Xiangyang Travel Guide

Hidden in the mountains eight miles to the west of Xiangyang, Longzhong Scenic Area is a tourist resort centered on the former residence of Zhuge Liang, the famous strategist and politician in Three Kingdoms Period (220 - 280). 
 
Covering an area of 4.6 square miles, this beautiful land boasts waves of grain, dainty hills, clear waters and rich cultural relics. Zhuge Liang once lived as a hermit here for ten years. Many relics are left recording his life. For example, Zhuge Cottage is said to be the place where Liu Bei, the emperor of Shu Kingdom paid three visits to Zhuge Liang. Wuhou Temple is built to enshrine Zhuge Liang. Wolong Shenchu is said to be the place where he met his friends. Gonggeng Field is believed to have been furrowed under his plough. Moreover, there is Liujiao Well, Laolong Cave and Longzhong Study Hall, and all of which are closely related to the life and times of this remarkable man.
 It enjoys widespread fame far and near due to its glorious culture, long history, rich cultural relics and beautiful landscape. The old city site is located on the banks of the Han River in downtown of the city. It was first built and its basic layout was formed during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD). It is recorded that the ancient city had six city gates and 4,210 crenels. During the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties, the old city was perfected to be even more spectacular. The six city gates and four watch towers stood straight up to guard the city. The golden tiles and colored glazes made the city wall shine in the sunlight. The towering shadow of city wall was reflected in the moat. What an imposing sight it was!
 
Today, the existing city wall of Ancient Xiangyang City is all that remains of the Ming Dynasty. Its outer is laid by pieces of large bricks and the inner is filled by the rammed earth. The north side faces Han River and the others are encompassed by moat whose depth is 6.6 to 9.9 feet and the widest point measures 273 yards. There is only one city gate left – the north gate "Suo Yue" which means the lock and the key, signifying the gate's military importance. Though the rest of the city gates were destroyed, the ancient city layout and defense system can still be easily recognized.
 

1. Xiangyang Airport is 18 kilometers (11 miles) northeast of downtown, operating flights to some major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Wenzhou, Xiamen, Xi'an and Chongqing.

2. Wuhan can be reached within five or six hours from this city by train and visitors can make a round trip in the same day by train or by bus between them.
 
Note: If visitors plan to stay a little longer, the Shennongjia Nature Reserve is suggested to their tourist schedule. The scenic spot is 274 kilometers (170 miles) from Xiangyang, about 4 hours' ride.

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