Suqian is a city of about 4.96 million people in northern Jiangsu Province, China, best known as the birthplace of Xiang Yu, the Overlord of Western Chu, and as the production home of two of China’s best-known baijiu brands, Yanghe and Shuanggou. The 13 things to do in Suqian below include Xiang Yu’s Hometown historical park, Santai Mountain’s 370-acre “patchwork” flower fields, Luoma Lake, the riverside Yaowan Ancient Town, and three sites (Lake Yunlong, the Guishan Han Tomb, and King Chu’s Mausoleum) that sit about 60 km away in neighboring Xuzhou rather than in Suqian itself.
Last updated: July 2026.
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Quick Facts About Suqian
- Location: Northern Jiangsu Province, China, on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal
- Population: About 4.96 million (2025, Suqian Municipal Bureau of Statistics)
- Best time to visit: April to June or September to October
- Famous for: Xiang Yu’s birthplace, Yanghe & Shuanggou baijiu, Santai Mountain’s flower fields, Luoma Lake
- Getting there: High-speed rail; nearest airport is Xuzhou Guanyin Airport, about 60 km away
- Good to know: 3 of the attractions below (Lake Yunlong, Guishan Han Tomb, King Chu’s Mausoleum) are about 60 km away in neighboring Xuzhou, not in Suqian itself
What Is Suqian Known For?
Suqian is known as the birthplace of Xiang Yu (232-202 BC), the Overlord of Western Chu who fought Liu Bang for control of China after the fall of the Qin dynasty, and as “China’s Liquor Capital,” home to the Yanghe and Shuanggou baijiu brands. Locally, Suqian is also described by its “two lakes, two rivers” geography: Luoma Lake sits inside the city itself, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the old course of the Yellow River run through downtown, and Hongze Lake – one of China’s largest freshwater lakes – falls within Suqian’s Sihong County, about 90 km south of the city center.
13 Best Things to Do in Suqian, China
Ten of these 13 stops are in Suqian proper; the last three sit about an hour away in Xuzhou and are grouped separately in the comparison table below.
1. Santai Mountain National Forest Park’s Flower Sea
Santai Mountain National Forest Park’s “patchwork flower sea” covers 2,220 mu (about 370 acres) across 612 individual flower fields, drawing more than 2 million visitors in its first 5 months after opening.
What makes it worth visiting:
- Elevated skywalks over the flower fields
- Cherry blossoms in bloom March-April
- An open-air concert hall that hosts summer music festivals
- Best viewing: May-June for peak blooms, March for cherry blossoms
- Entry: Free
See related: Things to Do in Zibo, China
2. Yaowan Ancient Town
Yaowan Ancient Town is a preserved riverside water town with centuries-old wooden buildings, stone streets, and canals – a look at traditional Chinese town life.
Highlights:
- Wooden structures dating back hundreds of years
- Traditional apothecaries with old medicine jars
- Riverside inns serving local hot pot
- Craftsmen demonstrating traditional trades
- Stone bridges and narrow waterways
The town is at its most atmospheric at dusk, when lanterns light the streets.
See related: Things to Do in Yangzhou, China
3. Luoma Lake
Luoma Lake, one of Jiangsu’s four major freshwater lakes, spans about 375 square kilometers and connects to the Grand Canal.
Activities:
- Boat rides on the lake
- Sand beach areas
- Wetland boardwalks for birdwatching, especially during migration season
- An annual sand sculpture exhibition each spring, with a new theme every year
- Best times: Spring and autumn
- Entry: Free; boat rides cost extra
The lake is home to silver carp, Chinese white shrimp, and a range of waterbirds.
See related: Things to Do in Linfen, China
4. Qianlong’s Temporary Palace
Qianlong’s Temporary Palace (乾隆行宫) sits on the west bank of Luoma Lake and dates to 1684, originally built as a Dragon King temple before Emperor Qianlong used it as a stopover during his southern tours. It’s now a AAAA-rated attraction and a national key cultural relics protection unit, showcasing Qing dynasty architecture on the Grand Canal.
