Suqian is located in the northern part of Jiangsu Province, at the confluence of the Huaihe River and the Yishu-Si水系. It has a warm temperate monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, ample sunshine, and moderate rainfall. The area is home to two large freshwater lakes, Hongze Lake and Luoma Lake, with vast water surfaces, earning it the reputation of being 'Jiangsu's Ecological Grand Park'.
Suqian has a long history as the hometown of Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, who was born in Xiaxiang (present-day Suqian). The Qin Dynasty established Xiaxiang County, the Eastern Jin set up Suyu Prefecture, and the Tang Dynasty renamed it Suqian County, a name that continues to this day. Historically, it was a strategic military location and an important area for cultural exchange between the north and south.
Suqian is renowned as the 'Capital of Chinese Liquor', with two famous liquor brands, Yanghe and Shuangyou, originating here. Its cuisine is based on Huaiyang cuisine, with specialties including fresh seafood from Luoma Lake, Suqian pancakes, and Huanggou braised pork head. Local culture includes intangible cultural heritage such as the legend of Xiang Yu, Sizhou Opera, and Subei Qin Shu (a form of storytelling with music).
Modern Suqian is an emerging city on the northern wing of the Yangtze River Delta, with leading industries in liquor brewing, textile and garment manufacturing, and new materials. The city has high green coverage and features ecological attractions like Santai Mountain Forest Park. It has been honored as a 'National Hygienic City' and 'National Civilized City'.
The best time to visit 宿迁 is Best in spring and autumn, with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up, flowers bloom. The Pear Orchid Festival and Nada Flower Sea at Santai Mountain are not to be missed.
Autumn (September-November): Clear and crisp weather, Luoma Lake offers fresh seafood, and the sweet osmanthus fragrance fills Xiang Yu's Hometown.
Summer (June-August): Hot and rainy, but you can experience bird-watching at Hongze Lake Wetland and the Lotus Festival. Winter (December-February) is cold and dry, suitable for indoor cultural experiences.
Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, was born in Xiaxiang (present-day Suqian). Known for his superhuman strength and bravery, he later defeated the Qin army at the Battle of Julu.
After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, Sihong County was established within Suqian's territory as part of the Huaibei-Suwan Border Region, later becoming an important part of Suqian City.
Approved by the State Council, the county-level Suqian City was abolished and prefecture-level Suqian City was established, governing Shuyang, Siyang, Sihong counties, and Suyu and Sucheng districts.
Recommended places to visit
National 4A-level tourist attraction, a replica ancient architectural complex commemorating Xiang Yu, including his former residence, Xiang Yu Temple, and the Overlord Tripod, showcasing his life story.
National 4A-level scenic area, famous for the 'Nada Flower Sea'. Spring Pear Orchid Festival, autumn flowers, and natural landscapes like Mirror Lake and orchards.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Intangible cultural heritage of Jiangsu Province. Folk legends based on the life of Xiang Yu, including stories like 'The Hegemon Bids Farewell to His Concubine' and 'Breaking the Cauldrons and Sinking the Boats'.
National intangible cultural heritage. A traditional opera popular in northern Jiangsu, with beautiful melodies and vivid performances.
Intangible cultural heritage of Jiangsu Province. A narrative art accompanied by the yangqin (dulcimer), with melodious tunes and stories from folklore.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Intersection of Xuzhou-Yancheng and Lianyungang-Zhenjiang high-speed railways, providing direct access to major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Xuzhou. Convenient and fast.
About 100 CNY to Nanjing, about 200 CNY to Shanghai
Suqian's bus system covers main urban areas and scenic spots. You can scan Alipay QR code to ride. Fare starts from 2 CNY.
From 2 CNY
About 80 km from downtown Suqian, with direct airport shuttle buses. Flights to many domestic and international cities.
Airport shuttle about 50 CNY
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
A traditional Suqian dish made from pork head, slowly braised in seasoned soy sauce. Bright red in color, fatty but not greasy, melts in the mouth.
A specialty of Luoma Lake. Silver fish are transparent with tender meat, can be scrambled with eggs, made into soup, or fried. Delicious.
National 5A-level tourist attraction, an important part of Hongze Lake, one of China's four largest freshwater lakes. Features a reed maze, lotus pond, and wetland museum, a paradise for bird-watching and eco-tourism.
Provincial-level tourist resort with a vast, clear lake. Visitors can take boat rides, enjoy freshwater delicacies, and stroll in the lakeside park.
National 4A-level scenic area. Tour the Yanghe liquor brewing process, taste the original liquor, and learn about Chinese baijiu culture. Features a century-old underground cellar.
Provincial-level cultural relic protection unit. The temporary palace where Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty stayed during his southern tours. The architecture is simple and elegant, with a stele pavilion and other relics.
A local specialty noodle dish. Thin pancakes made from wheat batter, rolled with green onions and sauce. Crispy and delicious.
A traditional Suqian pastry shaped like a wheel. Crispy outer shell with fillings such as bean paste or sesame. Sweet but not greasy.
A specialty of Siyang County, made mainly from pork and chicken, steamed to a soft and tender texture with rich flavor.