Xuzhou Yanshan Cultural Scenic Area

Xuzhou Yanshan Cultural Scenic Area

Xuzhou Yanshan Cultural Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

The Yanshan Cultural Scenic Area is situated in Sibu Village, Sanbao Town, Tongshan District, at the junction of Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, and Anhui provinces. It enjoys a prime location and convenient transport. To the east is Guanyin Airport, to the west lies the Beijing-Shanghai Railway, to the south connects National Highway 206, and to the north adjoins the Huo-Lian Expressway. It features extraordinary historical landscapes and rich cultural depth, serving as a confluence of Chinese Confucian and Taoist cultures. In 2014, it was approved as a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Covering an area of 2,600 acres, the scenic area encompasses mountain and water resources, cultural tourism, historic sites, and ecological gardens, making it an ideal destination for leisure, wellness, longevity, and vacation.

Historical records indicate that Sibu Village was a military encampment site during the Ming Dynasty when Prince Yan, Zhu Di, campaigned northward. Zhu Di stationed his troops here for 12 years, studying military strategy and training horses, leaving behind numerous historical relics and legends. Existing sites include “Yanying Village” (the main military command center), “Matang Road” (a path trodden during troop training and horse drills), “Yingfanghou Village” (where reserve forces and imperial guards protecting the command center were stationed), and an ancient post station (a military outpost for relaying intelligence and rest).

Featured Attractions

Ming Dynasty Yanyan Bridge: Originally built in the 18th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty by Zhang An from Zhejiang. The stone tablet of Yanyan Bridge is inscribed with “Built by the Yan Family,” while the left tablet records “Zhang An from Kaihua County, Zhejiang, supervised the construction.” The bridge is a three-arch structure, 7 meters wide and 18 meters long, with two carved dragons on each side. At the bridge pier’s water-dividing point stand two turtles facing incoming water—one gazing at the sky to observe celestial signs, the other watching the water flow. The carvings are exquisitely detailed and breathtakingly beautiful.

Prince Yan Pagoda: Erected in commemoration of Prince Yan’s military encampment in Sibu and his later ascension to the throne. The reconstructed pagoda stands 37 meters tall with seven levels and serves as the iconic landmark of the Yanshan Cultural Scenic Area. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Jade Emperor Palace: Restored at its original site. According to the Xuzhou Prefecture Records and Tongshan County Records, the Jade Emperor Palace was initially built on the mountaintop of Sibu during the Song and Yuan dynasties. During the Ming Dynasty, Prince Yan encamped here and, after becoming emperor, greatly expanded the palace, which became grand in scale and highly popular, attracting worshippers from hundreds of kilometers away. It hosted two temple fairs annually.

Attractions & Activities

Prince Yan Pagoda: Located atop the western mountain peak of Sibu Village. Historical records state that Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, enfeoffed his sons with princely titles to consolidate power. His fourth son, Zhu Di, was titled Prince Yan. At just 11 years old, Zhu Di encamped in Yanying Village, Sibu, where he trained troops, studied military texts, and researched strategy for 12 years. After ascending the throne, he built the pagoda to commemorate his time in Sibu. The original pagoda was destroyed during the Liberation War; the current structure is a modern reconstruction.

Jade Emperor Palace: As recorded in the Xuzhou Prefecture Records and Tongshan County Records, the Jade Emperor Palace was initially built during the Song and Yuan periods. Prince Yan Zhu Di encamped here and, due to his Taoist faith, greatly expanded the palace after becoming emperor, making it grand in scale. Upon completion, the palace enshrined the Jade Emperor and attracted worshippers from hundreds of miles around, hosting two major temple fairs annually with flourishing incense offerings. Originally situated on Sibu Mountain, the palace endured many hardships. It was damaged by artillery fire during the Liberation War, though remnants of the main hall remained and worship continued. During the Cultural Revolution, the main hall was demolished, erasing the palace entirely—though over 30 stone tablets from various dynasties were preserved by national cultural authorities. The current Jade Emperor Palace is under reconstruction.

Ancient Yanyan Bridge: Constructed in the 18th year of the Wanli era, completed in March of the 20th year, built by Zhang An from Zhejiang. The bridge’s stone tablet reads “Righteously Built by the Yan Family, Supervised by Zhang An of Kaihua County, Zhejiang.” It is a three-arch stone bridge, with the central arch spanning 5 meters and the other two each 4.5 meters wide. The bridge is 7 meters wide and 18 meters long. Its railings feature carvings of four flat, four pointed, four sharp, four stone monkeys, four mushrooms, each positioned at the four corners. The bridge’s protective facilities cover over 20 acres. At the water-dividing piers stand two facing turtles, full of vitality—one looking up at the sky, the other down at the water. Though over 500 years old, the bridge remains standing, bearing the weight of north-south traffic. In spring and summer, swallows chirp and dance around it, creating a unique scene. It is now a key cultural relic protection unit of Jiangsu Province, holding significant historical and cultural research value.

Tree-Carrying Bridge: Originally named “Sanhuan Bridge,” built in 1736 and nearly 300 years old. During flood seasons, torrents from Huangcangyu Mountain blocked the north-south imperial route. The Qing court assigned Minister Cao of the Ministry of War to oversee the bridge’s construction, erecting three stone tablets at its northeast corner to protect it. Years later, a wingnut tree grew from the bridge’s joints, nourished by sunlight and earth, eventually merging with the structure to form a rare sight.

Ancient Beacon Tower: A beacon tower from the Zhou Dynasty, located west of Sibu Village, used for signaling during wartime. Due to age and erosion, only two over 10-meter-tall earthen mounds remain. Unfortunately, poor protection led to their destruction during rural road construction two years ago.

Ancient Post Station: Historically, a post station existed every ten li, with Sibu being the one 40 li (approx. 20 km) from Xuzhou. Remnants include old official roads and courtyards.

Yanying Village: The central command tent of Prince Yan during his northern campaign. In the early Ming Dynasty, before his northern expedition, Ming Chengzu (Zhu Di) stationed here for years—it is the site of Prince Yan’s military encampment.

Malan Village: A base for military horse breeding.

Gudui Village: A storage site for grain and fodder.

Tieying Village: A weapons manufacturing base.

Matang Road: A path trodden during ancient military horse training.

Yingfanghou: Where reserve troops and imperial guards protecting the central command were stationed.

Qipan Road: A remnant from Prince Yan’s northern campaign.

Facilities

Visitor center, parking lot, rain gear, etc.

Visitor Center

Located at the scenic area’s main entrance

Transportation Guide

Take a bus to Sibu Village, Sanbao Town, Tongshan District.