3-Day 2-Night Travel Guide for Xiangyang, Hubei

Itinerary Overview & Budget Details

- Total Budget: Approximately 980 RMB (per person)
- Accommodation: 2 nights for 240 RMB (budget hotel)
- Tickets: 222 RMB (including essential tickets for key attractions)
- Food & Drink: 300 RMB (100 RMB per day, including specialty meals and snacks)
- Transportation: 218 RMB (city transport + emergency taxi rides)

Day 1: First Experience of the Ancient City’s Nightlife

Morning: Start the Historical Chapter at Linhan Gate

After arriving in Xiangyang, head straight to Xiangyang Ancient City and climb the free Ming City Wall from Linhan Gate. Standing on the wall overlooking the rushing Han River, the weathered bricks tell the story of the "Iron Xiangyang." Every photo you take is naturally filled with a sense of history.

Noon: Taste the Local Flavor with Noodles on North Street

Descend from the city wall and dive into North Street. Don’t look for trendy shops; find the noodle shop where locals queue at the alley entrance. We recommend Qiaotou Chen’s Noodle Shop, where a bowl of beef noodles costs 12 RMB and is piled with thick slices of meat, paired with 1 RMB unlimited refills of yellow wine—this is the soul of Xiangyang breakfast. On the way, buy a 3 RMB Nanzhang lard pancake, crispy and flaky, perfect as an afternoon snack.

Afternoon: Savor the Ink Fragrance at Mi Gong Shrine

Walk 10 minutes to Mi Gong Shrine. For a 25 RMB ticket, you can see authentic works by Northern Song calligrapher Mi Fu. The garden is filled with towering ancient cypresses and numerous stone inscriptions. It’s quiet and peaceful, perfect for slowing down and feeling the spirit of the literati. When tired, rest on the stone benches in the courtyard—much more comfortable than crowded popular spots.

Evening: Enjoy the Evening Breeze on a Han River Night Cruise

In the evening, spend 30 RMB on a Han River ferry ride, watching the lights on both banks gradually come on, with the ancient city wall and modern buildings shining together in the night. After returning, stroll through the Guanjia Alley night market, where grilled oysters are 10 RMB for 3 pieces and brown sugar cakes are 5 RMB, ending the first day with local street food charm.

Day 2: Three Kingdoms Drama and Tang Dynasty Dreams

Morning: Trace the Footsteps of the Sleeping Dragon at Gulongzhong

Get up early and take the tourist shuttle bus (5 RMB per trip) to Gulongzhong. The 82 RMB ticket includes transportation within the scenic area. It’s best to enter at 8 AM to avoid tour groups. Follow the trails to the Thatched Cottage and the Three Visits Hall to trace Zhuge Liang’s reclusive life. Join a 20 RMB group guided tour to bring the story of the "Longzhong Strategy" vividly to life. If you’re fit, walk down the mountain to save 20 RMB on the sightseeing bus fare.

Noon: Taste Zhuge Liang’s Flavor in Farmhouse Dishes

Have lunch at a farmhouse restaurant near the Gulongzhong entrance. Order a 28 RMB dish of Zhuge’s specialty (fried small river shrimp) and 15 RMB sour vegetable noodles, both sour, spicy, appetizing, and affordable. The owner offers homemade pickled Kongming vegetables for free, which go perfectly with rice and can make you eat an extra bowl.

Afternoon: Time Travel and Photoshoot at Tang City

Take the shuttle bus to China Tang City. The 60 RMB night ticket is more cost-effective. Rent a Hanfu costume in North Street for 30 RMB in advance, much better value than the 100 RMB/hour rental inside the park. Visit in the order of Mingde Gate → Zhuque Tower → Hua’e Xianghui Tower. The evening light is perfect for ancient-style photos, and you can easily capture scenes like those in the movie "Legend of the Demon Cat."

Evening: Eat at the Food Stalls in Chinatown

After Tang City, head straight to Chinatown. A grilled fish costs 40 RMB, and a handful of skewers is 10 RMB. You can enjoy a hot and spicy meal for about 50 RMB per person. After dinner, take a walk to digest and soak in the lingering atmosphere of the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

Day 3: Leisurely Wrap-up and Souvenir Shopping

Morning: Enjoy Autumn Scenery by Xijia Pond

Sleep in and then visit Xijia Pond, a free scenic spot that hides the heritage of "China’s First Suburban Garden." By the pond fed by Baima Spring, willows sway and lotus ponds are serene—great for fresh photos. If you prefer a vintage vibe, you can also visit Weidong Machinery Factory, free and a filming location for "Hi, Mom," with a high chance of great shots.

Noon: Unlock Special Flavors on Fenghua Road

Have lunch at Fenghua Road Snack Street. Try the 35 RMB plate of eel and 20 RMB braised pig’s trotters, both Xiangyang specialties. If you don’t want a full meal, 8 RMB fried skewers in a bun and 10 RMB grandma’s vermicelli soup are student favorites for sure.

Afternoon: Recall Chu Culture at the Museum & Return Trip

Your last stop is Xiangyang Museum (free but requires reservation). See bronze ware, Chu embroidery, and other cultural relics to quickly understand Xiangyang’s historical context. Before closing, visit Zhongxuanlou Vegetable Market, where Kongming vegetables are 5 RMB per bag and Jin Gang Su pastries are 10 RMB for 3 packs—cheap and authentic souvenirs. Take the bus to the station according to your return schedule to end the trip.

Accommodation & Transportation Tips

- Accommodation: Choose budget hotels near Fancheng District or the train station, such as Bofei Zhiying Hotel, where a smart king room costs 120 RMB/night. It’s clean, tidy, and offers self-service laundry, convenient for visiting attractions. Avoid staying at riverside inns in the ancient city; they are expensive and you might be kept awake by bar noise.
- Transportation: Use shared electric scooters (10 RMB/day) or buses for city attractions. For cross-district travel, choose tourist shuttle buses to save half the taxi fare. Avoid taxis at the train station entrance, as they often take longer routes and charge extra.

Xiangyang’s charm is never in expensive tickets but in 12 RMB beef noodles, 30 RMB ferry rides, and the evening breeze on the ancient city wall. Follow this guide, and within 1,000 RMB you can touch history and embrace local life—that’s what travel should be.