Xuzhou, located at the border of Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan and Anhui provinces, is

kilometers away from Nanjing, Jinan, Zhengzhou and Hefei, the capitals of the four provinces. Since ancient times, Xuzhou has been the key to the north and the gateway to the south. No wonder people call it a trip (Peixian Dafeng Song Monument-Gaozu Temple-Sishui Pavilion-Jiulishan Ancient Battlefield-Circus Platform-Zifangshan-Yafuzhu)

Recommended accommodation: four stars: Kerry International Hotel, Hanyuan Hotel, Xuzhou Kaiyuan Guest House, three stars: Suyuan Hotel, Garden Hotel and Zhongshan Hotel, two stars: Baiyun Hotel, Xuzhou Hotel and Pengcheng Hotel. Local consultation of Dongtao: Xuzhou Tourism Bureau 516—3734996

■ Suqian

Recommended attractions: Ganlong Palace (Zaohe Town, Suqian City), admission ticket to 1 yuan and parking fee to 5 yuan. Xiang Wang's hometown (Huanghe South Road, Suqian City), tickets for 8 yuan, parking fees for 5 yuan.

recommended accommodation: three stars: Jinghang Hotel, Carnival Hotel and Shuyang Hotel; two stars: Suqian Hotel, Center Hotel and Qinhuai Hotel; local consultation: Suqian Tourism Bureau 527-436868.