Xuzhou Jiangsu, China Travel Guide
China's super-app for messaging, calls, and mobile payments. Account setup and card linking is important before you arrive.
Another dominant mobile payment platform. Set up and link an international card prior to your trip.
The main ride-sharing app in China. Necessary for booking taxis or private cars. Download the international version.
Local navigation apps with superior accuracy for directions, public transport, and points of interest within China.
An excellent offline Chinese dictionary app with character recognition and pinyin input. Very useful for language barriers.
Required to access many international websites and apps (e.g., Google, WhatsApp) due to China's internet restrictions. Get and test NordVPN on all devices before arrival.
Check xuzhou.gov.cn for official tourism information and local news; some English sections may exist.
A major Chinese travel agency with an English interface. Use for booking flights, hotels, and tours within China.
Consult your home country's embassy or consulate for current visa information and application procedures.
Their international websites may offer general travel advice for China.
Major China guidebooks (e.g., Lonely Planet China) feature sections on Xuzhou or Jiangsu province. Local tourist maps are available at hotels or information centers.
Books focusing on Han Dynasty history are highly pertinent to Xuzhou's heritage. Texts like "The Records of the Grand Historian" (史记 - Shǐjì) offer historical context.
Local newspapers and magazines (mainly in Cantonese) deliver current events, cultural views, and event listings. These give a glimpse into local perspectives.
Secure your Chinese visa well in advance. Check passport validity (6+ months from entry).
Book international and domestic flights, high-speed rail, and accommodation.
Set up VPN (NordVPN) and essential apps (WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, Maps).
Notify banks of travel plans. Gather prescription medications with doctor's notes. Make physical and digital copies of documents. Share itinerary and emergency contacts with someone at home.
Documentaries on the Han Dynasty often feature Xuzhou's archaeological findings, including terracotta warriors and tombs.
Films about China's ancient past or cultural heritage offer a rich backdrop for a visit to Xuzhou.
Limited specific documentaries solely focused on Xuzhou are available.
Seek out local Xuzhou folk music or traditional opera (e.g., Xuzhou Bangzi) for regional artistic expressions.
The artistic heritage of Xuzhou mainly lies in its Han Dynasty art and artifacts, visible in local museums.
Forums like Internations or Reddit's r/China deliver practical advice and connect travelers.
General travel forums focusing on China are useful for specific questions and reading other travelers' experiences.
Apps such as Duolingo or Memrise are suitable for learning basic Mandarin expressions and vocabulary. Babbel is another option.
Download offline maps (e.g., from Baidu Maps navigation via VPN) for navigation when internet access is limited. Take a photo of your hotel's name and address in Chinese characters. Carry a small notebook and pen for communication.
