Xuzhou Museum

At the northern foot of Yunlong Mountain in Xuzhou, an unusual museum brings together more than two thousand years of Chinese history.

Xuzhou Museum (徐州博物馆) is not only a National First-Class Museum, but also occupies the former site of an imperial palace built for Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty during his journey to southern China.

Inside, you can admire precious treasures created more than 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty, while outside, you can walk across stone paths once used by an emperor more than two centuries ago.

For travelers interested in Chinese history, few places in Xuzhou offer such a fascinating combination of Han Dynasty culture, imperial history, archaeology and ancient art.

One Museum, Four Historical Layers

Xuzhou Museum was established in 1959, but its location has a much longer history.

In 1757, during the 22nd year of the Qianlong era, Emperor Qianlong traveled through Xuzhou during one of his journeys to southern China and established an imperial residence here at the foot of Yunlong Mountain.

More than two centuries later, the site became the foundation for today's museum complex, which brings together archaeological sites, ancient tombs and historic architecture.

The museum is made up of four major sections:

• Main Exhibition Building: Home to more than 5,000 cultural relics and works of art.
• Western Han Quarry Site: Preserves traces of quarrying and tool marks left by craftsmen more than 2,000 years ago.
• Tushan Eastern Han Tomb of the Prince of Pengcheng: The only discovered tomb of an Eastern Han Prince of Pengcheng in Xuzhou. Its archaeological excavation was selected as one of China's Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries of 2020.
• Qianlong Imperial Palace and Stele Garden: Features historic inscriptions and an exhibition dedicated to Qianlong and the history of Xuzhou.

Together, these four sections create a remarkable historical journey stretching from the Western Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, covering more than two thousand years of history.

Han Jade Treasures: 4,248 Pieces of Jade and the Dream of Immortality

One of the museum's most impressive exhibitions is “Tiangong Hanyu” (天工汉玉) on the second floor.

Here, behind glass, visitors can see one of the museum's most famous treasures: a jade burial suit sewn with gold wire, known as a Jade Suit.

The suit is regarded as one of China's earliest, most complete and finely crafted examples of its kind. It contains 4,248 pieces of white and green Hetian jade, carefully polished and assembled into more than ten sections covering the head, chest, back, sleeves and legs.

The pieces are connected with approximately 1,576 grams of pure gold wire.

For the ancient Han Chinese, jade was far more than a beautiful material. It was believed to possess protective qualities and was closely associated with the idea of preserving the body and spirit after death.

Standing in front of the jade suit, you are therefore looking at more than an extraordinary piece of craftsmanship. It offers a glimpse into the Han Dynasty's fascination with immortality and the afterlife.

The exhibition also features a large jade-inlaid lacquer coffin, whose impressive size provides another insight into the wealth and burial traditions of the Han royal family.

Han Dynasty Figures: Two-Thousand-Year-Old “Expressions”

Another highlight is the “Yongxiu Ninghua” (俑秀凝华) exhibition on the third floor, dedicated to ancient figurines.

Xuzhou is one of the most important archaeological areas for Han Dynasty terracotta figures outside the Han capital of Chang'an. The figurines discovered here are particularly valuable for understanding the military, court life and performing arts of the period.

Among the highlights are:

• Lion Mountain Terracotta Warriors: A large military formation characterized by powerful and relatively simple forms.
• Tuolan Mountain Music and Dance Figurines: Elegant figures depicting musicians and performers.
• Beidong Mountain Guard-of-Honor Figurines: Brightly colored figures with remarkably vivid expressions and details.

Perhaps the most entertaining part of the collection is the personality of the figurines themselves.

Some have been nicknamed by Chinese visitors for their distinctive appearances, while others have expressions so lively that they almost look like 2,000-year-old internet memes.

Rather than appearing cold and distant, these ancient figures seem surprisingly human. Their facial expressions, gestures and poses offer an intimate glimpse into the people and society of the Han Dynasty.

Weapons and Warfare: Ancient China's “High-Tech” Craftsmanship

If you are interested in ancient weapons, don't miss the “Jinge Tiema” (金戈铁马) exhibition on the first floor.

The gallery displays a range of ancient weapons, including a remarkable “fifty-fold forged steel sword”, representing an advanced level of metallurgical craftsmanship during the Eastern Han period.

Looking at a piece of steel produced nearly 2,000 years ago is an impressive reminder of how sophisticated ancient Chinese metalworking had already become.

The sword is not simply a weapon. It represents the technological knowledge, craftsmanship and military culture of the Han Dynasty.

Qianlong Imperial Palace: Walk in the Footsteps of an Emperor

The museum experience does not end inside the exhibition halls.

The Qianlong Imperial Palace (乾隆行宫) stands within the museum complex and provides an opportunity to explore the architectural environment associated with Emperor Qianlong's journeys through southern China.