Highlights:
- Location on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, at Luoma Lake’s west bank
- Qing dynasty furniture and artifacts
- Traditional courtyards and gardens
- Exhibits on Emperor Qianlong’s southern tours
See related: Things to Do in Guiyang, China
5. Xiang Yu’s Hometown
Xiang Yu’s Hometown (项王故里) is a historical park built around the birthplace of Xiang Yu, the Overlord of Western Chu, at 288 Huanghe South Road in Sucheng District.
What you’ll see:
- Xiang Yu’s reconstructed former residence and family mansion
- Ancient city towers of Western Chu
- The Six Arts Garden
- Live performances and historical reenactments
- Ticket: 80 RMB adult, 40 RMB student/senior; free with ID for visitors surnamed Xiang or Yu, and for seniors 70+ and children under 1.4m
- Hours: 9:00 AM-5:30 PM (last admission 5:00 PM)
- Recommended time: 2-3 hours
The park mixes historical exhibits with staged reenactments, and its ancient sculptures make it popular for photos.
6. Suqian Museum
Connected to Xiang Yu’s Hometown, the Suqian Museum holds more than 3,000 artifacts spanning the region’s history, with a focus on the Chu-Han period.
Highlights:
- 9 first-class national cultural relics
- 30 second-class cultural relics
- 111 third-class cultural relics
- Exhibits from prehistoric times to the modern era
- Entry: Free with ID
- Duration: 1-2 hours
See related: Things to Do in Zhangjiakou, China
7. Yanghe Distillery Cultural Tourism Area
Suqian is home to two well-known Chinese liquor brands, Yanghe and Shuanggou, and is often called “China’s Liquor Capital.” The Yanghe Distillery Cultural Tourism Area covers the production site.
The tour includes:
- Centuries-old underground cellars
- Traditional manual brewing workshops
- Exhibits on the baijiu-making process
- Tastings
- A 10-square-kilometer production base
- Duration: About 1.5 hours guided
Suqian’s water sources and climate are part of why the region became known for baijiu production.
8. Xuefeng Park
Xuefeng Park is Suqian’s main green space, where locals practice tai chi, fly kites, and walk around the lake.
Park features:
- The historic Xuefeng Pagoda, with city views
- A lake surrounded by weeping willows
- Cherry blossom gardens (best in spring)
- Open space for tai chi and kite-flying
Go early morning for the exercise crowd or evening for sunset views from the pagoda.
See related: Things to Do in Chenzhou, China
9. Lake Yunlong (in Xuzhou, about 60 km away)
Lake Yunlong is in Xuzhou, about an hour from Suqian by train or car, and is worth the trip if you have an extra day. It’s an AAAAA-rated attraction with extensive lakeside facilities.
Activities:
- A lakeside park with swimming facilities (10,000-person capacity)
- Sand beaches
- Hiking trails with viewpoints
- Boat rides
- Best times: Spring and autumn
See related: Things to Do in Jiangmen, China
10. Guishan Han Tomb (in Xuzhou, about 60 km away)
The Guishan Han Tomb, in Xuzhou, is often compared to Egyptian pyramids for its scale, and shows the sophistication of Han Dynasty burial engineering.
Features:
- A 700+ square meter underground complex
- Side-by-side burial chambers for Prince Liu Zhu and his wife
- Functional spaces including kitchens and stables
- Artifacts from 206 BC-220 AD
See related: Things to Do in Huanglongsi, China
11. King Chu’s Mausoleum, Shizi Mountain (in Xuzhou, about 60 km away)
The Mausoleum of King Chu, on Shizi Mountain in Xuzhou, is the largest and best-preserved Chu-kingdom burial site, covering 150,000 square meters.
Features:
- Preserved chariots and horses
- Artifacts from the Spring and Autumn Period (770-221 BC)
- The tomb of King Liu Zhu (ruled 129-117 BC)
- Exhibits on Chu culture
12. Suqian City Center for Food and Shopping
Suqian’s city center is where to try the local specialties and pick up souvenirs.
