Xiangyang: Discover the City’s History and Culture

In the wider region, Xiangyang offers different ways to explore history and culture: a historic fortification on the Han River, an antique-style pedestrian street, traditional crafts, and staged experiences. When looking for a holiday apartment, it is therefore helpful to start by considering which of these themes you want to shape your stay. Are you mainly interested in the city wall and old town, a culturally themed street, or exhibitions and interactive activities? The examples range from architectural history to opportunities to take part, giving your trip planning a clear thematic focus.

City History on the Han River

The ruins of Xiangyang Ancient City lie on the south bank of the Han River, in Xiangcheng District of Xiangyang, at the northern foot of Xianshan. The city wall has a circumference of 7.3 kilometres; the moat is 130 to 250 metres wide. These two measurements show different aspects of the historic fortification: the wall, which extends for several kilometres, and the broad moat.

Since 2018, Xiangyang has implemented two consecutive three-year plans to protect and make use of the old town, and renovated six sections of the city wall. These include the section east of Linhan Gate and the section between North Gate and Changmen. In 2024, four historic buildings in Xiangyang Ancient City were fitted with exhibitions and opened to the public: the Shan Family Ancestral Hall, Zhongxuan Tower, the Prince Xiang Palace, and Changmen. This theme brings together the city’s architectural history and specific places with exhibitions.

A Street as a Cultural Space

Xiangyang North Street is 1,270 metres long and is classified as a national tourism and leisure street. It is also described as the country’s longest antique-style pedestrian street. Its redesign created a staged cultural experience route. The street therefore offers a different focus from the fortifications, centring on cultural design and experience-based activities.

An experience sequence on North Street combined a poetic verse challenge for children with an NPC playing Meng Haoran, a calligraphy activity themed around Mi Fu, and a procession led by a performer playing Han Furen. The combination ranged from taking part in a language-based activity and writing to watching a performance. If you would like to experience these particular activities, check in advance whether they are available on your planned visit date.

An account dated May 19, 2026, describes Guanjia Lane, which is connected to North Street, as having more than 20 shops offering intangible cultural heritage products. The crafts presented include Zaoyang cotton cloth, Laohekou woodblock New Year prints, Nanzhang paper-cutting, and Chenghe willow weaving; visitors were also able to touch the works. These examples range from textiles and printing to paper and woven items, showing the variety of crafts on offer.

High Tang Theme and Interactive Culture

In the wider area, Xiangyang Shengshi Tang City Scenic Area focuses on High Tang culture and is rated as a national 4A tourist attraction. Activities for traditional festivals have included family outings for children and a New Year temple fair. Festival activities are therefore a possible focus in their own right, alongside the historic fortifications and street experiences.

The Zhaoming Tower cultural and tourism area covers more than 8,000 square metres and is themed around Zhaoming culture. A description from February 2026 mentions displays of cultural and creative products, cultural exhibitions, opera performances, views of the old town, and interactive educational activities. A description from September 2026 places the MR experience space “奇遇三国·XR奇幻之旅” (Three Kingdoms Adventure · XR Fantasy Journey), themed around the Three Kingdoms, in the basement of Zhaoming Tower. Visitors could experience scenes such as “三顾茅庐” and “赤壁之战.” As immersive programmes can change, check current opening arrangements and the programme in advance if you are interested.

Choose a Holiday Apartment Based on Your Travel Interests

For your trip planning, the distinction is clear: the city wall, moat, and historic exhibition venues offer a focus on architectural history; North Street, traditional crafts, and the activities at Zhaoming Tower focus more on staged settings and cultural experiences. First decide which themes you want to include, then focus your holiday apartment search accordingly. For specific destinations, it is worth checking current access arrangements and dates.

Discover More Destinations

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For the main travel overview: Hubei.