LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Local excursions to Malingshan and other nearby areas within Xuzhou region can be arranged with a staff accompaniment to assist with translation and transportation. Collective long-distance trips can be arranged for groups of students with assistance from the academy staff. Should you have any questions about this during your stay, talk to a staff member to discuss arrangements.
Xinyi
Local Landmarks
Malingshan, located south of Xinyi and directly next to the academy, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and cultural significance. The mountain, often referred to as “Maling Mountain” or by locals as “Five Sisters Mountain,” is a sacred site in Chinese folklore and Daoist tradition, known for its tranquil forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene temples. The Five Sisters are in fact nestling hills, collectively called Siwu Mountain in ancient times, named Fengshan Hill, Doushan Hill, Tiger Hill, Nanna Hill and Daylily Range. Visitors can hike along scenic trails, immersing themselves in the lush greenery and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The mountain is home to such ancient temples as the Maling Temple and Chantang Temple, where visitors can explore the rich history and spirituality of the region. Malingshan’s blend of natural splendor and cultural heritage have made it a popular destination in northern Jiangsu. Such is its beauty that it drew Emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty to its elegant landscape three times, resulting in several lines of poetry praising its magnificence and another name still echoed in the annals of history: 五华, the “Five Magnificent.”
Nearby Scenic Areas &
Student Park Pass
Students at the academy frequently explore the surrounding scenic areas during weekends and free time. An optional local annual park pass grants unlimited access to four nearby attractions commonly visited by students throughout the year.
The pass currently costs approximately 80 RMB and includes entry to the following locations:
Maling Mountain Scenic Area
Maling Mountain is a large forested scenic area known for its mountain trails, rivers, lakes, stone pathways, stair climbs, bridges, and dense wooded scenery. Much of the park is shaded beneath trees, making it especially pleasant during spring and summer.
Students often visit the park for hiking, photography, outdoor training, stretching, and quiet relaxation away from the city environment.
History & Significance
Maling Mountain Scenic Area (马陵山风景区), aka Maling Forest Park, is a natural and cultural tourist destination located in Xinyi, Jiangsu Province, China. It is recognized for its historical significance, distinctive landforms, and tranquil landscapes that combine forested hills, valleys, and cultural relics.
Key facts
- Location: Xinyi, Jiangsu Province, China
- Area: Approximately 32 square kilometers; forest coverage in scenic area reaches 95.2%
- Type: Forested scenic area and historical site
- Main attractions: Ancient battlefield, stone inscriptions, forest and river trails
Geography and Natural Features
Situated in northern Jiangsu, the Maling Mountain Scenic Area is characterized by rolling hills interspersed with streams, groves, and caves. The site’s ecosystem supports a variety of flora and fauna, offering both ecological and recreational value. Trails and viewpoints provide panoramic views over the Xinyi plain. Maling Mountain Scenic Area represents the southern end of the greater Maling Mountain range, which extends from neighboring Shandong Province. As the range continues southward toward the coast near Xinyi, the taller northern mountains gradually soften into the rolling forested foothills characteristic of this region.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The mountain’s name originates from the ancient Battle of Maling (342 BCE), one of the most famous military engagements during China’s Warring States period. Remnants such as old fortifications and commemorative markers highlight its role in Chinese military history. The area also contains temples, pavilions, and inscriptions that reflect centuries of cultural reverence.
Tourism and Activities
Visitors can explore hiking paths, temples, and stone-carved calligraphy while enjoying scenic overlooks. The site is equipped with ecological parks and cultural exhibition halls that integrate history with nature-based tourism. Maling Mountain hosts seasonal festivals celebrating regional traditions and ancient heritage.
Conservation and Management
Managed by local tourism authorities, the area emphasizes sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. Efforts focus on maintaining natural habitats, restoring historical sites, and promoting environmental education among visitors.
