Every city has a story, but in Xuzhou, the story begins with a dragon hidden among the clouds.
According to a local legend, more than 2,000 years ago, Liu Bang—the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty—once visited a mountain in Xuzhou. As mist rolled across the peaks, a dragon seemed to emerge from the clouds. The extraordinary sight gave the mountain its name: Yunlong Mountain, meaning “Dragon in the Clouds.” Today, the mountain still overlooks the sparkling waters of Yunlong Lake, creating one of the most iconic landscapes in eastern China.
Centuries later, another famous figure fell in love with this scenery. During the Northern Song Dynasty, the celebrated poet and statesman Su Shi (Su Dongpo) served as governor of Xuzhou. He often visited Yunlong Mountain and Yunlong Lake, drawing inspiration from their beauty. His writings helped make the area known throughout China, and many attractions around the lake today still commemorate his contributions to the city. Visitors walking along the lakeside can easily imagine the poet gazing across the water and finding inspiration in the changing seasons.
Today, Yunlong Lake Scenic Area is a national 5A tourist attraction and one of the symbols of Xuzhou. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the lake combines natural beauty with centuries of cultural heritage. Whether watching the sunrise over the water, exploring the historic sites on Yunlong Mountain, or learning about Han Dynasty culture nearby, travelers can discover a place where history, legend, and landscape come together. For many visitors, Yunlong Lake is not only the most beautiful corner of Xuzhou—it is also the place where the city’s spirit can be truly felt.
