Xiangyang Ancient City Wall & Linhan Gate
襄阳城墙
'Iron-Forged Xiangyang': a city wall and a wide moat surround the old city, and the Linhan Gate on the north faces the Han River.
Xiangyang's city wall was first built in the Han dynasty, and its main structure dates from Ming-dynasty reconstruction. It is about 7 km in circumference and is a national key cultural relic protection unit. It borders the Han River to the north and is encircled by a moat on the other three sides; the widest part of the moat is about 250 metres. Known as the foremost city fortification in China, Xiangyang is hailed as 'Iron-Forged Xiangyang'. The Linhan Gate tower and Zhaoming Terrace on the north side form the central axis of the old city. Beyond the gate lies the Han River, with river views. The Furen City in the northwest corner is said to be where Lady Han, mother of Zhu Xu of the Eastern Jin, led the women in building walls to resist the enemy. Some sections of the wall can be climbed, and a ring path runs along the moat, perfect for a bike ride around the city (about 1–1.5 hours). At night the gate tower and wall are lit up, and the best photos are taken from the far bank of the moat or from the banks of the Han River. Some access points to the wall charge admission; check the posted information on site.
Opening hours
Open all day (city wall climb about 8:30 am–5:30 pm; check on site)
Nearby sights
- North Street & Zhaoming Terrace
- Mi Fu Memorial Temple
- Chenlaoxiang Historic Quarter (Fancheng)
- Furen Cheng (Lady's Fortress)
- Green Screen Wall of Prince Xiang's Mansion
- Zhongxuan Tower
- Zhenwushan Taoist Temple
- Xiangyang Museum