Xuzhou

Xuzhou

Xuzhou, a prefecture-level city nestled in the northwestern reaches of Jiangsu province in the People’s Republic of China, is a place of considerable historical weight and strategic importance. Known in antiquity as Pengcheng, it stands as a crucial national transport hub and a vital gateway city for East China. It’s the pulsating heart of the Huaihai Economic Zone and the Xuzhou metropolitan area, a significant node in the country’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative , and a burgeoning international center for new energy development. The city has earned accolades such as the National City of Civility and the prestigious United Nations Habitat Scroll of Honour award , testament to its multifaceted significance.

Since 1986, Xuzhou has been recognized as a National Famous Historical and Cultural City , a designation well-deserved given its rich tapestry of historical relics. Among these are the awe-inspiring terracotta armies, the solemn Mausoleums of the princes, and the exquisite art of relief from the Han dynasty, each whispering tales of bygone eras.

Furthermore, Xuzhou has carved a niche for itself on the global stage of scientific research. It ranks among the top 500 cities in the world by scientific research outputs , as meticulously tracked by the esteemed Nature Index . The city is also a proud home to the China University of Mining and Technology , the sole national key university within Xuzhou under the prestigious Project 211 initiative. Beyond this, Xuzhou hosts other prominent public research universities , including Jiangsu Normal University , Xuzhou Medical University , and the Xuzhou Institute of Technology . The linguistic landscape of Xuzhou is marked by the Xuzhou dialect , a distinct subdialect of Central Plains Mandarin , predominantly spoken within the city and its surrounding rural areas.

Romanization

Before the official adoption of the Hanyu Pinyin system, Xuzhou’s name was rendered in various ways, most commonly as Suchow or Süchow. Less frequent, but still documented, were transcriptions such as Siu Tcheou Fou, Hsu-chou, Hsuchow, and Hsü-chow. These variations speak to the historical fluidity of transliteration before a standardized system took hold.

History

Early History

The prehistoric landscape surrounding Xuzhou offers glimpses into the Dawenkou culture . Sites like Liulin, Dadunzi, Huating, and Liangwangcheng represent distinct phases of this ancient culture, from its nascent beginnings to its mature development. Evidence of sacrificial rituals dedicated to the deity Tudi , unearthed at the Qiuwan and Gaohuangmiao sites, suggests the influence of the Shang dynasty in the region. Legend speaks of Peng, or Great Peng, a tribal entity that evolved into a chiefdom within the city’s present-day boundaries. It is believed that Peng Zu , a figure of considerable longevity in Chinese folklore, was the inaugural chief of the ancient Peng state , which was centered around Xuzhou before its eventual subjugation by King Wu Ding of Shang around 1208 BC.

During the Western Zhou dynasty, a Huaiyi chiefdom known as Xuyi or Xu emerged, with its center near modern Xuzhou, exerting influence over the Lower Yellow River Valley. Xuyi and its Huaiyi people engaged in intermittent conflicts with the Zhou dynasty and its vassal states. At a later stage, Xuyi relocated its capital to the Xuzhou area, bringing with it a population that had migrated southward.

Pengcheng, named in honor of the ancient Peng state , was established by the state of Lü (later annexed by Song ). Strategically situated at the confluence of the ancient Bian and Si Rivers, the city became a point of contention. In 573 BCE, the state of Chu seized Pengcheng during wartime, only to return it to Song the following year as a strategic concession.

Imperial China

The tumultuous era of the late Qin dynasty saw Pengcheng become a focal point for military maneuvering. In 208 BC, both Xiang Yu and Liu Bang deployed their forces into Pengcheng. It was here that Emperor Yi of Chu relocated his capital following the demise of the rebel leader Xiang Liang . In 206 BC, Xiang Yu further solidified his power by exiling the emperor to southern China. Proclaiming himself “Hegemon-King of Western Chu,” Xiang Yu established his capital in Pengcheng, where he remained until 202 BC.

The subsequent Han dynasty saw the establishment of a new Chu Kingdom with Pengcheng as its capital. This kingdom was governed by various imperial princes throughout the Western Han period (202 BC – 9 AD). Liu Jiao , the younger half-brother of the Han founder Liu Bang , was the first Prince of Chu. A significant event occurred in 154 BC when the prince Liu Wu participated in the Rebellion of the Seven Princes . His defeat led to a substantial reduction in Chu’s territories. By the end of the second century AD, Pengcheng had become a thriving center for a Buddhist community.