The red walls, traditional roofs and historic courtyards create a striking contrast with the archaeological treasures displayed inside the modern museum.

For visitors interested in photography, the red walls of the former imperial palace are among the most attractive spots around the museum and provide an excellent backdrop for traditional Chinese-style photographs.

Best Time to Visit Xuzhou Museum

Xuzhou Museum can be visited throughout the year.

The indoor exhibition halls are climate-controlled, making the museum an excellent choice during both the hot summer and cold winter.

For the outdoor sections—including the quarry site, Tushan Han tomb and Qianlong Imperial Palace—spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking.

If you want to combine the museum with Yunlong Mountain, spring and autumn are particularly recommended.

Opening Hours and Admission

• Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Last admission: 4:00 PM
• Closed: Mondays, except public holidays
• Admission: Free
• Reservation: Real-name online reservation is required.
• Reservations can generally be made up to 7 days in advance through the official Xuzhou Museum WeChat account or website.
• The first batch of tickets is released at 8:00 PM one week before the visit date.
• Visitors can enter using a second-generation Chinese ID card or third-generation social security card where applicable.

Some eligible visitors, such as holders of certain senior, disability, military or veteran-related certificates, may be able to enter without advance reservation by presenting the relevant documentation.

Because reservation policies can change, international visitors should check the latest museum notice before visiting.

How to Get to Xuzhou Museum

By Metro: Take Metro Line 2 to Normal University Yunlong Campus Station (师大云龙校区站) and leave through Exit 1. The museum is approximately a five-minute walk away.

By Bus: Take a city bus to Zhongshan South Road Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Station (中山南路中医院站) or Heping Road Normal University North Gate Station (和平路师大北门站). The museum is about 200 meters from either stop.

By Car: The museum does not provide public parking, and parking around the area can be difficult, especially at busy times. Public transportation is therefore strongly recommended.

Practical Tips for Visiting Xuzhou Museum

Allow around 3–4 hours for a proper visit.

If you want to explore the Qianlong Imperial Palace, Stele Garden and outdoor archaeological sites as well, consider allowing half a day.

Photography is generally possible in many exhibition areas, but flash photography may be prohibited, especially around sensitive artifacts such as the Jade Suit. Always follow the signs and museum staff instructions.

The museum also provides several visitor services, including:

• Free wheelchairs and strollers, subject to providing a valid identification document for temporary storage.
• Free self-service luggage storage.
• Larger luggage can be stored at the visitor service center of the Qianlong Imperial Palace.
• A first-aid room, emergency medical kit and mother-and-baby room are available on site.

Best Photo Spots

If photography is part of your visit, several locations are particularly worth looking out for.

Qianlong Imperial Palace Red Walls

The traditional red walls and yellow roofs create one of the most recognizable scenes around the museum and work particularly well for traditional Chinese-style photography.

The Jade Suit

The soft museum lighting highlights the natural color and texture of the jade pieces. Avoid using flash and follow the museum's photography rules.

Han Dynasty Terracotta Figures

The expressive faces of the terracotta figures make them especially interesting subjects. Look closely at their different hairstyles, clothing and facial expressions.

Explore More of Xuzhou

Xuzhou Museum is conveniently located near several other attractions, making it easy to create a full-day itinerary.

Qianlong Imperial Palace is directly connected with the museum complex, so it should not be missed.

Across from the museum, Yunlong Mountain (云龙山) offers a chance to leave the galleries behind and enjoy panoramic views over Xuzhou. The mountain is particularly pleasant in spring and autumn.

You can also continue to Hubushan Historical and Cultural District (户部山历史文化街区) to explore traditional architecture, historic streets and creative shops.

In the evening, Pengcheng No. 1 Night Market (彭城壹号夜市) is a lively place to experience Xuzhou's nightlife and local street food.

And if you have not yet tried Xuzhou barbecue, this is the perfect opportunity. Known as a city famous for its barbecue culture, Xuzhou offers plenty of grilled specialties that make an excellent ending to a day of sightseeing.

A Journey Through Two Thousand Years of Xuzhou History

From the imperial residence of Emperor Qianlong to the jade burial suit created for a Han royal figure, from expressive terracotta warriors to an advanced Eastern Han steel sword, Xuzhou Museum brings together an extraordinary range of Chinese history in one place.

It is a museum where two very different eras meet: the grandeur of the Qing imperial court and the luxurious burial culture of the Han Dynasty.

If you want to understand why Xuzhou is one of China's most important centers of Han culture, this museum is one of the best places to begin.

Walk through the former imperial palace, stand before the thousands of pieces of Han jade, look closely at the expressive faces of the ancient figurines, and let the archaeological treasures reveal a fascinating world that existed more than two thousand years ago.