Xuzhou, known as Pengcheng in ancient times, was located in the key position where the northern and southern parts intersect, making it a militarily strategic city. Even today, we can still see the forts and fortresses built during the wars of last century. This is the hometown of Liu Bang, Emperor Gaozu of Han, therefore, also the place where the Han Dynasty originates. In Xuzhou, there are countless cultural heritages and attractions with propound historical meaning, and sites that can truly reflect the modern history. People call it the Athens of the East, and every corner of the city is worth a visit.
Han Culture Scenic Spot – Great Cause of the Emperor, Legend of Heroes
Xuzhou Han Culture Scenic Spot include the original and the expansion of the Tomb of King Chu on Shizi Mountain and Xuzhou Han Dynasty Terracotta Warriors Museum. The whole site located in the east of Xuzhou is built into a theme park featured by the Han Culture. The tombs, the terracotta, and the drawings, which are called as “three marvelous things in Han Dynasty”, can be found here, making the place a cultural protection base with impressive legacy of the Han Dynasty.
Han Terracotta Warriors
Han Terracotta Warriors is another significant archaeological finding after the Qin Terracotta Warriors. Buried deep in the underground palace, the terracotta warriors are in different troops and of various types, with each one presenting a unique facial expression. Compared with Qin terracotta warriors, which often have firm and determined look, the Han terracotta warriors are having softer and more facial expressions. From the site, we can see the life during the Han Dynasty and get a general idea of the society, the life, the funeral system, and the military formations back then. These pottery figures will be manually trimmed by the craftsmen, during the process of which the art and creation can be given full play. The delicate techniques have turned the ordinary mud into vivid figures. When you stand there, it’s as if you’re not looking at the pottery figures, but the magnificent, lifelike, marching troops.
Xuzhou Museum – Charm of Chu and Han
Xuzhou Museum is situated at the northern foot of Yunlong Mountain. The place was once the temporary dwelling palace of Qianlong Emperor in 1757. There is a saying: a visit to Xuzhou is a must for understanding the Culture of Han Dynasty. The cultural relics unearthed from various Han tombs are all gathered together here at the Museum. In this trip, the culture relic lovers will be amazed because they will be able to see the jade garment with golden, silver, and cooper threads at the same time. The most famous collection of the Museum is the jade garment with golden thread, which is only offered for funerals with the highest level. There are 2498 pieces of jade and 1.1 kilograms of gold threads. The Han people believed that if you cover the nine holes on the body with jade ware, the Qi of the person can be kept within the body, so it won’t rot for even thousands of years. That’s why the jade garment is a perfect choice.
Address: No. 118 Heping Road, Xuzhou City
Open Hours: Tuesday to Suanday 9:00-17:00 (No entry after 16:30)
Closed on Mondays (Subject to legal holiday arrangements)
