Xuzhou, the birthplace of Han Dynasty culture and a city known for its culinary delights, blends north and south. If you're looking to take this city's unique legacy with you, these eight local specialties combine cultural heritage with portability, bringing the flavors of Pengcheng to life.
1. A Millennium of Sweetness on Your Tongue
1. Honey Three Knife (Xuzhou's Intangible Cultural Heritage Pastry)
With its glossy, non-sticky batter, sweet and soft texture, Honey Three Knife is the "sweet code" of Xuzhou's childhood memories. We recommend Lao Tongchang or Taikang brands. The individually packaged small pieces prevent sticking and are perfect with tea.
2. Xiao Hai Su Tang (A Chu-Han Tribute Reborn)
Legend has it that it was favored by King Xiang Yu of Chu. This crispy and fragrant combination of ground peanuts and maltose is available. Black Cat's classic red packaging and tinned packaging make it easy to carry.
3. Osmanthus Crisp Candy
With layers resembling book pages, the sweet osmanthus fragrance is refreshing. Time-honored brands like Xu Fuzhai offer miniature boxes, perfect as gifts for elders.
2. A must-try for hardcore meat lovers
4. Dog Meat with Turtle Juice (Pei County's signature dish)
Pei County dog meat boasts over 2,000 years of history, cooked in a secret turtle juice recipe. The meat is tender and odorless. The Turtle Juice vacuum gift box contains both dog meat and roast chicken, ensuring worry-free cold chain transportation.
5. Bundled Fragrant Pig's Hoof (The "Black Technology" of Pig's Hoof)
Boneless pig's trotters wrapped in lean meat, sliced and ready to eat. Weiwei Bundled Fragrant Hoof is a nationally patented dish, perfect for pairing with wine and rice.
6. Burdock Sauce (Health-conscious Eaters' Blessing)
Produced in Xuzhou's Feng County, the "Hometown of Burdock," this sauce is rich and slightly spicy. Tianli Burdock Sauce, available in glass bottles, is a versatile addition to noodles or steamed buns.
3. Chu-Han Charm in Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicrafts
7. Xuzhou Paper-Cutting (Han Dynasty Stone Reliefs on Fingertips)
Inspired by Han Dynasty patterns, inheritors of the Li family's paper-cutting practice create themed works like "Travel with Horses and Chariots." Framed, they become works of art.
8. Sachets (A Portable "Chinese Medicine Museum")
The Mazhuang sachets, a nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage, are filled with 18 herbs, including mugwort and angelica, to repel mosquitoes and soothe the nerves. The trendy embroidered designs are popular among young people.
4. A Staple Food Combination for Both North and South
9. Lao Mo and San Zi Set
Lao Mo wrapped in San Zi is even more delicious when dipped in sauce. Bian Tang brand offers a Lao Mo + San Zi + Salted Duck Egg combo set, which keeps for 15 days at room temperature and is a must-have for picnics.
10. Ginkgo and Dangshan Pear Paste
A blend of Pizhou ginkgo and Dangshan pear moistens the lungs and relieves coughs. Sanshutang's portable pear paste in sticks is a must-have for business travelers.
Shopping Guide: Avoiding Pitfalls
Look for time-honored brands like Taikang, Lao Tongchang, and Weiwei for guaranteed quality.
Check expiration dates: Choose individually packaged pastries and vacuum-packed meats.
Shop at cultural and creative stores: Huilongwo and Hubushan Street Districts offer one-stop shopping for intangible cultural heritage products like paper-cuts and sachets.