The turn of the 2nd century AD witnessed Pengcheng changing hands multiple times between Cao Cao and his rivals, before its eventual incorporation into the Cao Wei state around 200 AD. During this period, the administrative seat of Xu province was moved from Tancheng to Xiapi, located in the northwest of Suining, with Pengcheng assuming this role later, after 220 AD.

The upheaval of the Five Barbarians spurred significant southward migration of local households. A prominent Liu clan from Pengcheng rose to prominence within the gentry, its most notable descendant being Liu Yu, later known as Emperor Wu of Liu Song . Pengcheng subsequently fell under the control of the Northern dynasties. Liu Yu managed to reclaim lost territories north of the Huai River around 408 AD. Xuzhou was then divided into two administrative entities: Beixuzhou (North Xuzhou) and Xuzhou (with Jingkou as its seat) in 411 AD. Beixuzhou, with Pengcheng as its capital, was bordered by the Huai River to the south. A decade later, Beixuzhou was reinstated as Xuzhou, while its southern counterpart was renamed Nanxuzhou. Pengcheng continued to serve as the seat of Xuzhou until its administrative dissolution in the early Ming dynasty .

The constant warfare that plagued Xuzhou finally abated with the enthronement of Emperor Taizong of Tang in 626 AD. The relative peace allowed Xuzhou to experience a period of development throughout much of the Tang dynasty . Historical records, including the Old Book of Tang and the New Book of Tang, indicate a population of only 21,768 in Pengcheng, Fei, and Pei counties in 639 AD, a figure that dramatically increased to 205,286 by 742 AD.

In 781 AD, Li Na launched a southward campaign, besieging Xuzhou. Although his revolt was eventually suppressed, the disruption to the transport system of the Bian Canal compelled the imperial court to secure the region.

The prefect of Xuzhou at the time, Zhang Jianfeng , was appointed the first military governor of Xuzhou–Sizhou–Haozhou (徐泗濠節度使), with his headquarters established in Xuzhou in 788 AD. This title was later restored and renamed Wuning (武寧) in 805 AD, following a five-year hiatus. Wang Zhixing, another governor of Wuning, established elite battalions within the army, notably the “Silver Sword,” comprising handpicked recruits. These soldiers, however, proved undisciplined and defiant towards Wang’s successors. In 832 AD, Li Ting, upon receiving a threatening letter prior to his assumed post, resigned immediately. Wuning was subsequently rocked by mutinies in 849, 859, and again in 862 AD, with two other governors also being expelled. Amidst this turmoil, Wang Shi was appointed. He quelled the mutiny by executing a portion of the garrison troops and disbanding the rest, many of whom subsequently turned to banditry. In 864 AD, the court declared an amnesty, promising that all surrendered bandits would be sent for a tour of duty in the south before presumably returning to regular service in the north.

However, this pledge was broken, infuriating three thousand surrendered soldiers who, along with two thousand former Wuning troops already in the south, felt betrayed. Led by Pang Xun , these soldiers mutinied and marched back north, encountering little resistance by the winter of 868 AD. The local civil governor’s refusal to dismiss officers targeted by Pang’s demands ignited a military confrontation. Thousands of local peasants joined the rebels, who seized the prefectural city of Xuzhou, captured the civil governor, and executed the officers. Pang garnered considerable support, but the rebellion was ultimately suppressed a year later. The Wuning region was renamed Ganhua (感化; meaning “Converting [from insubordination]”) with a stern admonishment against future revolts.

The course of the Yellow River began to shift during the Song dynasty , leading to severe silting at its estuary. This forced the river to divert its flow into the lower Huai River tributary. The region subsequently suffered from persistent flooding, soil depletion, and salinization, rendering the once fertile land barren.

In January 1129 AD, the Nijuhun forces captured the city after a 27-day siege. The governor, Wang Fu (王復), was executed for his refusal to surrender. However, his subordinate, Zhao Li (趙立), rallied the remaining forces and recaptured the city two months later, though they strategically withdrew shortly thereafter. Xuzhou remained under Jurchen rule for over a century.

