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Located in the northwest of Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou
is the largest city of northern Jiangsu as well as the most ancient
city of the province. As the joining point of Jiangsu, Henan and
Shandong provinces, the city boasts of its most important geographic
location that makes it the place all the states of ancient China
scrambled for. Thousands of years' history has blessed the city
with profound culture, especially when it was the second political
center of the Han Dynasty (260BC-220). Now, Xuzhou is the center
of the Huaihai economic development zone of China and also one of
the nation's most important agricultural product bases.
The first emperor of the Han Dynasty Gaozu was born in Xuzhou and
the culture of that splendid period of China's history was rooted
in Xuzhou, leaving the city countless historic treasures. The most
symbolic are the 'Handai San Jue' (the three most important items
to come from the Han Dynasty) including the Han tombs, the terracotta
warriors and the stone sculptures. These ancient cultural relics,
together with the beautiful natural mountains and lakes in and around
the city, form a large picture of Xuzhou attractions. Additionally,
Xuzhou has many special villages. A particular Chinese Martial Art,
called Wushu in Pinyin, originated in Peixian County, where many
people practice martial arts and have developed individual skills.
There are also the 'Chinese Folk Custom and Culture Village'- Mazhuang
Village in Jiawang District, and the 'Chinese Chess Village'-Qijia
Village in Pixian County, which will impress you with very special
Chinese folk customs.
Pengzu, the god of longevity in Chinese history who has profound
knowledge of eating and keeping healthy, once lived in Xuzhou about
4,000 thousand years ago, leaving the city its eating cultures and
customs. In addition, many other famous people in Chinese history
also left their beautiful stories there. As a result, nearly every
traditional dish has an amusing legend, which gives you an opportunity
to enjoy the delicious food and interesting stories at the same
time.
Xuzhou has many local specialties. Children's paintings, peasants'
painting, paper-cuttings and straw-plaited articles are all interesting
to buy as souvenirs. You can find these specialties and nearly all
the necessities you want in many of the stores or malls, especially
on East Huaihai Road and South Zhongshan Road.
Transportation in Xuzhou is extremely convenient. From Xuzhou Guanyin
Airport you can go to most of the big cities of China as well as
other cities abroad like New York, Sydney, etc. Being the joining
place of southern and northern China, the city is the second largest
railway hinge of the nation, which certainly makes your travel easier
from any part of China. Additionally, the highways in the city extend
in all directions with great facility of communication. So transportation
is absolutely not a problem if you decide to go there.
Xuzhou is also a modern city. Hotels and hostels with different
standards in the city will undoubtedly satisfy your accommodation
requirements and the colorful recreation venues will be above your
expectations. Putting this city onto your travel itinerary is sure
to bring you marvelous experiences.
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