Fuguo Street, Xuzhou

In the heart of downtown Xuzhou, surrounded by modern shopping malls and busy commercial streets, you will find a surprisingly lively old neighborhood measuring less than 500 meters long.

This is Fuguo Street (富国街).

The street may be short, but it packs an enormous amount of local flavor into a small space. Once a neighborhood for wealthy families and government officials during the Qing Dynasty, Fuguo Street is now known for its dozens of long-established eateries, street-food stalls and modern restaurants.

If you want to experience the most authentic flavors of Xuzhou without spending hours traveling around the city, Fuguo Street is an excellent place to start.

Come hungry, walk from one end to the other, and let the smoky aroma of grilled meat, the rich sauces of local noodles and the refreshing sweetness of desserts introduce you to the everyday side of Pengcheng, the historic name of Xuzhou.

From “Fugui Street” to Fuguo Street: 300 Years of History

The history of Fuguo Street dates back to the Kangxi and Qianlong periods of the Qing Dynasty, when the area developed near government offices and became a residential district for officials and wealthy families.

Because so many prosperous households lived here, local people originally called the street “Fugui Street” (富贵街), meaning “Street of Wealth and Nobility.”

One of the most famous residences once found here belonged to the Xu family, whose large compound was popularly known as the home of the “Xu family that occupied half of Xuzhou.”

According to the Xu family genealogy, the original compound covered less than 15 mu, but it was expanded repeatedly over the generations. Some accounts suggest that it eventually covered as much as 85 mu, while others claim it reached 120 mu.

During the Republican period, several other wealthy families also built large residences along the street, including the Zhu, Li and Zhao family mansions.

An elderly Xuzhou resident once recalled the street as a place lined with high-walled compounds, stone-paved roads and gray-brick traditional houses—a neighborhood that conveyed a strong sense of wealth and status.

In 1949, the former Fugui Street was renamed Fuguo Street, symbolizing hopes for national prosperity and development.

The name changed, but the lively atmosphere of the neighborhood remained.

More Than 100 Shops: A Food Street from Morning Until Late Night

Today's Fuguo Street is home to around 136 commercial shops, making it one of the most popular places in central Xuzhou for local food.

If some famous food streets in Nanjing are destinations for visitors determined to “eat their way through the city,” then Fuguo Street plays a similar role in Xuzhou.

The street becomes lively from around 10:00 AM and can remain busy until 2:00 AM, with different restaurants and stalls taking over the street at different times of day.

Many of the long-established shops have become part of the food memories of generations of Xuzhou residents.

Must-Try Foods on Fuguo Street

Zheng's Grilled Meat Skewers

Erzhong Lao Zheng Grilled Meat Skewers (二中老郑烤肉筋) is one of the best-known food stops on the street.

The meat is grilled over high heat and seasoned with a mixture of sweet vinegar and chili powder, creating a smoky, savory and slightly spicy flavor.

For many locals, trying grilled meat skewers is almost essential to experiencing Xuzhou's food culture.

Xiaoxiao Liangpi

At Xiaoxiao Liangpi (笑笑凉皮), cold rice noodles are served with a special sauce combining sweet, sour and spicy flavors.

The refreshing texture makes this a popular choice when you want something lighter between heavier grilled dishes.

Yipin Piaoxiang Rice Noodles

Yipin Piaoxiang Rice Noodles (一品飘香米线) specializes in rice noodles served with a rich meat sauce.

The sauce has a deep savory flavor, while the rice noodles remain pleasantly chewy.

Gaojie Sushi

Gaojie Sushi (高姐寿司) has been operating in the neighborhood for years and is known for its strong local following, reportedly selling more than 500 portions a day.

It is an interesting example of how newer food styles have become part of the street's evolving food culture.

JIweifang Pork Fillet Flatbread

At Jiweifang Pork Fillet Flatbread (己味坊里脊肉饼), a flatbread is sliced open and filled with grilled pork fillet, lettuce, sweet sauce and chili sauce.

The warm bread and freshly grilled meat are finished with cumin, creating an irresistible aroma.

Take one bite and you will understand why this simple street food has such a loyal following.

Other Local Favorites

There are plenty of other options to try, including:

• Fengchu Street Fried Steak (丰储街炸牛排) — crispy on the outside and tender inside.
• Jinbang Timi Roasted Pig's Trotter (金榜蹄名烤猪蹄) — soft, rich and full of gelatinous texture.
• Old Xuzhou Stinky Tofu (老徐州臭豆腐) — crispy outside with a spicy and sour pickle topping.

You can also find some of Xuzhou's most characteristic dishes and snacks around the area, including guo pot chicken, garlic-fried fish, shazi, laomo flatbread and rolled cold noodles.

