Xiangyang Ancient City (襄阳古城), situated on the southern bank of the Han River in Hubei Province, is renowned for its strategic location with water on three sides and mountains on one, making it easy to defend and difficult to conquer. It stands as one of the most famous ancient city fortification systems in Chinese history and the most intact ancient defensive structure in the country, highly esteemed by military strategists throughout the ages.
Believed to have been initially constructed in the sixth year of Emperor Gao of the Western Han Dynasty (201 BCE), the exact location of the city’s founding lies along the northwestern banks of the Han River. During the early years of the Ming Dynasty’s Hongwu reign, extensive renovations were carried out, including the expansion of the city to the northeast to enhance its defensive capabilities, resulting in a perimeter stretching 7.3 kilometers and covering an area of 2.5 square kilometers.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Xiangyang Ancient City
- Vlog about Xiangyang Ancient City
- A Brief History of Xiangyang Ancient City
- Attractions near Xiangyang Ancient City
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.30 |
Location and Transportation
Xiangyang Ancient City is located in Xiangyang District, Xiangyang City, Hubei Province, situated on the southern bank of the middle reaches of the Han River. To get there, tourists can take bus 6, 8, 13, 24, 28, 29, 512, 517, 532, D51, G03, or K15 and get off at Shizijie Stop (十字街站).
Highlights of Xiangyang Ancient City
Ancient City Walls and Moats
Spanning a perimeter of 7,311 meters, the ancient city walls of Xiangyang are nearly square in plan, standing at a height of 10.84 meters and a thickness ranging from 11 to 14 meters. Originally featuring six city gates and gatehouses named “Yangchun,” “Wenchang,” “Xicheng,” “Gongchen,” “Zhenhua,” and “Linhan,” today only the gatehouse of Linhan Gate, the Wengcheng of Gongchen Gate, and the Wengcheng of Zhenhua Gate remain. The walls are fortified with over 4,000 battlements. To the east, west, and south, the city is protected by moats approximately 180 to 250 meters wide and 4 to 8 meters deep, connecting to the Han River to the north, making it one of the widest moats in Asia.
Zhaoming Tower
Also known as the Bell and Drum Tower, Zhaoming Tower stands as a symbol of Xiangyang Ancient City. Built in memory of Prince Zhaoming (Xiao Tong) of the Southern Liang Dynasty, it rises to approximately 15 meters. The tower is flanked by four rooms on each side, with a drum tower and a bell tower to the southwest. Prince Zhaoming, the eldest son of Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty, was born in Xiangyang and compiled the “Zhaoming Wenxuan,” leaving a lasting legacy for posterity.
Zhongxuan Tower
Located on the southeastern corner of the city walls, Zhongxuan Tower was built in honor of the poet Wang Can from the late Eastern Han Dynasty. Originally constructed during the Eastern Han Dynasty, it was rebuilt by Vice Historian Zhao Hong’en during the Qing Dynasty’s Yongzheng reign. Later, in the 25th year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign, it was restored by Hu Yi, the magistrate of Xiangyang. Destroyed during wartime in the early years of the Republic of China, the Xiangyang Municipal Government restored Zhongxuan Tower on its original site in 1993. Alongside Yellow Crane Tower, Qingchuan Pavilion, and Yueyang Tower, Zhongxuan Tower is hailed as one of the “Four Great Towers of Chu.”
Vlog about Xiangyang Ancient City
A Brief History of Xiangyang Ancient City
Xiangyang Ancient City, located in present-day Hubei Province, has a long and storied history dating back to the Spring and Autumn period. Its origins can be traced to the northern military post of Beiji, established around the early Spring and Autumn period. This strategic location was ideal for military activities and became a crucial northern crossing for the State of Chu, especially during its military expansions. The site eventually developed into a fortified town, complete with essential infrastructure and military supply bases, serving as a key military hub for the Chu Kingdom.
During the Han Dynasty, Xiangyang gained prominence as a county seat due to its strategic position. The city evolved as the course of the Tanxi waterway shifted, and the local river was rerouted. In 22 AD, Emperor Liu Xiu (Emperor Guangwu of Han) commissioned the construction of a new city to further strengthen the region.
In the Jin and Song Dynasties, the city saw significant expansion. Notably, during the Eastern Jin period, a new defensive structure was added, and the area became known for its fortifications. The Tang and Song Dynasties continued to enhance Xiangyang’s military capabilities by fortifying the city walls, building watchtowers, and reinforcing the defense system.
The city underwent substantial changes during the Yuan Dynasty, with significant repairs and expansion under the supervision of officials like Deng Yu. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the city walls were further reinforced, and various gates were constructed, with each carrying symbolic names such as “Yangchun” for the East Gate.
Xiangyang Ancient City was also affected by wars, including the destruction during the Taiping Rebellion and the heavy bombing during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Despite these challenges, the city walls were rebuilt and restored, continuing to serve as a symbol of historical resilience.
In the ancient city, there are middle schools and kindergartens, residential areas and commercial streets. The blend of the old and the new gives this ancient city a vibrant energy.
The ancient town has a vibrant commercial atmosphere with numerous shops, just like other ancient streets. It’s great for strolling and eating. I tried the Xiangyang Beef Noodles and the Brown Sugar Cake. The beef noodles were nothing special; I probably shouldn’t have eaten them in a tourist spot. However, the brown sugar cake was thin and hollow, filled with a layer of brown sugar. Freshly baked, it was warm and sweet – quite delicious!
The ancient town is quite small with not much to do; taking a couple of photos is about it. The night view should be beautiful though. The Han River is very wide, and both the river view and the city view are quite nice. Ancient Longzhong feels a bit disappointing. The entrance is located quite far outside the scenic area, and they even charge a fee for transportation. However, once inside, it is quite peaceful and the scenery is nice,… Read more »
Entering the ancient city from Zhaoming Terrace, I admired the traditional architecture. Occasionally, a “Kongming lantern” floated by in the sky, making me feel that Xiangyang truly embodies a strong sense of inclusivity.
I recommend staying in the ancient district of Xiangyang. In the evening, you can go to Linhan Gate in the ancient city. You can climb the ancient city wall and walk left to Fu Ren City or walk right to see the Moat City. After that, head to Beijie Night Market. Even at 10 PM, there are still many people, and there are performances happening too.
Xiangyang Ancient City is definitely worth recommending. The city wall is free to access, and the nightlife in the ancient city is vibrant, yet not too crowded!
First time visiting Xiangyang, the experience is so comfortable!
Unlike the crowded big cities, where people are bustling everywhere; the pressures of life and work make most people look tired, both physically and mentally.
The comfortable life here brings out a sense of contentment in everyone, unrushed and relaxed~
Strolling near the ancient city and enjoying the river view at night, I feels rejuvenated completely.
I went to Xiangyang Ancient City and took lots of photos, haha. The pictures turn out even better at night! Saw many young ladies in Hanfu taking photos, they looked stunning! There were also many sky lanterns flying in the sky, so romantic. The best part is, it’s all free to enjoy. Be sure to visit the North Street for delicious street food, a must-visit when in Xiangyang!
Although it’s commercialized like many other ancient cities, I was surprised to see sky lanterns floating in the sky, which was very beautiful. You can also go to the Han River to release your own sky lantern, which is very interesting.
Although the ancient city is not very large, it is worth a visit to experience the air as Guo Jing stood on the city tower back in the days. The ancient city is next to the North Street, and you can probably finish exploring the Xiangyang City in about 20 minutes. You can walk along the city wall all the way down to the riverbank to feel the Han River, which is also nice.