Xuzhou is a major transport hub in northwestern Jiangsu, sitting at the junction of four provinces and on the intersection of the north–south Beijing–Shanghai axis and the east–west Land Bridge corridor. For a visitor, that means the city is easy to reach and easy to move through, with the main rail stations acting as anchors for different parts of town.
The city spreads across several districts, and where you base yourself depends largely on how you arrive and what you want to be near. This guide covers which areas suit different kinds of travellers, and what to expect at each price level.
1. Near Xuzhou East Train Station (Jiawang District)
This area sits in Jiawang District, close to the Xuzhou East Train Station. It suits travellers arriving or departing by high-speed rail who want to minimise transfer time, and anyone passing through on a longer journey along the Beijing–Shanghai corridor.
The accommodation here includes larger, full-service properties. Because it is a station area, expect convenience over atmosphere. The practical advantage is direct access to the rail network; the trade-off is that you are away from the central districts and will need transport to reach other parts of the city.
2. Huaihai Road West (Quanshan District)
This area lies along Huaihai Road West in Quanshan District. It suits visitors who want to be in a central district with bus connections across the city, and it works for both leisure and business travellers.
Several bus routes serve the area, including nos. 1, 1w, 8, 35, 35w, 59, 59w, 65, 65w, 67 and 67w, stopping at the Mining Bureau. That makes it a practical base if you plan to move around by public transport. Accommodation here includes mid-range and full-service hotels.
3. Huancheng Road (Gulou District)
Huancheng Road sits in Gulou District, one of the central districts. It suits visitors who prefer to stay in the older, more established part of the city and want good bus links to the rest of Xuzhou.
Bus routes serving the area include nos. 2, 2w, 夜55, 73, 73w, 76, 76w, 201, 607, 607w, 610, 610w, 829, 830, 831 and 858, stopping at the No. 3 Hospital. The range of routes makes it easy to reach other districts without a car. Accommodation here includes mid-range and full-service hotels.
4. Near the main train station
The area around the train station is where you find the cheapest rooms in the city. It suits budget travellers and anyone arriving late or leaving early who wants to walk to their train.
Cheap hotels are everywhere in Xuzhou, and the joints near the train station are the least expensive option. They do not offer much beyond a bed, but they are convenient. If you stay here, ask to look at the room before you agree to stay.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Cheap hotels are everywhere in the city. The least expensive rooms are found near the train station, where you get basic accommodation with few extras. Always ask to look at the room before agreeing to stay.
- Mid-range: Most hotels in the city run around ¥200 and offer more comfort and facilities than the cheapest options, without the full service of the larger properties. These are found across the central districts and along the main bus routes.
- Splurge: The larger full-service hotels are found near the Xuzhou East Train Station and in the central districts. They offer more amenities and higher prices, and suit travellers who want convenience and comfort over cost.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the Huaihai Road West area of Quanshan District. It puts you in a central district with frequent bus connections across the city, so you can reach the main sights and other districts without difficulty. It also offers a range of accommodation, from mid-range to full-service, which suits most travellers.
Which area is best if I am arriving by high-speed rail?
Stay near the Xuzhou East Train Station in Jiawang District. It is the closest area to the station and removes the need for a transfer on arrival or departure.
Where are the cheapest places to stay in Xuzhou?
The cheapest rooms are near the train station. Cheap hotels are found throughout the city, but the joints near the station are the least expensive, though they offer little beyond a bed.
How do I get around from the central districts?
Both Huaihai Road West in Quanshan District and Huancheng Road in Gulou District are served by numerous bus routes, making it easy to reach other parts of the city by public transport.
Should I book a room without seeing it first?
It is wise to ask to look at the room before you agree to stay. Simply say "kan kan", smile and check.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself in Xuzhou.