Xiangyang Ancient City Wall

Historical Overview

• 1365–1371: Constructed during the Ming Dynasty’s unification wars to defend against Mongol remnants.
• 1542: Expanded with outer walls and moats under Governor Lu Jin, creating a "double-layered" defense system.
• 1643: Withstood a 6-month siege by Li Zicheng’s rebel army, earning the nickname "Iron Xiangyang."
• 1940: Served as a key battlefield during the Battle of Xiangyang in the Second Sino-Japanese War.
• 2018: Restoration completed, reopening 3.2 kilometers of the wall and 4 gates to the public.

Structural Layout

The wall follows a rectangular plan with four main sections:

1. Northern Section: Faces the Han River, featuring the 14-meter-tall Archway Gate (Linjiang Gate) and 200-meter-long riverfront battlements.
2. Southern Section: Includes the Fuhua Gate, a reconstructed Ming-style gatehouse with a Drum Tower.
3. Eastern Section: Home to the Zhenwu Pavilion, a Taoist temple integrated into the wall’s structure.
4. Western Section: Houses the Xiangyang Military History Museum, showcasing ancient weapons and siege tactics.

Major Attractions

1. Archway Gate (Linjiang Gate): The northern entrance with original Ming-era stone carvings and views of the Han River.
2. Xiangyang Military History Museum: Exhibits include a 15th-century bronze cannon, arrowheads, and scale models of siege engines.
3. Zhenwu Pavilion: A Taoist shrine on the eastern wall, offering incense ceremonies and martial arts performances.
4. Ming Dynasty Moat: A 30-meter-wide, 5-meter-deep water-filled trench surrounding the southern wall.
5. Battlement Walkway: A 2.5km path along the northern wall with interpretive signs on medieval defense strategies.
6. Xiangyang ancient city wall Park: A riverside green space with cherry blossoms (March–April) and lotus ponds (June–August).

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Archway Gate → Battlement Walkway → Xiangyang Military History Museum → Zhenwu Pavilion → Fuhua Gate.
Highlights: River views, military history, and Taoist culture.

Historical Focus (4–5 hours):
Archway Gate → Ming Dynasty Moat → Museum’s Siege Engine Exhibit → Zhenwu Pavilion → Sunset at Battlement Walkway.
Highlights: Defense tactics, ancient artifacts, and sunset photography.

Comprehensive Experience (Full Day):
Morning: All sites above + Guided tour of hidden tunnels beneath the wall.
Afternoon: Traditional archery lesson, lunch at a Ming-themed restaurant, and evening light show at Archway Gate.

Ticket Purchase

• Online: Book via Ctrip or “Xiangyang Ancient City Wall Official” WeChat mini-program (up to 7 days in advance).
• Prices (2025):
  • Wall Access: ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors).
  • Combined Ticket (includes museum): ¥60 (adults), ¥30 (concessions).
  • Night tour (Light Show): ¥80 (adults), ¥40 (concessions).
• Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.

Transportation

From Xiangyang City Center:

• Bus: Routes 1, 6, or 13 to "Xiangcheng Wall Stop" (15 minutes, ¥2).
• Taxi: ¥15–20 from downtown (10 minutes).
  From Wuhan:
• High-Speed Rail: Wuhan Station → Xiangyang East Station (2.5 hours), then taxi (¥25, 15 minutes).
• Self-Drive: G42 Expressway → Xiangyang Exit → Hanjiang Road → City Wall Entrance.

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Seasons: spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms; autumn (October–November) for clear moat reflections.
• Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends attract 10,000+ visitors.
• Essentials:
  • Wear sturdy shoes for uneven battlements.
  • Bring a flashlight for tunnel tours (available weekends only).
  • Photography allowed except in museum galleries.
  • Prohibited: Climbing on moat edges, flying drones without permits.