Gulongzhong

Introducing Ancient Longzhong

Ancient Longzhong, located 15 kilometers west of Xiangyang City, was the retreat of Zhuge Liang, the renowned politician and military strategist during the Three Kingdoms period. The epic story of "Liu Bei's Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage" takes place here, and the popular "Longzhong Discussion" is also from this location.

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Sangutang

Sangutang, built in 1720 during the 59th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, commemorates Liu Bei's three visits to the thatched cottage and Zhuge Liang's Longzhong Plan. Outside, the fragrant lotus flowers and lush bamboo forests adorn the grounds. Legend has it that the ancient cypress trees where Liu Bei tied his horse during his three visits still stand in front of the gate. Inside, gold plaques, silver couplets, and ancient steles abound, offering valuable historical research and calligraphy.

Deep in Crouching Dragon

Built in 1729, the seventh year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty, Wolong Deep Garden served as a gathering place for Zhuge Liang and his close friends. Surrounded by lofty mountains, the gardens offer a tranquil and tranquil atmosphere, with the constant calls of pine and cranes. Lifelike statues of renowned figures such as Pang Degong, Huang Chengyan, Pang Tong, and the young Zhuge Liang are displayed. Eight powerful stone tablets are embedded in the corridors on either side, and a weathered stele commemorating the garden's renovation in the seventh year of the Yongzheng reign stands proudly in the center of the garden.

Caolu Pavilion

The Caolu Pavilion was built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, adjacent to the tomb of Emperor Xiangjian of the Ming Dynasty. This site was originally the site of a thatched cottage. Admiring the natural beauty of Longzhong, Emperor Xiangjian, Zhu Jianshu, destroyed the cottage in 1489 to build his mausoleum. In 1794, Zhao Hongen, the governor of Yunxiang, built this pavilion on the site of the former thatched cottage to commemorate Zhuge Liang.

Baoxi Pavilion

The Baoxi Pavilion, a three-story hexagonal pavilion located on a high hillside near Longzhong Mountain, is "over 10 feet high and 70 feet in circumference." It was built by Hubei Governor Cheng Wenbing in 1888, the 14th year of the Guangxu reign. The pavilion's purpose was to remind future generations of Zhuge Liang, who chanted with his knees hugged in Longzhong, of his long recitation. This inspired them to "feel deeply moved by the memory of the time when he was a secluded man, never forgetting the affairs of the world even for a moment."

The pavilion towers into the clouds, its vast expanse of embracing knees preserves its eternal splendor; the terrace forms a radiant sun, its stargazing encompassing the wonders of the ages. —Anonymous inscription on the Pavilion of Embracing Knees. This couplet was inscribed on a stone pillar when the pavilion was built, but it bears no inscription. Lingyun (literally "to soar straight up to the heavens"). He Yan's "Ode to Jingfu Palace" reads: "You then built a towering pavilion." Jiong (literally "distant"). Terrace (literally "the terrace for observing the stars"). Li Ri (literally "the rising sun"). The couplet expresses the author's astonishment at Zhuge Liang's prediction of the three-part division of the empire.

Danqingyuan

Danqing Garden is one of the architectural complexes in Longzhong.

Plowing the western fields, his spirit still lingers at the cliff edge; guests often come, and his songs of remaining classics continue to sing. — Yunxuan inscribed on Danqing Garden. The couplet is signed, "Danqing Garden is completed, and I inscribe this couplet to greet the guests." Yunxuan. Plowing the western fields: "Inscription on Zhuge Liang's Former Residence": "Plowing the western fields, chanting and whistling at the eastern peaks, his traces remain in the forest, his spirit condensed at the cliff edge." "Remaining classics": Remaining books that can serve as models. Here, it refers to Zhuge Liang's character, spirit, and writings. In the second year of the Yongxing reign of the Western Jin Dynasty, Taifu Yuan Li Xing, along with General Zhennan and Governor of Jingzhou Liu Hong, traveled to Longzhong and penned "A Memorial to Prime Minister Zhuge Liang." The text reads, "Singing and chanting remaining classics will inspire the cowardly." Over 60 years later, the renowned historian Xi Zaochi of Xiangyang also visited Longzhong and penned "Inscription on Zhuge Liang's Former Residence," which reads, "Plowing the western fields, chanting and whistling at the eastern peaks, his traces remain in the central forest, his spirit condensed at the cliff edge." This couplet is based on these two inscriptions.

Laolong Cave

Located at the foot of Longzhong Mountain, Laolong Cave is an ancient spring cave steeped in history. Zhuge Liang, while cultivating the land in Longzhong, used its water to irrigate his fields. Here, winding mountains create a secluded jade-like landscape, lush bamboo groves, verdant forests, and a forest of unique rocks, amidst the fragrance of flowers and the chirping of birds – a truly unique world. A Ming Dynasty poem by Wu Shou reads: "Deep springs and ancient caves, where old dragons sometimes sleep. A door conceals a stone in the clouds, and success is achieved in the fields beneath the stream. A stream embraces green grass, where ancient jade vines hang. Seeking the traces of heroes, their noble character remains."

Tickets

Adults: 80 yuan/person

Free policy: Children under 1.2 meters in height (inclusive), disabled people, soldiers, journalists, and seniors over 70 years old (inclusive) are exempt from tickets with valid ID.