In 1232 AD, generals Wang You (王佑) and Feng Xian (封仙) revolted, expelling the Jurchen governor Tuktan. Soon after, the Mongolian army, led by the Han Chinese general Anyong (安用), captured Xuzhou. Generals Liu Anguo (刘安国) of the state of Su and Du Zheng (杜政) of Pizhou also yielded their cities to Anyong. The Mongolian general Asuru (额苏伦), perceiving Anyong’s actions as an attempt to usurp credit, became incensed and pursued him. Anyong, in fear, sought refuge with the Jurchen. The Jin dynasty briefly resumed control of Xuzhou, but internal disunity led to further betrayals. In November 1233 AD, the Xuzhou garrison welcomed the Mongolians. Meanwhile, Anyong pledged allegiance to the Song dynasty and recaptured the city after the Mongolian army’s departure. In the spring of the following year, the Mongolian commander Zhang Rong (张荣) attacked Xuzhou, and Anyong drowned himself after his final defeat. The Mongolian governor of Xuzhou and Pizhou, Li Gaoge (李杲哥), surrendered to the Song in 1262 AD, only to be killed days later after his rebellion failed.

A significant uprising against the Yuan dynasty, led by Li Er (李二), nicknamed “Sesame Li,” erupted in the Xuzhou region. In August 1351 AD, they seized the city. The Yuan emperor Toghon Temür offered amnesty if they surrendered, but the rebels ignored the decree. Consequently, Toqto , a powerful Yuan minister, was dispatched to quell the unrest. The city fell in the autumn, and Toqto’s army carried out a brutal massacre. This victory was symbolically crucial for Toqto, and Xuzhou was renamed Wu’an (武安; meaning “Restoring peace by force”) in his honor, with a stone monument erected by the court to commemorate his achievement.

Zhang Shicheng occupied Xuzhou in 1360 AD, marking it as the northernmost city in his domain. Ming forces, led by Xu Da , captured Xuzhou in 1366 AD. Shortly thereafter, Köke Temür dispatched an army under General Li Er to attack Xuzhou. The Ming commanders Fu Youde (傅友德) and Lu Ju (陸聚), defending the city, launched a counter-raid, resulting in the drowning of most of the enemy forces and the capture of approximately 270 soldiers and 500 horses.

The rubbing images display a copper identification token, typically worn on a belt, belonging to a patrol officer in the Xuzhou Guard during the Ming dynasty. The front is inscribed with “Xuzhou Guard” in seal script, while the reverse reads “Patrol.”

Xuzhou experienced a prolonged period of prosperity during the Ming dynasty, largely attributed to its pivotal role in the carriage system, particularly via the Grand Canal. The city hosted one of the seven customs barriers (or customs houses, 鈔關) under the Ministry of Revenue, a status it maintained until the late Qing dynasty. The Korean scholar Choe Bu , during his travels, noted that Xuzhou rivaled the prosperity of the Jiangnan region .

As a critical hub for both the national courier system and the grain tribute system for centuries, Xuzhou held immense strategic importance. To ensure its security, the Ming government established three garrison areas: Xuzhou Guard (徐州衛), Xuzhou Left Guard (徐州左衛), and Pizhou Guard (邳州衛).

However, local navigation was significantly hampered by two treacherous rapids: the Xuzhou Rapids, located a kilometer southeast of the city, and the Lüliang Rapids, another 24 kilometers further south. In an attempt to mitigate these issues, the Ministry of Works constructed the Jia Canal , running parallel to the perilous stretch. Completed in the 1600s, the canal, ironically, proved detrimental to the city. It disrupted the established drainage system and depressed the local economy. Prior to this, Xuzhou was frequently afflicted by floods and subsequent famines. The most severe flood occurred in 1624 AD, submerging the city to a depth of 1 zhang and 3 chi (approximately 4 meters).

Following the enthronement of the Hongguang Emperor in Nanjing, the court designated four defense zones along the southern bank of the Yellow River (江北四鎮) to repel the advancing Qing armies. The former bandit general, Gao Jie (高傑), was assigned the crucial forward position at Xuzhou by Shi Kefa . However, Gao’s assassination severely weakened the court’s ability to counter the Qing threat. Gao’s successor, Li Chengdong (李成棟), anticipating an imminent Qing attack, deserted Xuzhou in the early summer of 1645 AD. Subsequently, Dodo ’s army captured the city.

