Xiangyang, Prefecture-level city in northwestern Hubei, China
Xiangyang is a major city in northwestern Hubei, China, with the Han River running through its center and dividing it into distinct urban districts. Fancheng sits to the north while Xiangcheng occupies the south, and these two cores form the principal administrative and commercial hub of the region.
The city was the site of a prolonged siege during the Mongol invasion of the Song dynasty, when forces withstood siege conditions for an extended period. This pivotal conflict left deep marks on the urban fortifications and shaped its historical importance.
The old city sections contain traditional Chinese architecture with ancient walls that reflect centuries of local life and craftsmanship. Visitors can walk along these structures and observe how modern residents and merchants interact with these historic spaces.
The city is sprawling and divided into multiple administrative sections, which means different neighborhoods have their own character and attractions to explore. Plan to spend time on both sides of the Han River to experience both the northern and southern main areas with their distinct qualities.
The southern section contains one of China's oldest surviving city wall systems that has remained intact over centuries. This structure displays different construction phases and reveals how defensive engineering was adapted across historical periods.
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