Discounted Policy: Children between 1.2 meters (inclusive) and 1.4 meters (exclusive) in height, and full-time undergraduate students or those with a bachelor's degree or below, can purchase discounted scenic spot tickets with their student ID. For other combined ticket discounts, please refer to the announcements of each scenic
spot. The above information is for reference only; please refer to the Gulongzhong Scenic Spot for details.
[Performance of "Thatched Cottage: Zhuge Liang":
Free Ticket Policy: Children under 1.2 meters (inclusive) are exempt from admission but do not occupy a seat. Children over 1.2 meters (inclusive) are treated the same as adults.
The above information is for reference only; please refer to the scenic spot announcements for details on the day.

Attraction opening hours

08:00-17:30; 20:00-21:40 (Performance of "Thatched Cottage - Zhuge Liang")

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Most Popular FAQs for Gulongzhong

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Gulongzhong (Ancient Longzhong) is the famed retreat west of Xiangyang (about 13–15 km) where Zhuge Liang lived in seclusion before entering public service. It is the setting of the legendary “Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage” by Liu Bei, who sought Zhuge’s counsel, and where the “Longzhong Strategy / Longzhong Dui” was proposed. Over centuries, structures have been built or rebuilt to commemorate Zhuge Liang: temples, halls, bridges, pavilions, etc. The site is part of Hubei’s Three Kingdoms cultural heritage and is designated a 5A-level scenic area.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

• Location: About 13 km to the west of Xiangyang (Xiangcheng District), Hubei Province.
• Address: 461-1 Longzhong Dadao, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang.
• From Xiangyang: Take bus routes (e.g. 512 or 543) to the Gulongzhong Visitor Center.
• A free shuttle bus often operates from the visitor center (1–2 km north) into the scenic area.
• Taxi from Xiangyang city is feasible (approx 40 minutes).

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
• Best times: Spring (April–May) or Autumn (September–October) for pleasant weather and foliage.
• Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon helps avoid crowds.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

• General ticket price: about ¥120 (adult).
• Online discounts may apply when booking via official or tourism platforms.
• Some sources mention an entrance fee of ¥87 (including internal transport) in certain contexts.
• Tickets can be purchased online via travel platforms or on site at the entrance.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking in advance is not strictly required for most days, but on peak days (holidays, weekends) booking ahead is safer to avoid ticket issues or crowding.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Typically 2–3 hours suffices to see the major highlights. If you include additional trails or performances, plan for 3–4 hours.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Zhuge Liang’s Thatched Cottage (Cao Lu) and the Three Visits Hall (Sangu Hall)
• Wuhou Temple (temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang)
• Ancient Cypress Pavilion, Baoxi Pavilion, and old cypress groves
• Xiaohong Ancient Bridge, Hexagonal Well, Star Observation Deck
• Gonggeng Field and scenic walking paths blending nature and history

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

The site offers interpretation signage and may provide guided tours (mostly in Chinese). I did not confirm widely available audio guides in English; it’s possible via third-party tour services.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The stone archway at the entrance, carved with “Gulongzhong” — a classic photo spot.
• From the hillside paths offering views over rooftops, pine forest, and bridges.
• The Thatched Cottage courtyard and in front of the Sangu Hall for recreation of historic scenes.
• The Star Observation Deck or elevated platforms for panorama of the site.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

A suggested route: Archway entrance → walking past farmland → Thatched Cottage → Sangu Hall → Wuhou Temple → Cypress Pavilion, Baoxi Pavilion → Bridge, well, observation deck → return via scenic paths. Walk in roughly chronological and spatial order to reduce backtracking.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

I found no reliable evidence of regular night visits or light shows at Gulongzhong. The area is mainly daytime operation.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

It gets busier on weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings or late afternoons.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• Public restrooms and rest stops along major pathways.
• Snack stalls, small cafés or refreshment kiosks near the visitor center or main halls.
• Gift shops near the entrance or exit selling souvenirs and local products.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Many paths are walkable, but there are slopes, steps, and uneven stone paving in historic areas. Elderly or mobility-impaired visitors should take care; children can enjoy it but supervise near bridges or steep paths.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are likely accepted at ticket offices, shops, and vendors. Carrying some cash is still wise for smaller vendors or remote stalls.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Basic local eateries in the scenic area or nearby Xiangyang outskirts serve Hubei cuisine (rice, noodles, local dishes). In Xiangyang city center and the town near the scenic area, more varied dining options exist.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are common in Chinese local restaurants (vegetable dishes, tofu). Halal options may be more limited in the rural area but available in larger nearby towns/city.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

You will find guesthouses or small inns near the entrance or in the outskirts of Xiangyang. Xiangyang city center offers a wider selection of hotels from budget to mid-range or premium.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Xiangyang Ancient City (city walls, old city area).
• Other Three Kingdoms themed attractions around Xiangyang.
• Local museums in Xiangyang (history, archaeology) to complement the cultural theme.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes — souvenirs include postcards, models of Zhuge Liang or his thatched cottage, Three Kingdoms-themed items (figures, scrolls), local crafts, teas, calligraphy, and plaques.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Return by shuttle or taxi to Xiangyang city for further travel (train, bus, etc.).
• Local buses or taxis from the scenic area entrance toward other nearby sites.