Yaowan Ancient Town
Yaowan is a historic canal town with traditional architecture, old alleyways, riverside walkways, lantern-lit streets, food vendors, and cultural performances. During holidays and festival periods, the town frequently hosts public events, fireworks, traditional performances, and evening activities.
It has become one of the most popular weekend destinations among academy students due to its atmosphere and historical character.
History & Significance
Yaowan Ancient Town is a well-preserved historical settlement located in Xinyi City, Jiangsu Province, China. Once an important river port and commercial hub during imperial times, the town is now a cultural tourism site known for its waterways, stone bridges, and Ming–Qing architecture that evoke the traditional charm of canal towns in eastern China.
Key facts
- Location: Xinyi, Jiangsu, China
- Historic origin: Dates back to the Tang and Song dynasties
- Main features: Canals, ancient streets, merchant houses, and stone bridges
- Preservation status: National 4A-level tourist attraction
Historical background
Yaowan’s history stretches over a millennium, emerging as a strategic junction for river trade between the Huai River and northern Jiangsu’s canal networks. It prospered during the Ming and Qing dynasties as a commercial hub for salt, grain, and textiles. Many of the town’s buildings and bridges date from this period, reflecting the architectural patterns of late imperial Jiangnan.
Architecture and Layout
The town retains a grid of narrow stone-paved streets intersected by canals, lined with gray-tiled houses, ancestral halls, and historic shops. Distinctive arched bridges such as Shuanglong Bridge and Zhenhai Bridge connect the waterways, creating scenic reflections that exemplify the Jiangnan water-town aesthetic.
Cultural Significance
Yaowan is notable for preserving traditional lifestyles and crafts, including silk weaving, bamboo carving, and folk opera. Its historic temples, guild halls, and wharfs document the cultural interchanges between merchants and local residents over centuries, illustrating the social fabric of a prosperous canal town.
Tourism and Conservation
Today, Yaowan Ancient Town is part of regional heritage protection efforts promoting eco-cultural tourism in northern Jiangsu. Restoration projects emphasize maintaining authenticity while improving visitor facilities, making it a key site for experiencing the region’s waterborne heritage and traditional Jiangnan urban culture.
Huating Tribal Park
Huating Tribal Park, aka Huating Historic Park, combines historical and cultural themes with large scenic gardens and open landscapes. The area includes replicas of archaeological relics, historical statues, mythological figures, and exhibits inspired by local regional history.
During flowering seasons, the park is especially known for its colorful flower fields, orchards, and walking paths.
History & Significance
Huating Tribal Park is a cultural and ecological tourism site located in Xinyi, a county-level city under Xuzhou in Jiangsu Province, China. It showcases the region’s rich natural scenery and traditional cultural heritage, serving as both a leisure destination and a preservation area for local customs and performances.
Key facts
- Location: Xinyi, Jiangsu, China
- Type: Cultural and ecological park
- Features: Folk architecture, performances, nature trails, flower fields and orchards
- Approximate area: Several square kilometers
- Primary use: Tourism and cultural preservation
Cultural and Natural Setting
Situated in the hilly landscape of northern Jiangsu, Huating Tribal Park integrates natural elements like forests, valleys, and caves with traditional-style buildings. Its design evokes the life of early Chinese tribal communities, combining reconstructed dwellings with displays of folk art and crafts. The surrounding environment enhances the park’s reputation as a scenic retreat.
Attractions and Activities
Visitors can explore cultural performances, ethnic-style festivals, and traditional handicraft demonstrations that recreate ancient tribal life. Outdoor areas include hiking paths, viewpoints, and gardens, emphasizing ecological balance and rural tranquility. Seasonal events—especially during holidays—make it a popular destination for family tourism in Jiangsu.
Significance
Huating Tribal Park contributes to Xinyi’s local tourism economy by blending heritage education with recreation. It also serves as an example of Jiangsu’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism development rooted in regional culture.
Songzhuang Homestay Scenic Area
Songzhuang is a more relaxed countryside-style scenic area featuring lakeside lawns, hills, boating areas, fishing spots, cafés, restaurants, gazebos, and traditional-style accommodations.