The map depicts the prefectural city of Xuzhou in the late Qing dynasty, highlighting the outer earthen ramparts constructed to defend against the Nian Rebellion .

The seismic activity of the Tancheng earthquake in 1688 also impacted Xuzhou. According to local gazetteers, “More than half the houses of the city were ruined” and “led to enormous deaths.”

In the 1850s, the Yellow River shifted its course from the southern to the northern side of the Shandong peninsula . This geological event triggered severe floods and widespread famine in Xuzhou, rendering the prefecture’s waterway system virtually defunct.

Modern China

Following the Revolution of 1911 , Zhang Xun and his remaining forces retreated to Xuzhou, entering the city on December 5th. The Nanking Government dispatched three armies to attack Xuzhou. In mid-February 1912, after suffering defeat, Zhang evacuated the city and moved north.

From the outset of the Second Revolution, Xuzhou became a frontline city. The Revolutionary Army experienced significant setbacks as they advanced northward from the city, leading to a complete rout. The Beiyang Army subsequently captured the city on July 24th. Zhang Xun then established his base in Xuzhou, convening four meetings of the Beiyang leadership. During the political stalemate between Li Yuanhong and [Duan Qirui] in 1917, Zhang marched on Beijing with his troops in June. His failed rebellion resulted in widespread looting and arson by his garrisons in Xuzhou during July.

By 1924, the Zhili clique held sway over Xuzhou. In the autumn of that year, the Second Zhili–Fengtian War erupted, and Zhang Zongchang, a supporter of the Fengtian clique, seized the city with his thirty thousand soldiers. In October 1925, Sun Chuanfang led a coalition of forces to counter the Fengtian Army , occupying the city on November 8th. As the leader of the Northern Expedition , Chiang Kai-shek arrived in Xuzhou on June 17, 1927. He conferred with Feng Yuxiang and other Kuomintang officers on June 20th, with Feng being courted by the Nanjing government. Subsequently, Sun Chuanfang and Zhang Zongchang formed an alliance against the Nationalist government, recapturing the city on June 24th. The fall of Xuzhou provoked widespread public outrage, leading to Chiang’s initial resignation. On December 16th, Nanjing forces regained control of the area.

The image shows Chinese civilians killed by the Japanese Army in a ditch near Xuzhou.

The area served as a primary theater for both the Battle of Xuzhou in 1938 against the Japanese Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War and the pivotal Huaihai Campaign of the Chinese Civil War in 1948–49.

On May 19, 1938, Chiang Kai-shek ordered the abandonment of Xuzhou, after which the Japanese military occupied the city.

In January 1942, the Administrative Commission of the Su-Huai Special Region (蘇淮特別區) was established with its headquarters in Xuzhou. This was later replaced by a new puppet province, Huaihai (淮海省), with Hao Pengju appointed as its governor.

Following the Second Sino-Japanese War, troops under He Zhuguo entered Xuzhou on September 6th. The Xuzhou Pacification Commission (徐州綏靖公署) was founded at the end of the year, with Gu Zhutong appointed as its Chief. It was disbanded when the Army Command Headquarters relocated to Xuzhou on March 5, 1947. Concurrently, a military tribunal attached to the commission was organized to prosecute 25 Japanese soldiers.

Guo Yingqiu, representing the Communist Party of China (CPC), arrived in Xuzhou on February 10, 1946, to negotiate a regional truce. On March 2nd, the “Committee of Three,” comprising George Marshall, Zhang Zhizhong, and Zhou Enlai, convened for ceasefire discussions in Central China. Despite these efforts, conflict between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the CPC soon resumed. The CPC revealed that Yasuji Okamura had aided the KMT in local warfare against the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The Huaihai Campaign was a critical engagement within the broader context of the Chinese Civil War’s major campaigns. Fighting centered around Xuzhou, the seat of the Bandit Suppression Headquarters (剿匪總司令部) established on June 6, 1948. The campaign proved disastrous for the Nationalist forces, ultimately leading to the fall of the Nationalist capital, Nanjing. The CPC gained control of the city on December 1st.

