. Remember to add sweet vinegar and chili oil. Recommended spots include Yipin Piaoxiang Rice Noodles and Weiji Rice Noodles.

• Street Snacks: Oil-fried duck, grilled beef tendon wraps, chicken fillet wraps, fried steak, and jujube cake are all street-food essentials. Fuguo Street and Fengchu Street are the top choices for food hunting.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Accommodation Choices: For a first visit to Xuzhou, staying near Pengcheng Square is recommended, as the metro hub makes it easy to get anywhere. If you want to experience the old-city atmosphere, choose a guesthouse around Huilongwo. If you are traveling with children and want a more relaxed pace, stay around Yunlong Lake.
• Getting Around: The city’s metro and buses are both convenient, and the attractions are not too far apart, making electric bikes the best option. Roadside electric bike rentals cost about 28 yuan for 4 hours, but pay attention to designated parking spots, as parking in the wrong place may incur a dispatch fee. Be careful whether driving or cycling, as traffic here can be quite aggressive.

Pitfalls and Notes

• Reservation Reminder: Be sure to reserve Xuzhou Museum online in advance. It is closed on Mondays. Ximatai stops admission at 16:30, so do not make a wasted trip.
• Cable Car Tip: If you want to take the Yunlong Lake sunset cable car with no queue, you must get up early and go to the Pengzu Garden Cableway to buy a full-route ticket, limited to 100 per day.
• Sun and Heat Protection: Xuzhou has strong UV rays in summer, so physical sun protection is essential. At the hottest time around noon, it is recommended to return to the hotel to rest and avoid the peak heat.
• Choosing Food Wisely: Some internet-famous restaurants have long queues and average flavors. Locals are more likely to recommend neighborhood spots with no line, such as a random barbecue or rice noodle shop inside a residential community, which often turns out to be a pleasant surprise.