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.