The images show Zhang Xun’s troops in Xuzhou in the 1910s, Chiang Kai-shek conferring with Feng Yuxiang in Xuzhou in 1927, the “Committee of Three” meeting in Xuzhou in 1946, and Mao Zedong on the platform of Xuzhou Railway Station in 1953.

Following the civil war, the old urban area of Xuzhou was temporarily incorporated into Shandong province, along with other regions north of the Longhai Railway in Jiangsu. However, upon the restoration of Jiangsu province in 1953, the city was returned to its original administrative jurisdiction.

The railway infrastructure in Xuzhou faced significant transportation challenges in the 1970s, prompting concern from Beijing. In response, the then Minister of Railways, Wan Li , visited Xuzhou in March of that year to inspect and implement corrective measures. This intervention was later recognized as a breakthrough in restoring order to the transportation network.

On April 22, 1993, the State Council officially ratified Xuzhou as a “Larger Municipality” with legislative powers, signifying its growing administrative and economic importance.

Administration

The administrative structure of Xuzhou has undergone considerable evolution throughout its history. The table below provides a detailed overview of these changes at various levels, from the Spring and Autumn period to the present day under the People’s Republic of China.

The prefecture-level city of Xuzhou currently administers ten county-level divisions . These comprise five districts , two county-level cities , and three counties . These administrative units are further subdivided into 161 township-level divisions , consisting of 63 subdistricts and 98 towns.

The map illustrates the current administrative divisions of Xuzhou, detailing the districts of Gulou, Yunlong, Jiawang, Quanshan, and Tongshan, along with the county-level cities of Xinyi and Pizhou, and the counties of Feng, Pei, and Suining.

The following table provides demographic and area data for each administrative division as of the 2020 census:

Geography

Xuzhou occupies a position of immense strategic value, serving as a crucial link between southern and northern China. Its administrative boundaries touch upon Lianyungang and [Suqian] to the east; the province of Suzhou in Anhui to the south; [Huaibei] to the west; and the provinces of Linyi , Zaozhuang , Jining , and Heze in Shandong to the north.

The region’s topography can be broadly divided into four sectors from east to west: the Shandong–Jiangsu Traps (鲁苏地盾), the Tancheng–Lujiang Fault Zone (郯庐断裂带), the Xu–Huai Downwarp-fold Belt (徐淮坳褶带), and the Fault-block of West Shandong (鲁西断块). The majority of the area lies within the Xu-Huai Alluvial Plain, which forms the southeastern expanse of the North China Plain .

Historically, the confluence of the Si River and the Bian Canal was located northeast of the ancient city of Xuzhou. The city and its surrounding territories were particularly vulnerable to severe flooding from the Yellow River, a hazard that persisted from the tenth century onwards. In 1194 AD, the Yellow River dramatically altered its course, merging with the Si River, a former tributary of the Huai. From that point until its diversion in 1855, the Yellow River flowed along the northern edge of the walled city. Today, the ancient Yellow River course bisects the city proper, while Yunlong Lake lies to the southwest, with Yunlong Park situated north of the lake.

Climate

Xuzhou experiences a monsoon -influenced humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cwa). This climate is characterized by cool, dry winters, pleasant springs, extended periods of hot, humid summers, and crisp autumns. The average monthly temperature fluctuates from a low of 0.7 °C (33.3 °F) in January to a high of 27.3 °C (81.1 °F) in July, with an annual mean temperature of 14.9 °C (58.8 °F). While snow can occur during winter, heavy snowfall is rare. Precipitation is scarce in winter, with the bulk of the annual rainfall, averaging 842.8 millimeters (33.2 inches), falling between June and August. The city enjoys approximately 2,221 hours of bright sunshine annually, with monthly sunshine percentages ranging from 44% in July to 54% in certain months.

The extreme recorded temperatures in Xuzhou include a frigid -22.6 °C (-9 °F) on February 6, 1969, and a scorching 43.4 °C (110 °F) on July 15, 1955.

The climate data presented below, derived from normals for 1991–2020 and extremes from 1951–present, provides a detailed statistical overview of Xuzhou’s weather patterns.

Source: China Meteorological Administration NOAA

Demographics

According to the 1% National Population Sample Survey conducted in 2015, Xuzhou’s resident population reached 8.66 million, with a sex ratio of 101.40 males per 100 females.