At the same time, the street is not limited to traditional food. Japanese-style casual meals, Korean dishes, modern tea drinks and other contemporary food concepts have also appeared alongside the old neighborhood restaurants.

This mixture of old and new is part of what makes Fuguo Street interesting. Return after a few months and you may find several new popular shops where old stalls once stood.

A Historic Street with a Modern Makeover

Fuguo Street received an important urban renewal project as part of the “Pengcheng Seven Miles” regeneration program before the National Day holiday in 2025.

The renovation included unified improvements to the facades of nine buildings, covering approximately 10,000 square meters. The granite sidewalks were renovated and cleaned, while new benches and waste bins were added at several intersections.

One of the most noticeable additions is a new photo wall, together with a landmark installation known as “Fuguo Baby” (富国宝宝).

Nearby, the Xingshi Lion Community (醒狮小区) has developed a more youthful atmosphere, with businesses offering board games, handmade crafts, trendy collectibles and Hanfu experiences.

The result is a neighborhood where the old and the new coexist: traditional food and historic streets on one side, contemporary entertainment and creative businesses on the other.

Best Time to Visit Fuguo Street

Fuguo Street is lively throughout the day, but the atmosphere changes significantly from morning to night.

After 6:00 PM is the best time for most visitors. As the sun sets and street lights come on, food stalls gradually open and the neighborhood becomes increasingly busy.

The street can remain lively until around 2:00 AM, making it an excellent destination for an evening food tour.

If you want to see the street in its most authentic everyday rhythm, you can also arrive earlier and experience the transition from daytime restaurants to the nighttime food scene.

Opening Hours and Practical Information

• Street access: Open 24 hours
• Most shops: Approximately 10:00 AM–10:00 PM, although individual businesses vary.
• Night food stalls: Generally operate from evening until late at night.
• Recommended visit time: 1–3 hours
• Food-focused visit: Allow half a day if you want to try several different restaurants.

How to Get to Fuguo Street

By Metro: Take Metro Line 1 to Pengcheng Square Station (彭城广场站) and walk approximately 400 meters to the street.

You can also take Metro Line 2 to Xuzhou Medical University Hospital Station (徐医附院站), which is around a 350-meter walk away.

By Bus: Several routes, including Bus 6, 12 and 14, serve the central area.

By Taxi: Fuguo Street is around RMB 15 by taxi from Baolian Temple, depending on traffic.

By Car: Driving is possible, but parking in the central area can be difficult during busy periods. Some roads may also have temporary traffic restrictions between 9:00 PM and 4:00 AM, so public transportation is generally more convenient for an evening visit.

Best Photo Spots on Fuguo Street

Fuguo Street is more about street atmosphere than grand landmarks, so look for details and everyday scenes.

The new “Fuguo Baby” landmark and photo wall are obvious places to start.

The contrast between old food shops and newly opened restaurants also creates interesting urban photographs.

For the most atmospheric images, visit around sunset, when the street lights and lanterns begin to come on and the food stalls fill the street with warm light and activity.

Explore More of Central Xuzhou

Fuguo Street is located in the heart of central Xuzhou, surrounded by some of the city's busiest commercial and cultural areas.

Modern shopping centers such as Suning Plaza, Golden Eagle and Gemdale are only a short walk away, making it easy to combine local food with shopping.

After eating, you can walk to Huilongwo Historical and Cultural District (回龙窝历史文化街区), Hubushan Historical and Cultural District (户部山历史文化街区) and Ximatai (戏马台) to explore more of Xuzhou's historic side.

For a deeper introduction to the city's Han Dynasty heritage, combine Fuguo Street with Xuzhou Museum (徐州博物馆) and Yunlong Mountain (云龙山) during the day.

In the evening, continue to Yiba No. 1 Night Market (壹捌夜市) for more local snacks and nightlife.

Taste the Everyday Life of Xuzhou

From a neighborhood once known as Fugui Street, where wealthy families and officials lived during the Qing Dynasty, to today's lively food street packed with more than a hundred shops, Fuguo Street has changed dramatically over the past three centuries.

Yet one thing has remained constant: the street's connection with everyday life in Xuzhou.

You do not need a ticket or a complicated itinerary here. Simply walk into the street, choose a busy food stall, order something that catches your eye, and continue exploring.

If you want to experience the most authentic everyday atmosphere of Xuzhou in a short amount of time, Fuguo Street is one of the city's best places to start.

The street may be less than 500 meters long, but its flavors stretch much farther—from smoky grilled meat and savory noodles to sweet desserts and late-night snacks. Walk from one end to the other, and you may discover that a short old street can offer a surprisingly complete taste of Xuzhou.