I love Xuzhou even more after learning about its history and culture!
Local Food
• Diguo Chicken: Originating from the Weishan Lake area on the border of northern Jiangsu and southern Shandong, this dish was a staple for fishermen. Rooster pieces are stewed with vegetables and seasonings, and thin pancakes are placed on the side of the pot. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the pancakes absorb the chicken broth, making them delicious.
• Bazi Pork: A traditional Xuzhou dish, this is a type of braised pork. The pork is tied with string and braised in soy sauce. It is fatty but not greasy, and full of flavor. It can be served with meatballs, dried tofu, kelp knots, and other side dishes.
• Mutton Soup: This dish has a long history in Xuzhou. The soup is white and fatty but not greasy. During the annual Fuyang Festival, Xuzhou locals drink mutton soup, as it is said that "a bowl of mutton soup in summer is better than any medicine."
• Laomo: Made with unleavened dough, this pancake is about 0.1 cm thick and 30 cm in diameter. It is chewy and filling, and is said to be good for your teeth. It is a unique Xuzhou snack.
• Xuzhou Spicy Soup: Legend has it that this dish was created by Peng Zu over 4,000 years ago. It is made by simmering chicken, bones, and pork knuckles for over 24 hours, and adding ginger, eel, gluten, and other ingredients. It is spicy and delicious, and is best served with fried dough sticks, fried pancakes, or fried buns.
Attractions
• Yunlong Lake Scenic Area: A national 5A-level scenic area, this area is known for its beautiful mountains and lakes. In spring, peach blossoms and willow catkins float in the air. In summer, the lotus flowers bloom. In autumn, the maple leaves turn red. In winter, the plum blossoms bloom in the snow. You can stroll, cycle, or take a boat ride around the lake.
• Xuzhou Han Culture Scenic Area: This area combines history, gardens, and leisure, and showcases the essence of Han culture. It includes the Lion Mountain Tomb of the King of Chu, the Han Terracotta Warriors Museum, and other attractions, and is a great place to learn about Han culture.
• Guishan Han Tomb: The joint tomb of Liu Zhu, the sixth King of Chu in the Western Han Dynasty, and his wife, this tomb is large and magnificent. The star map, cliff paintings, and other mysteries in the tomb showcase the depth of Han culture, making it a great place to explore Han culture.
• Xuzhou Museum: A national first-class museum and the former palace of Emperor Qianlong, this museum has a rich collection of cultural relics, including a jade burial suit, an S-shaped jade dragon, and terracotta warriors. It is an important place to learn about Xuzhou's history and culture.
• Pan'an Lake Wetland Park: Known as "China's most beautiful rural wetland," this park features lush wetlands, tall and beautiful pond cypress forests, and green lawns. In summer, the lotus flowers bloom, and in autumn, the pond cypress forests turn red, making it a great place to relax.