Ancient Longzhong Scenic Area

Historical Overview

• Three Kingdoms Era (207 CE): Zhuge Liang lived here as a hermit, later becoming Shu Han’s chancellor after Liu Bei’s "Three Visits."
• Song Dynasty (1187): Construction of the Wuhou Temple began to commemorate Zhuge Liang’s military genius.
• Ming Dynasty (1527): The "Three Visits Cottage" was rebuilt, becoming a pilgrimage site for scholars.
• Qing Dynasty (1723): Emperor Yongzheng inscribed "Loyal and Righteous" on a stele, cementing the site’s cultural status.
• 1980s–Present: Restoration of ancient structures and addition of cultural exhibits, attracting 2 million annual visitors.

Structural Layout

The area is divided into five zones:

1. Ancient Village Core: Features Zhuge Liang’s former residence, the Three Visits Cottage, and the 1,800-year-old "Cypress of Loyalty."
2. Wuhou Temple Complex: A Qing Dynasty temple with stone carvings and incense halls dedicated to Zhuge Liang.
3. Xianling Mountain: A 306-meter peak with hiking trails and views of the Han River.
4. Cultural Experience Zone: Includes a recreated Three Kingdoms market and calligraphy workshops.
5. Ecological Reserve: Bamboo forests, lotus ponds, and tea plantations surrounding the historical sites.

Major Attractions

1. Three Visits Cottage (Sangu Tang): A Ming Dynasty wooden structure where Liu Bei sought Zhuge Liang’s counsel. Exhibits include a replica of the "Longzhong Plan" strategic manuscript.
2. Wuhou Temple: A Qing Dynasty temple with a 6-meter-tall Zhuge Liang statue and 108 stone tablets inscribed with his maxims.
3. Ancient Cypress Grove: A 1,800-year-old cypress tree said to have been planted by Zhuge Liang, symbolizing enduring loyalty.
4. Xianling Archway: A Ming Dynasty stone archway marking the entrance to Zhuge Liang’s ancestral village.
5. Three Kingdoms Cultural Park: Interactive exhibits, including a 4D theater reenacting the Battle of Red Cliffs.
6. Bamboo Sea Trail: A 2.5km boardwalk through bamboo forests, leading to a panoramic viewing platform.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Entrance → Xianling Archway → Three Visits Cottage → Wuhou Temple → Ancient Cypress Grove → Bamboo Sea Trail.
Highlights: Core historical sites and scenic trails.

Cultural Focus (4–5 hours):
Entrance → Three Kingdoms Cultural Park → Zhuge Liang Family Ancestral Hall → Calligraphy Workshop → Wuhou Temple → Sunset at Xianling Mountain.
Highlights: Interactive exhibits and cultural immersion.

Comprehensive Experience (Full Day):
Morning: All sites above + Lunch at the "Three Kingdoms-themed Restaurant."
Afternoon: Guided tour of Zhuge Liang’s strategic sites, tea ceremony at a local farmhouse, and evening light show at the cottage.

Ticket Purchase

• Online: Book via Ctrip or “Gulongzhong Official” WeChat mini-program (up to 7 days in advance).
• Prices (2025):
  • Peak Season (April–October): ¥80 (adults), ¥40 (students/seniors).
  • Off-Season (November–March): ¥60 (adults), ¥30 (concessions).
  • Combined Ticket (includes cultural park): ¥120 (adults), ¥60 (concessions).
• Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.

Transportation

From Xiangyang City Center:

• Bus: Route 512 or 543 to "Gulongzhong Stop" (1 hour, ¥5).
• Taxi: ¥80–100 one-way (40 minutes).
  From Wuhan:
• High-Speed Rail: Wuhan Station → Xiangyang East Station (2 hours), then taxi (¥80, 40 minutes).
• Self-Drive: G42 Expressway → Xiangyang Exit → G207 National Road → Scenic Area Entrance.

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Seasons: spring (April–May) for azaleas; autumn (October–November) for cypress foliage.
• Avoid Crowds: Visit early morning (7:30–9:30 AM) or late afternoon (3:00–5:00 PM).
• Essentials:
  • Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone paths and hill trails.
  • Bring a fan or parasol for summer visits (temperatures exceed 35°C).
  • Photography allowed except in temple sanctums.
  • Prohibited: Smoking in forests, loud conversations in memorial halls.