Xuzhou Folk Custom Museum

Xuzhou Folk Custom Museum stands on the urban area of Xuzhou and occupies an area of 6,000 sq meters (1.5 acres). It opened in April, 2000 and is built on the residential site from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties. The museum's theme focuses on folk relics and folk culture. It contains over 160 rooms that show the strong local flavor of old residential houses in Xuzhou.

Occupying an area of 6,000 sq meters (1.5 acres), Xuzhou Folk Custom Museum stands on the urban area of Xuzhou. It was opened in April, 2000 and built on the site of civilian residence in Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties with a theme of folk relics and folk culture. It contains over 160 rooms fully showing the strong local flavor of old residential houses in Xuzhou.

The museum lies along the historic Hubushan Mountain. Comprised of two big courtyards, the complex structure as well as the ingenious layout of the museum's architecture reflects the typical civilian residence of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, both of which feature a delicate and simple style.

The museum consists mainly of six exhibition areas:

The first area displays the old residential houses, especially the tower combining two rooms that have overlapping doors, each opening into opposite direction: one to the north and another to the south. Buildings of this kind are designed in accordance with their surroundings and location. The tower is acclimatized for residence in both summer and winter. This style of construction symbolizes one feature of classical garden architecture in South China.

A highlight of the Xuzhou Folk Custom Museum is the abundant folk art. These handicrafts can be admired in another exhibition area, including peasant paintings of Pizhou County, children's paintings of Suining County, dough and candy figures, paper cuttings, and ceramics.

There are four other exhibition areas showing the living scenes, local marriage customs in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and local opera. The consummate performances by artistes are also played there.

In addition, diversified activities are usually held during holidays to promote local folk art. Xuzhou Folk Custom Museum provides visitors an excellent opportunity to experience first hand the local condition, customs and the people in old Xuzhou.