The area also includes small animal attractions and open green spaces, making it popular among students looking for a quieter place to relax, picnic, study, or spend time outdoors on weekends.
History & Significance
Songzhuang Homestay Scenic Area (嵩庄民宿景区), aka Songzhuang Family Park, is a rural tourism destination located near Xinyi City, Jiangsu Province, China. It is known for its integration of countryside living, cultural tourism, and eco-friendly hospitality. The area has become a model of rural revitalization through sustainable tourism and agritainment.
Key facts
- Location: Xinyi, Jiangsu, China
- Type: Rural cultural and eco-tourism zone
- Main attractions: Traditional homestays, farming experiences, local cuisine
- Focus: Rural revitalization and eco-agriculture development
Overview and Development
Songzhuang Homestay Scenic Area lies within the rural landscape of Xinyi, blending modern comfort with traditional Jiangsu village life. The project was established as part of local efforts to promote tourism-driven economic growth and preserve regional culture. Its development emphasizes green architecture, cultural creativity, and experiential tourism that invites visitors to participate in daily rural life.
Features and Attractions
Visitors can stay in restored village houses converted into boutique homestays featuring traditional design with contemporary amenities. The scenic area offers agricultural experiences such as fruit picking, tea processing, and handicraft workshops. Surrounding landscapes include farmland, water features, and walking trails, providing an immersive rural environment ideal for leisure and cultural exploration.
Cultural and Economic Significance
The Songzhuang project contributes to local employment, heritage conservation, and rural sustainability. It has been recognized by regional tourism authorities as a demonstration site for countryside revitalization. The model aligns with China’s national initiatives promoting “Beautiful Countryside” programs, combining tourism with cultural and ecological preservation.
Xuzhou
Regional Landmarks
With a history of 2,600 years, Xuzhou is a historical city with critical strategic importance throughout Chinese history. The town was once named Pengcheng during the Qin and Han dynasties and was the hometown for Liu Bang, the first emperor of the Han dynasty (206 BC− 220 AD).
Located in northern Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou boasts a rich tapestry of natural beauty and biodiversity, a blend of characters from both the North and South of China. From the serene shores of Yunlong Lake to the picturesque landscapes of Pan’an Lake Wetland Park, the region is adorned with stunning vistas. Its diverse topography includes rolling hills, lush forests, and fertile plains, providing a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. Additionally, Xuzhou is home to the majestic Yunlong Mountain, offering panoramic views and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether exploring its scenic parks or admiring its tranquil countryside, Xuzhou captivates visitors with its harmonious blend of natural wonders.
Explore
Popular Student Desitinations
The Shaolin Temple
The Shaolin Temple, located in Henan Province, China, is a renowned Buddhist monastery famous for its association with martial arts, particularly Shaolin Kung Fu. Dating back over 1,500 years, it is not only a center for spiritual practice but also a cultural icon, attracting visitors from around the world.
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is an ancient fortification system made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, stretching over 13,000 miles across Northern China. Originally built to protect China from invasions, it is one of the most impressive architectural feats in history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Confucius Temple
Centered around the ancient architectural complex called Confucius Temple (Fuzi Miao), the Qinhuai River and Ming City Wall string up major attractions such as Bailuzhou, Laomendong, and Grand Baoen Temple, forming an open scenic area that combines natural scenery, history, and cultural sites.
The Bund of Shanghai
This is a designated section of Shanghai’s port along the Huang Pu River lined with beautiful neo-classical buildings and a waterfront promenade that is packed with tourists, locals and street sellers.
Terra-Cotta Warriors
One of the most significant archaeological finds in the world, this 16,300-square-meter excavation reveals more than 7,000 life-size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations.
The Forbidden City
Consisting of more than 9,000 rooms and spread over 250 acres, this huge palace complex was built in the 15th century and later extensively renovated and restored during the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century.