Xuzhou Han City

Encompassing an area of about 160,000 square meters (40 acres), Xuzhou Han City is situated in the ancient battlefield on Mt. Jiuli. Close to the Guishan Han Tomb, White Cloud Cave and White Cloud Temple, this special tourist attraction is not only one of CCTV's television centers but is also the Han Culture Education Center.

Xuzhou Han City has beautiful sceneries with fresh air and an elegant environment. Upon entering, visitors will see a floral picture of 'two dragons playing a ball' on the lawn as well as sculptures of twelve divine animals, Zhao Jun (one of the four beauties of ancient China) and Huo Qubing (the famous Han Dynasty general). There is a huge bronze bell that is hung in the Bell Room. It was here at the studios of CCTV, that the TV series Emperor Gao Zu and the documentary film Birth of Passion - the Origin of Soccer were made.

Xuzhou Han City comprises four main scenic areas - the Imperial Palace, the Imperial City, the Marketplace and the Martial Arts Practice Area. The complex reflects the architectural style of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220AD) and is both simple and imposing. The twenty-three buildings include the Chancellor's Residence and the Book Collection Pavilion while twenty-eight ingenious sculptures add heir appeal to the very impressive complex.

The Imperial Palace is composed of three palaces, the Weiyang Palace, the Changle Palace and the Jianzhang Palace. In the Weiyang Palace, there is a statue of Liu Bang (256 BC-195 BC), Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty. To the left and right of the statue stand his civil and military officials, including Zhang Liang, Xiao He, Fan Kuai and Han Xin, each about 4 meters (13 feet) high. In addition, towering over the front of the Weiyang Palace are four huge statues, each with a height of approximately 4 meters (13 feet). The characters these represent are said to have the power to exorcize evil spirits. A large relief picture, about 128 meters (420 feet) long, is inscribed on the second stair of the Weiyang Palace. This depicts the rise of Liu Bang from his humble origins to become a powerful Emperor. The Changle Palace is where the concubines would have lived and entertained. Performances are staged in the palace so that visitors may enjoy ancient songs and dances. The Jianzhang Palace houses the Han History Exhibition, which provides a vivid insight into the life and times of the Han Dynasty.

'Four platforms', 'one altar', 'one formation' and 'one tree' and other entertainment spots are open to tourists in Xuzhou Han City. 'Four platforms' refers to the fishing platform, the wine drinking platform, the cockfighting platform and the archery platform. 'One altar' is a sacrificial altar where the emperor prayed for the blessings of Heaven, a good harvest and the prosperity of his country. The altar bears a sculpture of Emperor Wu (156 BC-87 BC). 'One formation' is the Eight Diagrams Formation which is built with modern technology of sound, light and electricity. Placed in the formation, tourists will find it changeable and magical. 'One tree' refers to a special bronze sculpture of a tree. It sheds coins when shaken. Here tourists can play a fortune telling game.

Beneath the hall of the Weiyang Palace, is the Han Culture Entertainment Palace which is dedicated to culture and the arts. Here tourists can learn something about historical events including Su Wu Tending Sheep, the Silk Road and the Reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing. Thanks to the use of high technology, they can also ride in artificial chariots to enjoy their trip to the Han Dynasty or experience the excitement of a snow slide and the beasts.

Danielson Amusement Park was opened in 1996. This is a joint Sino-US venture and all the facilities have been introduced from Hollywood. Here visitors can explore the sea world or enjoy a magical journey in space by spacecraft.

A variety of performances are given by the Han City Art Troupe and other famous artists each day, including a Grand Ceremony at the Han Palace, King Mustering Troops and Gao Zu's Return to His Hometown. In addition, various local festivals and activities, such as Lantern Festival, Double Ninth Festival, Pengcheng Culture Festival, Jiuli Mountain Temple Fair, and the First China Xuzhou Grotesque Stone Exhibition have been held there since its opening.