Xiangyang Travel Guide: A Journey Through Millennia to Encounter the Charm of an Ancient City!

Xiangyang, a cultural city with over 2,800 years of history, is like a heavy tome of chronicles, each page inscribed with legendary tales of time. As a significant birthplace of Three Kingdoms culture and a convergence point of Chu, Han, and Three Kingdoms cultures, it boasts unique historical charm and cultural allure. ### 1. Transportation Guide **• External Transportation:** - **Xiangyang Liuji Airport** is about 20 km from downtown, with airport shuttles to multiple city stops (fare: ¥15–20, 30–40 min). Taxis cost around ¥60–80. - **Xiangyang Railway Station** is conveniently located downtown, with many bus routes. - **Xiangyang East Railway Station** serves high-speed trains; take buses, taxis, or the Dongjin High-Speed Rail Custom Bus to downtown. **• Local Transportation:** - Buses cover most attractions (fare: ¥1–2). Taxis (starting at ¥7) and shared bikes are also great for sightseeing. ### 2. Attractions **• Historical & Cultural:** - **Xiangyang Ancient City (Free)**: Known as "Iron-Cast Xiangyang," its majestic walls offer panoramic Han River views. Visit Beijie Street for food and lantern releases at night. *Address: 128 Beijie, Binjiang Avenue, Xiangcheng District.* - **Ancient Longzhong (¥78/person)**: Zhuge Liang’s former retreat, featuring Wuhou Shrine and golden ginkgo trees in autumn. *Address: 461-1 Longzhong Road, Xiangcheng District.* - **Migrant’s Memorial Hall (¥25/person)**: Honors calligrapher Mi Fu, showcasing stone inscriptions. *Address: 118 Yanjiang Avenue, Fancheng District.* - **Xiangyang Museum (Free, booking required)**: Rich artifacts and historical insights. *Address: 1 Beijie, Xiangcheng District.* **• Natural Scenery:** - **Yuliangzhou Happy Coast ("Xiangyang’s Little Sanya")**: Beach camping, cycling, and stunning sunset views. *Address: Yuliangzhou Economic Development Zone, Xiangzhou District.* - **Wudao Gorge (¥80/person)**: Five gorges blending landscapes with folklore. *Located south of Baokang County.* - **Hengchong Tourist Area**: Forest retreat for summer/winter activities. *In Houping Town, Baokang County (pay-per-activity).* **• Theme Parks:** - **Xiangyang OCT Fantasy Resort (¥200~)**: Thrilling rides like "Da Vinci Flying" and "Snow Mountain Coaster." *Address: Fantasy Town, OCT Resort, Xiangzhou District.* - **Tangcheng Film Studio (¥100~)**: Tang-era sets for films like *The Legend of Demon Cat*. Night shows and Hanfu photoshoots. *Address: Group 4, Shijiamiao Village, Xiangyang Road, Xiangcheng District.* ### 3. Food Recommendations - **Xiangyang Beef Noodles**: Chewy noodles with spiced broth, paired with rice wine and garlic. Try *Zhang’s Noodles (Xingfu Road)* or *Chen’s Noodles (Yiqiaotou)*. - **Tofu Noodles**: Rich broth with customizable toppings. - **Zhaoming Li’s Brown Sugar Cake (Beijie Street)**: Crispy, molten-center pastries. - **Yicheng Salted Duck**: Firm, fragrant cured duck—perfect with drinks. - **Xiangyang Clear Soup**: Thin-skinned dumplings in savory broth, a breakfast staple. ### 4. Accommodation **• Luxury (¥800–1500/night):** - *Xiangyang InterContinental*: Elegant gardens near ancient walls (Rating: 4.8). - *Xiangyang Yunhai Hotel (OCT Resort Branch)*: Family-friendly with full amenities (Rating: 4.7). **• Budget (¥150–350/night):** - Chain hotels/B&Bs in Xiangcheng/Fancheng Districts (e.g., *Yishang Hotel*, *Meet Inn*). ### 5. Itinerary Ideas **• 1-Day Trip:** - AM: Ancient Longzhong (Three Kingdoms sites). - Noon: Local farmhouse dishes (steamed pork, dry-fried loach). - PM: Xiangyang Ancient City (Beijie Street, wall views). **• 2-Day Trip:** - Day 1: Longzhong + Ancient City (lanterns at night). - Day 2: Tangcheng (Hanfu photos, shows) + Museum. **• 3-Day Trip:** - Day 1: Yuliangzhou sunset + seafood. - Day 2: OCT Fantasy Resort (full-day thrills). - Day 3: Mi Fu Hall + Wudao Gorge. ### 6. Tips - Check attraction hours/tickets in advance (e.g., museum bookings). - Beware crowds at Tangcheng; watch belongings during shows. - Ancient walls have steep sections—mind your step. - Local food can be spicy; request milder versions if needed.