Xuzhou – the “Athens of the Orient “

By staff reporter HOU RUILI

Located at the junction where north meets south and between Beijing and Shanghai, Xuzhou City boasts a long history, rich culture and gorgeous landscape. Its reputation as a famous Chinese historical and cultural city attracts tourists from far and wide.

The wondrous scenery of Dongshan Scenic Area.

Wondrous Culture of the Chu and Han Dynasties

Xuzhou has a history of over 6,000 years and was established as a city about 2,600 years ago. It is the hometown of Peng Zu, legendary figure in Chinese history, the place where Liu Bang, first emperor of the Han Dynasty, was born and the former capital designated by Xiang Yu when he proclaimed himself Overlord of Western Chu. Xuzhou can, therefore, be described as the birthplace of Han culture. The city’s scenic beauty and deep historical roots earn it the reputation of the “Athens of the Orient.”

The Han terracotta army.

Because of Xuzhou’s strategic location, the city has witnessed over 400 battles throughout history, the most famous being the Chu-Han Contention between Liu Bang and Xiang Yu at the end of the Qin Dynasty. The battle played out on Jiuli Mountain in northwestern Xuzhou. It was hardly a fair fight: Xiang Yu was 27 years old and a student of strict military training, whereas Liu Bang, a peasant’s son, was over 50 years old. However, Xiang Yu was defeated, while Liu Bang went on to unify China and found the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220).