Live Your Best Lives
Suqian, a prefecture-level city in northern Jiangsu Province and the province's youngest, boasts vast plains, fertile land, and a crisscrossing network of rivers and lakes. It is renowned as a "poplar town," a "aquatic product town," a "famous wine town," a "flower town," and a "silkworm town." Since ancient times, it has been known as "facing Qi and Lu in the north, bordering the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers in the south, and situated midway between the two rivers (the Yellow River and the Yangtze River), straddling the throats of the two capitals (Beijing and Nanjing).
This is the hometown of Xiang Yu, the King of Western Chu, the only hero in Chinese history whose reputation is not judged by his success or failure. "Records of the Grand Historian" says, "Xiang Yu was from Xiaxiang, with the courtesy name Yu." Xiaxiang is present-day Suqian.
Suqian has numerous cultural attractions and rich tourism resources. It also has the Santaishan National Forest Park, which is known as the "Xishuangbanna of Northern Jiangsu"; the Dragon King Temple Palace is the largest and best-preserved Qing Dynasty imperial palace along the Grand Canal.
Suqian has a warm temperate monsoon climate with mild and pleasant weather, moderate rainfall and distinct four seasons.
Xiang Yu's hometown
Xiang Yu's Hometown is located in the Xiangli neighborhood of Sucheng District, Suqian, between the ancient Yellow River and the Grand Canal, on the east side of Xuhuai Road. It was built during the Tang and Song dynasties to commemorate the unparalleled hero Xiang Yu.
Hongze Lake National Wetland Nature Reserve
The Hongze Lake Wetland Nature Reserve, located within Hongze Lake, one of my country's five largest freshwater lakes, boasts the most intact wetland ecosystem in the entire Hongze Lake region. With its vast expanse of water and mudflats, the reserve boasts a well-preserved wetland ecosystem. It is the largest freshwater wetland reserve in Jiangsu Province and the fourth largest in East China.
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Suqian is a historical city in northern Jiangsu province with roots dating back over 2,500 years. It was historically a transportation and trade hub and is known for its cultural heritage, including temples, ancient townships, and traditional Jiangsu architecture.
Suqian is located in northern Jiangsu province. It is accessible by train from Nanjing, Xuzhou, and other major cities. Local travel options include buses, taxis, and walking for nearby attractions.
Most attractions, like Siyang Temple and Yunlong Lake, are open from 8 AM to 6 PM. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making them the best times to visit.
Entrance fees vary: Yunlong Lake Scenic Area is around 40 RMB, and Siyang Temple has a small donation-based entrance. Tickets can usually be bought on-site or via local tourism websites for major attractions.
For popular attractions during holidays or weekends, booking 1-2 days in advance is recommended. Otherwise, tickets can be purchased on arrival.
A full day is sufficient to visit key attractions like Yunlong Lake and Siyang Temple, with extra time for exploring local streets and markets.
Guided tours are mainly in Mandarin. Some attractions offer English explanations or printed guides, but availability is limited.
Start the day at Yunlong Lake for scenic walking and boating, then visit Siyang Temple, followed by Suqian Museum. Finish with a stroll through nearby markets and historic streets.
Night visits are limited. Some areas around Yunlong Lake may have evening illumination, but most attractions operate mainly during daytime.
Weekdays and off-season months (winter) are less crowded. National holidays and weekends see the highest visitor numbers.
Main attractions provide restrooms, benches, small eateries or food stalls, and souvenir shops. Water fountains are available in some parks.
Most attractions have paved paths suitable for elderly or children. Some historical areas with steps may be less accessible for disabled visitors.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Cash is still useful at small shops or rural areas.
Local restaurants offer Jiangsu cuisine including steamed buns, freshwater fish dishes, and local snacks. Cafes and tea houses can be found near main tourist areas.
Vegetarian and vegan dishes are commonly available in local restaurants. Halal options exist in some restaurants due to the local Muslim community.
Suqian offers a range of accommodations from budget hotels to mid-range and luxury hotels near Yunlong Lake and city center areas.
Souvenirs include local handicrafts, traditional Jiangsu items, regional snacks, and tea.
Trains and long-distance buses connect Suqian to Nanjing, Xuzhou, and other Jiangsu cities. Taxis and private cars are convenient for short-distance travel.
