The hotpots of Xuzhou, the steamy baths of Lianyungang and the preserved delicacies of Suqian — three cities along the Huai River and the Yellow Sea — reveal Jiangsu's richest winter culinary warmth. In just three days, you can warm your body and soul amid the chill.
Xuzhou: Gather Around the Hotpot for Fresh Flavor
Early morning at Yunlong Lake, thin ice still clings to the surface, while the old eateries in Hubu Mountain's ancient residences are already filled with the aroma of bubbling pots. If you push open the wooden door, you’ll see a copper hot pot steams gently. The mutton bone broth is milky white; a handful of local vermicelli, frozen tofu and a few slices of freshly cut goat meat are added. The meat swirls in the broth briefly, tender and fragrant without any gamey taste. Wrapped in a crispy flatbread with deep-fried dough sticks, every bite sends warmth from throat to toes. In the afternoon, you can visit the Guishan Han Tomb. The cold wind cannot disturb the solemnity of the underground palace. Afterward, it is great to retreat to a nearby farmhouse. The earthen pot chicken, simmered over a traditional stove, arrives at the table with firm meat and a flatbread soaked in rich broth — every bite bursts with savory sauce aroma. In the evening, you can head to Pengcheng No.1 Night Market. The sweet scent of caramelized chestnuts drifts along the streets. Holding a bag in your hands, you can enjoy a cup of hot milk tea, and watch the red lanterns light up — for sure you will not feel cold anymore.
Lianyungang: Hot Springs and Ocean Flavors
In the early morning, Lian Island is still wrapped in sea mist, while the pools at Donghai Hot Spring Resort exude soft steam. Choose a hot springs pool by the sea and soak your body to get warm. In the distance, fishing boats appear and disappear in the fog, and the sea breeze carries a salty freshness. Later in the morning, you can go and visit Xugou Seafood Market. Freshly landed crabs and mantis shrimps are still jumping. Feel free to select some and bring them to the restaurant owner for steaming: crab meat is succulent, shrimp sweet and tender. It often comes with a bowl of seafood congee, and your stomach will feel the comfortable warmth. In the afternoon, you can head to Huaguo Mountain as the snow blankets the Jade Maiden Peak in white. At a mountaintop teahouse, it’s where you can brew a pot of Yunwu tea, refreshing and vibrant. Don’t forget to also take a bite of the seaweed cracker, to experience the salty aroma carries the essence of the ocean. At sunset, you can stroll along the coast at Zaihaiyifang Park, watching the sun gilding the skyline. After all this, you can choose a seaside food stall, order a plate of spicy stir-fried clams, and have a sip of Lianyungang beer—the chill will vanish completely.
Suqian: Preserved Flavors and Festive Streets
In the early morning, Xiang Yu's hometown is filled with the scent of preserved meats. On the ancient streets, cured meat shops hang sausages and salted goose, the fat frosted white in the cold. Visitors can buy a portion of cured sausage, steam and slice it — the savory taste carries the warmth of sunshine. In the afternoon, you can head to Santai Mountain Forest Park. After snow, the Park is draped in white. At dusk, it's good to stroll along Chu Street, now lined with lanterns. Also, you can try a bowl of Sihong hollow noodles in local restaurants, often served with the fish soup made of carp from Luoma Lake — fresh and subtly sweet. Pairing with a plate of stir-fried salted goose is another good option. The dish comes with rich preserved aroma, bringing full winter satisfaction.
From Xuzhou's hot pot to Suqian's preserved delicacies, winter in Xuzhou, Lianyungang and Suqian is more than a time for idleness. Here, you warm yourself in the aroma of simmering pots and find delight in every bite—this journey embodies the richest warmth of Northern Jiangsu during winter time.
