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Hubu Mountain, located outside the south gate of Xuzhou's old city, is the closest commanding height outside the city. Historically, the Yellow River has repeatedly flooded the city. To avoid these disasters, officials, gentry, and wealthy merchants spared no expense to build homes around Hubu Mountain. For hundreds of years, from the late Ming Dynasty to modern times, the area around Hubu Mountain was densely populated with tall mansions and courtyards, and residential buildings lined up side by side. These included the residences of high-ranking officials, wealthy merchants, and families of noble character.
These ancient buildings, nestled in the hillside landscape, are staggered and ingeniously designed, forming a unique architectural style. They are a rare cluster of ancient residential buildings in northern Jiangsu, and even in the border regions of Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, and Anhui. The Hubushan ancient dwellings combine the neatness and uniformity of northern courtyard houses with the winding and graceful beauty of southern dwellings. The walls are primarily constructed of bluestone and blue brick, and the beams are massive, with carved beams and elaborate carvings.
The area around Hubu Mountain is also a vibrant commercial district and the largest cargo distribution center at the junction of Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, and Anhui. Numerous commercial buildings can be found in this area. The Old Salt Store served as the administrative office during the salt monopoly era. The front section housed salt sales and storage, while the back served as administrative offices. With hundreds of rooms, it resembled a "front shop, back office" layout. Numerous merchant courtyards also existed, with shops in the front for trading and merchants' residences in the back.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for about 2 hours
30 yuan/person
9:00-16:30
Hubu Mountain is known for its ancient buildings and rich cultural history. The area was an important center for Confucianism during ancient times and is home to several historical temples, pavilions, and remnants of the city's walls. The mountain offers a glimpse into Xuzhou's long history, making it a significant historical site.
Hubu Mountain is located in Xuzhou, Jiangsu. It can be reached by taxi or public bus from the city center. The mountain itself is within walking distance from the local urban area, and there are walking trails leading up to the various historical sites.
The attraction is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during early mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful environment.
There is a small entrance fee, typically around ¥30 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance on-site. There is no need to buy tickets in advance for most visitors.
Booking tickets in advance is not required. You can purchase tickets at the entrance when you arrive. However, for special events or festivals, it's recommended to check ahead and book tickets early.
It typically takes 2-3 hours to explore the Hubu Mountain Ancient Buildings Complex, depending on your pace and interest in the historical sites. If you plan to walk around and take photographs, you may need more time.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may also be available in Chinese, but international visitors may want to arrange for a private guide if they require an English-language option.
Start by visiting the Confucian Temple at the base of the mountain, then hike up to the ancient city wall. Take time to explore the various pavilions and enjoy the view from the top before descending to explore the other historical structures.
Night visits are not typically available, as the site closes in the evening. However, special tours might be available for cultural events or festivals, so it’s worth checking in advance.
The site can be busy on weekends and public holidays. Weekdays, especially mornings or late afternoons, tend to be less crowded.
There are public restrooms available at the entrance and within the site. Some small shops sell snacks and drinks. There are also rest areas where you can relax during your visit.
The attraction is partially accessible. While there are some paved paths, the mountain trails may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. It is best to check in advance if special accommodations are needed.
Both cash and mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted for tickets and at on-site shops. Credit cards may be accepted at larger stores in the area.
Vegetarian options are commonly available in local restaurants around the mountain. Halal food is not as widely found, but there are some options in the city center.
There are souvenir shops near the site selling traditional Chinese crafts, such as silk products, calligraphy, and local teas.
