Zhongxuan Tower
仲宣楼
A tall tower on the city wall at the southeast corner of old Xiangyang, honoring Wang Can, one of the Seven Masters of the Jian'an Era, who wrote the "Ode to Ascending the Tower" here. From the top you can see the old city and the Han River.
Zhongxuan Tower Zhongxuan Tower stands on the city wall at the southeast corner of the old Xiangyang city. It was built to honor Wang Can, the late Eastern Han writer whose courtesy name was Zhongxuan. While Wang Can was taking refuge in Xiangyang and serving the Jingzhou governor Liu Biao, he climbed a tower here and wrote the "Ode to Ascending the Tower," which became famous. The present tower was rebuilt in 1993 in the ancient style, with a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof and a height of about 17 meters. Inside is an exhibition on Wang Can's life and Xiangyang culture. From the top you can look out over the moat, the old city streets, and the Han River. Entry costs about 30 yuan, though check on site. A visit takes about 40 minutes, and you can walk along the city wall to connect with Linhan Gate and Furen Cheng.
Opening hours
About 08:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Green Screen Wall of Prince Xiang's Mansion
- North Street & Zhaoming Terrace
- Xiangyang Ancient City Wall & Linhan Gate
- Xiangyang Museum
- Xianshan & Xianshou Pavilion
- Chenlaoxiang Historic Quarter (Fancheng)
- Mi Fu Memorial Temple
- Furen Cheng (Lady's Fortress)