Jiangsu's Xuzhou promotes tourism in Shenzhen

On October 23, a cultural tourism promotion event showcasing Xuzhou, Jiangsu, was held in Shenzhen. Representatives from Xuzhou’s top scenic attractions and tourism organizations delivered an info-packed presentation to guests from Shenzhen and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

When familiar melodies —“The Pearl of the Orient,” “Song of the Seven Sons,” and “Iron Blood and Royal Heart”— were played on traditional Han instruments, their blend with Cantonese tunes had the audience humming and tapping along, prompting repeated applause.

Han Mei, director of the Jiangsu Liuqin Theater, said: “With the aim of sharing Han culture, we brought Han music and dance to Shenzhen. The simple, ancient melodies of Han instruments echo the fluid movements of Han dance, allowing GBA audiences to immerse themselves in Xuzhou’s deep heritage as the ‘birthplace of Han culture’ and forging a bridge for cultural and tourism exchange.”

A presenter introduces Xuzhou tourism to the audience. Photos courtesy of Xuzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism.

Between presentations, the Xuzhou exhibition area was packed. Intangible cultural heritage crafts — round silk fans and cast-iron kettles — along with cultural products such as Han talismans, quju-style robes, and pottery figurines of dancers, and foods like meat-sauce rice noodles and Xuzhou pastries, drew large crowds.

One of China’s nine ancient regions, Xuzhou boasts a history spanning more than 5,000 years of civilization and some 2,600 years since the city’s founding. It is famed as the “homeland of Peng Zu,” the birthplace of Liu Bang, the former residence of Xiang Yu, and a site associated with Su Shi. The “Three Han Wonders” — Han tombs, terracotta warriors, and Han pictorial stones — are celebrated at home and abroad.

The 2025 Xuzhou Han Culture Tourism Festival is currently in full swing. To make travel enjoyable and affordable, Xuzhou’s cultural and tourism authorities have prepared a “benefit package” that includes more than 200 events across five counties and districts; 30 exclusive discount policies at A-level scenic spots; and consumer coupons and gift packages offered through partners such as Tongcheng, Meituan, and Didi — reducing costs across the board from tickets to dining and lodging.

Musicians playing traditional Han instruments perform classic Cantonese tunes at the event.

The event was jointly organized by the Xuzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism; the Xuzhou Foreign Affairs Office; Greater Bay Airlines; Xuzhou Guanyin International Airport; and the Xuzhou branch of Xinhua Daily.