Local specialties to try:
- Suqian’s Eight Great Bowls – a traditional feast of braised pork, stewed chicken, and other local dishes
- Huanggou pig’s head – a local specialty
- Crystal hawthorn pastry – a local dessert
- Yanghe or Shuanggou baijiu – to take home
- Baji peanuts – a popular local snack
13. Junke Agricultural Science & Technology Garden
The Junke Agricultural Science & Technology Ecological Garden is an agritourism stop mixing farming with visitor activities.
What’s there:
- Greenhouse tours
- Hands-on agricultural workshops
- Farm-to-table dining
- Seasonal fruit picking
Suqian vs. Xuzhou Day Trips: Quick Comparison
| Attraction | Location | Distance from Suqian | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiang Yu’s Hometown | Sucheng District, Suqian | In town | 80 RMB (discounts apply) |
| Luoma Lake | Suqian | In town | Free (boat rides extra) |
| Santai Mountain flower fields | Suqian | In town | Free |
| Lake Yunlong | Xuzhou | About 60 km / 1 hour | Varies by area |
| Guishan Han Tomb | Xuzhou | About 60 km / 1 hour | Ticketed |
| King Chu’s Mausoleum | Xuzhou (Shizi Mountain) | About 60 km / 1 hour | Ticketed |
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Suqian
When is the best time to visit Suqian?
April to June and September to October are the best windows. Spring brings the flower blooms and cherry blossoms; autumn brings comfortable temperatures and fall color. Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold but quieter.
How do I get to Suqian?
Suqian is reachable by high-speed rail, with Suqian Station and Siyang Station serving the city.
- From Xuzhou: About 1 hour by train or car (60 km)
- From Nanjing: About 3 hours by train or bus
- From Shanghai: About 4-5 hours by train
- Nearest airport: Xuzhou Guanyin Airport, about 60 km away
Are Lake Yunlong, the Guishan Han Tomb, and King Chu’s Mausoleum actually in Suqian?
No – all three are in Xuzhou, about 60 km (1 hour by train or car) from Suqian. They’re included here because most visitors combine a Suqian trip with a Xuzhou day trip, but if you’re short on time, the other 10 stops on this list are all within Suqian itself.
How many days should I spend in Suqian?
Plan on 2-3 days to cover Santai Mountain, Xiang Yu’s Hometown, Luoma Lake, and the distillery tour, plus time for food and shopping. Add a day if you’re making the Xuzhou side trip.
Is there free or discounted admission to Xiang Yu’s Hometown?
Yes. Standard adult admission is 80 RMB, with a 40 RMB student/senior rate. Entry is free with ID for visitors surnamed Xiang or Yu, for seniors 70 and older, and for children under 1.4 meters tall.
What should I buy as souvenirs from Suqian?
- Yanghe or Shuanggou baijiu
- Crystal hawthorn pastries
- Baji peanuts
- Handicrafts from Yaowan Ancient Town
- Local tea
Is Suqian good for family travel?
Yes. Xiang Yu’s Hometown has interactive exhibits, Luoma Lake has boat rides, and the agricultural garden has hands-on activities. The flower fields at Santai Mountain are also a hit with kids.
What is Suqian famous for?
- “China’s Liquor Capital,” home to the Yanghe and Shuanggou brands
- The birthplace of Xiang Yu, the Overlord of Western Chu
- Its flower seas and cherry blossoms
- Serving as a stopover for Emperor Qianlong’s southern tours
Are the attractions in Suqian expensive?
No. Santai Mountain and Xuefeng Park are free, and most paid attractions run 40-80 RMB. Accommodation and dining are also inexpensive compared to major Chinese tourist cities.
Final Travel Tips for Suqian
Suqian pairs Xiang Yu’s history and its baijiu heritage with the flower fields at Santai Mountain and the wetlands of Luoma Lake, and it sees far fewer foreign visitors than nearby Nanjing or Xuzhou. Combine it with a Xuzhou day trip if you want to see the Han-dynasty tombs, or stick to the 10 in-town stops if you have less time.
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