Xuzhou Han Culture Scenic Area

Yunlong Lake Scenic Area, Yunlong District, Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China

The Lion Mountain Chu King's Tomb anchors the park as its crown jewel. Believed to be the burial place of Liu Wu, the third Chu King of the Western Han (r. 174–154 BCE), the tomb was hewn directly into limestone bedrock in the 2nd century BCE. Its massive earth-and-stone mound earned it the nickname "Oriental Pyramid," evoking Egypt's Giza. Excavated in 1995 and named China's top archaeological discovery that year, the labyrinthine tomb chambers yielded over 2,000 artifacts, including a dazzling gold-threaded jade burial suit—comparable in craftsmanship to the finest Celtic goldwork found in Western Europe. The Han Terracotta Warriors Museum houses more than 6,000 painted ceramic soldiers, about one-third the size of the famed Qin army near Xi'an. Where the Qin figures appear uniform and solemn, these Han warriors captivate with remarkably expressive faces and vivid original pigments—blues, reds, and yellows—offering an intimate portrait of a Han military force during the dynasty that rivaled Rome in power and territory. A short walk leads to the country's only Underwater Terracotta Warriors Museum. Here, visitors stroll along glass walkways suspended above a glass-covered excavation pit, watching light shimmer through water over the ancient clay ranks. This singular installation creates a dreamlike, almost Atlantis-like atmosphere rarely matched by any archaeological site worldwide, making it a highlight for photographers and casual visitors alike. The Han Pictorial Stone Gallery and adjacent Zhulin Temple provide a gentler cultural counterpoint. The gallery's illuminated reliefs, known as "stone histories of the Han," depict processions, mythologies, and daily life with the storytelling charm of Trajan's Column in Rome. Nearby, Zhulin Temple—the first Buddhist convent in China for nuns—offers cool serenity, while fragrant osmanthus blossoms perfume the grounds every August, softening the gravitas of the ancient tombs. **Practical Visitor Information:** The scenic area is located at 1 Bingmayong Road, Yunlong District. From April 1 to October 31, gates open 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM); winter hours close 30 minutes earlier. Tickets run approximately 80–90 RMB, with free admission for children under 6, seniors over 60, and active military personnel; students pay half price. Allow 3–4 hours for a satisfying visit, and reserve a human guide or rent an audio tour in advance to fully appreciate the Chu King's story and the intricate jade-burial-suit craftsmanship. **Why Visit:** Few places on Earth allow travelers to descend into a 2,000-year-old royal tomb, stand beneath an army of painted warriors, and view ancient relics through water—all within a single afternoon. Xuzhou Han Culture Scenic Area is an essential detour for anyone tracing the Silk Road's eastern origins or seeking the quieter, deeply rewarding side of China's imperial heritage.