Xuzhou

Xuzhou
Name	Xuzhou
Native name	徐州
Settlement type	Prefecture-level city
Coordinates	34, 12, N, 117...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	China
Subdivision type1	Province
Subdivision name1	Jiangsu
Established title	Founded
Established date	circa 600 BC
Government type	Prefecture-level city
Leader title	Party Secretary
Leader name	Song Le
Leader title1	Mayor
Leader name1	Zhuang Zhaolin
Area total km2	11258
Population total	9,083,790
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	China Standard Time
Utc offset	+8
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	221000
Area code	516
Iso code	CN-JS-03
Website	http://www.xz.gov.cn/

Xuzhou. It is a major prefecture-level city in the northwestern region of Jiangsu province, historically recognized as a vital hub for transport and military strategy. The city serves as a central economic and cultural center within the broader Huaihai Economic Zone and has played a significant role throughout Chinese history. Known for its rich heritage, Xuzhou is also a modern industrial base with extensive infrastructure connecting it to major national networks.

History

Xuzhou's historical significance dates to the Spring and Autumn period, when it was part of the State of Xu. It later became a critical strategic location during the Chu–Han Contention, notably near the site of the Battle of Gaixia. Throughout the Han dynasty, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Chu and the fiefdom of Liu Bang, with important archaeological finds like the Han dynasty tombs at the Xuzhou Museum and the Terracotta Army of the Chu Kingdom. The city was a focal point during the Three Kingdoms era under figures such as Cao Cao and Liu Bei, and later saw intense conflict during the Xuzhou Campaign of the Second Sino-Japanese War. In the modern era, it was a decisive region in the Huaihai Campaign of the Chinese Civil War.

Geography

Situated in the northwestern part of Jiangsu, Xuzhou lies at the intersection of the provinces of Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, and Anhui. The city's topography is characterized by the Yellow River's historical course and the modern Grand Canal, which flows through its territory. Key geographical features include Weishan Lake, part of the larger Nansi Lake system, and the Huai River basin which influences its climate. The area is part of the North China Plain, with the Xuzhou Uplift contributing to its geomorphology, and it borders the Yunlong Lake scenic area within its urban core.

Economy

Xuzhou operates as a powerhouse for heavy industry and manufacturing within the Yangtze River Delta economic sphere. It is a global leader in construction machinery, home to the multinational corporation XCMG, and has a robust sector in energy production, leveraging local reserves of coal and supporting facilities like the Xuzhou Power Plant. The city is a national logistics hub, anchored by the Xuzhou Guanyin International Airport and major rail junctions, facilitating trade through the Belt and Road Initiative. Other significant industries include metallurgy, with plants like Xuzhou Iron and Steel Group, and agribusiness, producing goods such as garlic and peaches.

Culture

The cultural landscape of Xuzhou is deeply rooted in its history as an ancient Chinese city and a center of Chu culture. It is renowned for its Han dynasty artifacts, including stone carvings and silk garments displayed at the Xuzhou Museum. The city is the birthplace of the Han dynasty founder Liu Bang and is associated with the legendary Peng Zu. Local traditions feature Xuzhou opera, a variant of Jiangsu opera, and distinctive Xuzhou cuisine, known for dishes like Dangshan pear and spicy soup. Annual events include the Xuzhou International Marathon and festivals celebrating its Terracotta Army heritage.

Transportation

Xuzhou is a pivotal national transportation nexus, often called the "Thoroughfare of Five Provinces." It is a critical high-speed rail hub on the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway and the Xuzhou–Lanzhou high-speed railway, served by the Xuzhou East railway station. The city's freight capabilities are enhanced by the Xuzhou North Railway Station, one of the largest marshalling yards in Asia. Xuzhou Guanyin International Airport offers flights to major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, while its highway network connects to expressways such as the G2 Beijing–Shanghai Expressway and the G30 Lianyungang–Khorgas Expressway. The Grand Canal also supports inland waterway transport.

Education

The city is a key educational center in northern Jiangsu, hosting several institutions of higher learning. The foremost is China University of Mining and Technology, a prestigious university specializing in mining engineering and safety science, with a history linked to the Jiaozuo School of Railroad and Mines. Other significant universities include Jiangsu Normal University, focusing on teacher education and the humanities, and Xuzhou Medical University, a major institution for medical sciences. These universities collaborate with research centers like the Key Laboratory of Coalbed Methane Resources and contribute to the city's innovation in fields such as mechanical engineering and public health.

Category:Prefecture-level cities in Jiangsu Category:Cities in China