The table below presents historical resident population data for Xuzhou, offering insights into its demographic trends over time.

Economy

Historically, Xuzhou and its surrounding regions were predominantly agricultural. The fertility of its arable land was severely impacted by shifts in the Yellow River’s course beginning in the mid-11th century, leading to the prominence of drought-resistant crops such as wheat, sorghum, soybean, maize, and potato. Cotton, peanut, tobacco, and sesame were also cultivated, albeit with lower yields. The region’s mining history traces back to an iron mine, Liguo, which was exploited as early as the Han dynasty and managed by a specialized bureau during the Song dynasty. Xuzhou possesses significant coal reserves, and local coal mining operations commenced around the 1070s, as alluded to in the writings of the governor Su Shi. Copper smelting in the area is believed to have begun during the Three Kingdoms period.

Strategically situated along the ancient course of the Grand Canal, Xuzhou experienced several periods of economic vitality before the abolition of the grain tribute system in 1855. The city remained economically underdeveloped through the 1940s due to persistent warfare, with limited industrial engagement.

In subsequent decades, the CPC designated the city as a center for coal mining and heavy industry. Today, its dominant sectors include machinery, energy, and food production. The construction machinery manufacturer XCMG is the largest company headquartered in Xuzhou. In 2011, it ranked as the world’s tenth-largest construction equipment maker by revenue and the third-largest in China, following Sany and Zoomlion.

Education

Xuzhou has historically served as a regional educational center. Although two former institutions, the Provincial College of Kiangsu (省立江蘇學院) and the North China Theological Seminary , are no longer in operation, the city’s educational landscape has continued to evolve. In 1958, the Jiangsu Normal Academy relocated to Xuzhou, and later, the Nanjing Medical College, Xuzhou was established, both surviving the disruptions of the Great Leap Forward . In 1978, the China Institute of Mining and Technology also relocated to Xuzhou.

The image shows the north gate of the Wenchang Campus of the Xuzhou Branch of China University of Mining and Technology.

Schools:

• Xuzhou No.1 Middle School (徐州市第一中学)
• Xuzhou No.2 Middle School (徐州市第二中学)
• Xuzhou No.3 Middle School (徐州市第三中学)
• Xuzhou Senior High School (徐州市高级中学)
• Xuzhou No.5 Middle School
• Xuzhou No.36 Middle School (徐州市第三十六中学)
• Xuzhou No.13 Middle School

Universities and Colleges:

• China University of Mining and Technology (中国矿业大学)
• Jiangsu Normal University (江苏师范大学)
• Xuzhou Medical University (徐州医科大学)
• Xuzhou Institute of Technology (徐州工程学院暨徐州大学)
• People’s Liberation Army Air Force Logistical College (中国人民解放军空军后勤学院)

Religion

The image shows the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Xuzhou . The structures of Xinghua Temple date back to the Song dynasty.

According to a local administrator’s survey in 2014, approximately 4.76% of Xuzhou’s population, totaling 0.46 million people, adheres to organized religions. Protestants constitute the largest group with 350,000 adherents, followed by Buddhists with 70,000.

Xuzhou is considered one of China’s earliest Buddhist centers, purportedly due to Emperor Ming of Han’s mention of Liu Ying, the Prince of Chu at the time, building a “temple for Buddha.”

French-Canadian Jesuits from the Society of Jesus have been prominent in Catholic activities in Xuzhou since the 1880s. In 1940, there were 73,932 adherents and seventeen churches. The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, completed in 1910, remains a principal church today. The initial Protestant mission in Xuzhou was led by Alfred G. Jones of the BMS, with the American Southern Presbyterian Mission taking over in the 1890s.

Culture

Arts

According to Xu Wei’s Nanci Xulu (南詞敘錄), Yuyao Tone (余姚腔), a significant Southern opera during the Mid-Ming period, was popular in Xuzhou. Later, Shanxi merchants introduced Bangzi opera to Xuzhou along the Grand Canal in the late Ming dynasty. This opera, fused with local dialect ballads, evolved over centuries into a distinct regional form known as Jiangsu Bangzi (江蘇梆子) since 1962.

A new municipal concert hall, designed to resemble a myrtle flower, opened in 2011, and the city’s first local philharmonic orchestra was established in 2015. Xuzhou is also home to the Xuzhou Museum , which houses Terracotta warriors and horses from the Han Dynasty , as well as the Xuzhou Decree Museum.

