Live Your Best Lives
The Xuzhou Folk Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the region, showcasing a wide array of traditional folk art, crafts, and cultural relics. Visitors should explore the exhibits on local history, participate in hands-on activities like traditional craft-making, and enjoy the outdoor garden area. The museum's collection of folk instruments and artifacts provides a unique cultural experience.
The Xuzhou Folk Museum, built on the site of the former Yu and Zhai compounds, occupies over 6,000 square meters and houses over 160 ancient dwellings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The museum displays over a thousand items related to daily life and production, as well as historical and folk artifacts from the Xuzhou region. It also features exhibition rooms dedicated to seasonal wedding customs, folk art, and a local opera hall. The museum also hosts local opera performances and folk craft workshops.
The ancient dwellings of Hubu Mountain were first built in the Ming Dynasty and continued to flourish from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China. This led to the popular saying, "The poor live in the north gate, the rich live in the south gate, and the wealthy live in Hubu Mountain." The dwellings, nestled against the mountainside, are staggered and strategically arranged, imbued with local characteristics. The museum displays over a thousand daily necessities and historical artifacts from the Xuzhou area. It also features halls for wedding customs, folk art, and local opera, as well as local opera performances and folk crafts. A visit to the Xuzhou Folk Museum offers a glimpse into the simple folk customs and practices of ancient Xuzhou, capturing a glimpse into the passage of time and the evolution of history.
The Xuzhou Folk Museum, built on the site of the former Hubushan ancient residences of the Yu and Zhai families, occupies over 6,000 square meters and houses over 160 ancient dwellings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Originally built in the Ming Dynasty, the Hubushan ancient residences continued through the Qing Dynasty and into the Republic of China, undergoing repeated renovations and additions while maintaining their original style. Most of these ancient dwellings were built for officials, gentry, and merchants, with the Yu and Zhai families being representative examples.
With a warm temperate humid climate, the Xuzhou Folk Museum is built on the mountainside, with a staggered layout, ingenious layout and simple and unpretentious style. It has both the richness of the north and the elegance of the south, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
The museum currently displays more than a thousand daily necessities, production supplies and historical folk relics of the Xuzhou area, and has exhibition rooms such as seasonal wedding customs, folk art, and local opera halls. It also hosts local opera performances, folk craft production and other activities.
Folding Cloud Pavilion
This building is Banyun Pavilion. It was first built in the Qing Dynasty and later restored. According to historical records, Emperor Qianlong, while passing through Xuzhou during his southern tour, stayed at the Zhai family pavilion. Upon waking up early in the morning, he was suddenly struck by the sight of clouds and mist, and inspired to write the three characters "Banyun Pavilion." It is now in the collection of the Xuzhou Folk Museum.
Folding chamber
This building is a "fangdan" (house gall) building. Constructed during the Qing Dynasty, it is a small square with a hollow center, surrounded by doors and windows, and covered with large stone slabs. Its purpose was to ward off evil spirits and turn misfortune into good fortune. Over time, it was also used as a chicken coop. The word "chicken" is a homophone for "ji" (good luck), meaning good fortune. It is now housed in the Xuzhou Folk Museum.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
25 yuan/person
9:00 - 17:00
The Xuzhou Folk Museum is dedicated to preserving the rich folk culture and traditions of Xuzhou and the surrounding Jiangsu province. The museum features an impressive collection of historical artifacts, traditional arts, and crafts that reflect the daily life of the region’s past. It is significant for both its historical value and its role in educating visitors about local heritage.
The Xuzhou Folk Museum is located in the city center of Xuzhou, Jiangsu. You can easily reach the museum by taxi or local buses. The nearest bus stops are a short walk away from the entrance. For metro access, visitors can take Line 1 and disembark at the nearby station.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. The best times to visit are on weekdays in the early morning or late afternoon when the museum is less crowded.
The entrance fee is approximately 30 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the museum entrance or online through the museum’s official website or third-party platforms for convenience.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during busy tourist seasons or weekends. Booking a few days in advance will ensure you secure entry, especially during public holidays.
A visit to the Xuzhou Folk Museum typically takes about 1 to 2 hours. However, if you are interested in exploring the exhibits in detail and participating in activities, you may want to plan for up to 3 hours.
The museum's highlights include the folk art collection, traditional instruments, and the exhibition on local history and customs. The outdoor garden area is also a lovely spot for relaxation and photography.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides are also offered, providing detailed information in Mandarin and English. It's advisable to check availability at the entrance.
The museum's outdoor garden provides picturesque views, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. The exhibitions on traditional crafts and instruments are also popular spots for photography.
Start with the main exhibits on the history of Xuzhou, then move to the folk arts and crafts section. Don’t miss the traditional musical instruments and the outdoor garden area at the end of your visit.
The museum does not offer night visits or light shows. However, special tours and educational programs may be available, especially for school groups and cultural events. It's recommended to check the museum's schedule in advance.
The museum can get crowded on weekends and during holidays. For a more relaxed visit, it's best to go on weekdays, especially early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The museum is equipped with clean toilets, water dispensers, and a small shop selling souvenirs and traditional crafts. Rest areas are available throughout the museum for visitors to relax.
The Xuzhou Folk Museum is generally accessible for elderly visitors, children, and disabled guests. The museum has ramps and elevators for easier access to different levels.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are accepted at most facilities within the museum, including the entrance and shop. Cash is also accepted if preferred.
There are several local restaurants and cafes near the museum that offer traditional Jiangsu cuisine. A few options include noodle shops, dumpling houses, and small tea houses.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some of the nearby eateries. Halal food options may be limited, so it’s best to check in advance or visit vegetarian-friendly places.
Nearby hotels include the Xuzhou Hotel and the GreenTree Inn, both of which are within a short distance from the museum. These offer comfortable accommodations for visitors.
Nearby attractions include the Xuzhou Museum, the Tomb of the King of Chu, and Yunlong Mountain. These sites can easily be combined into a full-day itinerary for a deeper exploration of the region’s culture and history.
There are souvenir shops inside and near the museum offering traditional crafts such as folk art paintings, pottery, tea sets, and local textiles. These make excellent gifts or mementos of your visit.
After visiting the Xuzhou Folk Museum, you can take a taxi or use public buses to explore other parts of Xuzhou. The Xuzhou Railway Station is nearby, offering convenient train connections to other major cities.