Media

The first local newspaper, Hsing-hsü Daily (醒徐日報), was established in 1913. Currently, Xuzhou’s primary newspaper is Xuzhou Daily (徐州日報), founded in late 1948 and operated by the Xuzhou Committee of the Chinese Communist Party .

Local radio stations include News Radio (新闻广播) at 093.0 FM, Private Motor Radio (私家车广播) at 091.6 FM, Traffic Radio (交通广播) at 103.3 FM, and Joy Radio (文艺广播) at 089.6 FM.

Local television channels offer a range of programming: XZ·1 focuses on News & General content, XZ·2 on Economy & Life, XZ·3 on Arts & Entertainment, and XZ·4 on Public interest programming.

The earliest local radio broadcasts began in 1934 for public education. The Japanese military established the Hsuchow Broadcasting Station (徐州放送局, Joshi Hōsōkyoku) in 1938 after capturing the city. The National Army took control of it after World War II, and broadcasting resumed in 1949 under CPC operation. Xuzhou TV Station was established in 1980, followed by the completion of the Xuzhou TV Tower a decade later.

Cuisine

Xuzhou cuisine shares close ties with the Jinan -style of Shandong cuisine . Signature Xuzhou dishes include bǎzi ròu (pork belly and other ingredients stewed in a rich broth), sha tang (a type of soup), and various dog meat preparations.

Another renowned Xuzhou specialty is dì guō (地锅) style cooking, which involves simmering ingredients in a spicy sauce within a deep black skillet, often accompanied by small pieces of flatbread cooked on the side or top. Common ingredients for di guo include chicken, fish, lamb, pork ribs, and eggplant.

The Fu Yang Festival (伏羊节) is a traditional celebration in Xuzhou, commencing around mid-July (Chufu, 初伏) and lasting for approximately one month. During this festival, people traditionally consume lamb meat and drink lamb soup.

Transport

Roads

Xuzhou boasts an extensive network of urban expressways, including the Xuzhou 3rd Ring Road expressways (east, north, and west), the Xuzhou East Ave. expressway (城东大道快速路), the Xuzhou-Pantang expressway, the Xuzhou-Jiawang expressway, and the Xuzhou-Suqian expressway. Notably, Xuzhou is the sixth city in China to feature a fifth Ring Road (五环路) and the only city in Jiangsu with such a designation.

Expressways:

• G2 Beijing–Shanghai Expressway
• G2513 Huai’an–Xuzhou Expressway
• G3 Beijing–Taipei Expressway
• G30 Lianyungang–Khorgas Expressway
• S49 Xinyi–Yangzhou Expressway
• S65 Xuzhou–Mingguang Expressway
• S69 Jinan–Xuzhou Expressway

National Highways:

• China National Highway 104
• China National Highway 205
• China National Highway 206
• China National Highway 311

Rail

Xuzhou is a pivotal railway hub, home to two major passenger stations: Xuzhou Railway Station and Xuzhou East Railway Station (Xuzhoudong Railway Station). Xuzhou Railway Station is located at the intersection of the Jinghu Railway and the Longhai Railway . Xuzhou East Railway Station, situated on the eastern outskirts, serves as the junction for the Beijing–Shanghai and Xuzhou–Lanzhou high-speed railways . Xuzhou is unique in Jiangsu Province for possessing three major railway stations: Xuzhou Railway Station, Xuzhoudong Railway Station, and Xuzhoubei Railway Station.

Aviation

Xuzhou Guanyin International Airport is one of the three largest international airports in Jiangsu Province, providing scheduled passenger flights to major domestic airports. As of 2019, the airport features two terminals: Domestic Terminal (Terminal 2) and International Terminal (Terminal 1).

Xuzhou Metro System

Xuzhou Metro represents the first subway system in Northern Jiangsu. Approved by the State Council in 2013, the project involves the construction of three subway lines, with completion anticipated between 2019 and 2021. The initial phase encompasses a total length of 67 km and includes three transfer stations: Pengcheng Square Station (connecting Metro Line 1 and Line 2), Xuzhou Railway Station (connecting Metro Line 1 and Line 3), and Huaita Station (connecting Metro Line 2 and Line 3).

• Metro Line 1 (Xuzhoudong Railway Station - Luwo Station, via Xuzhou Railway Station and Pengcheng Square Station) commenced operation on September 28, 2019.
• Metro Line 2 (Keyunbei Station - Xinchengqudong Station, via Pengcheng Square Station and Jiangsu Normal University Yunlong Campus) opened on November 29, 2020.
• Metro Line 3 (Xiadian Station - Gaoxinqu’nan Station, via Xuzhou Railway Station, China University of Mining and Technology Wenchang Campus, and Jiangsu Normal University Quanshan Campus) began service on June 29, 2021. Phase 2 of Xuzhou Metro Line 3 is also underway.
• Metro Line 4 (Qiaoshangcun Station - Tuolanshan Road Station) commenced construction on July 27, 2022. It spans 26.2 km, entirely underground, with an average station spacing of 1.456 km and features 19 underground stations, including 8 transfer points.
• Metro Line 5 (Olympic Center South Station - Xukuangcheng Station) is slated to begin construction in 2023. This line will extend approximately 24.9 km, featuring 20 underground stations, including 7 transfer stations, with an average inter-station distance of 1.28 km.
• Metro Line 6 (Xuzhoudong Railway Station - Tongshan Chinese Medical Hospital Station) began construction on November 28, 2020. It will cover 22.912 km, with an average station spacing of 1.496 km (ranging from 0.809 km to 3.072 km), and will consist of 16 underground stations, including 6 transfer stations.

According to Xuzhou Metro Group, Phase 2 of Metro Line 3, along with Lines 4, 5, and 6, are expected to be completed before 2026. The future Xuzhou Metro System is projected to encompass at least 11 lines, including Lines 7, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and further phases of Lines 1, 2, 5, and 6.

Others

The Grand Canal, a vital waterway, flows through Xuzhou, with its navigation route extending from Jining to Hangzhou. The Luning oil pipeline, originating in Linyi county of Shandong and terminating in Nanjing, also passes through Xuzhou.

Military

Xuzhou serves as the headquarters for the 12th Group Army of the People’s Liberation Army . This army is one of three group armies comprising the Nanjing Military Region , responsible for the defense of China’s eastern coast and potential military operations concerning Taiwan . The People’s Liberation Army Navy also operates a Type 054A frigate named after the region, the Chinese frigate Xuzhou (530).

See also

• Battle of Xuzhou
• List of cities in the People’s Republic of China by population
• List of twin towns and sister cities in China
• Xuzhou dialect

Citations

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47] [48] [49] [50] [51] [52] [53] [54] [55] [56] [57] [58] [59] [60] [61] [62] [63] [64] [65] [66] [67] [68] [69] [70] [71] [72] [73] [74] [75] [76] [77]

General references

• Ji, Shijia (2008). 江苏省志・大事记（上） [ Provincial Gazetteer of Jiangsu, Volume on Chronology, Part I: Prior to 1912 ] (PDF). Jiangsu Guji Press. ISBN 978-7-806-43321-8.
• Shan, Ma, Shumo, Xiangyong (1999). 江苏省志·地理志 [ Provincial Gazetteer of Jiangsu, Volume on Geography ]. Jiangsu Guji Press. ISBN 978-7-806-43266-2.
• Twitchett, Loewe, Denis, Michael (1987). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 1: The Ch’in and Han Empires, 221 BC–AD 220 . Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-24327-8.
• Twitchett, Denis (2007). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 3: Sui and T’ang China, 589–906, Part 1 . Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-21446-9.
• Mote, Twitchett, Frederick W., Denis (2007). The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 7: The Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644, Part 1 . Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-24332-2.
• Twitchett, Mote, Denis, Frederick W. (1998). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 8: The Ming Dynasty, 1368–1644, Part 2 . Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-24333-9.
• Fairbank (2005). The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 9: Republican China 1912-1949, Part 1 . Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-23541-9.
• Zhao, Liangyu (2015). 环境·经济·社会——近代徐州城市社会变迁的研究（1882–1948） . China Social Sciences Press. ISBN 978-7-516-16418-1.

External links

Wikimedia Commons features media related to Xuzhou.

• Government website of Xuzhou (in Simplified Chinese)
• Xuzhou city guide with open directory (Jiangsu.net)

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