Zhongxiang

Home to the Xianling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty, a World Heritage Site where the Jiajing Emperor's parents are buried, plus night strolls in Mochou Village, Huangxian Cave and Dahong Mountain—a "World Longevity Town."

Zhongxiang is a county-level city administered by Jingmen, Hubei, in the northern Jianghan Plain on the middle reaches of the Han River. Historically called Yingzhou and Anlu Prefecture, it was the birthplace and early power base of the Ming Jiajing Emperor, who gave it the name "Zhongxiang." Chengtian Prefecture, which ranked alongside Shuntian (Beijing) and Yingtian (Nanjing) as one of the three great prefectures of the Ming dynasty, was based here. Zhongxiang is also a "World Longevity Town." The main sights are in the northeast of the city: the Xianling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the joint tomb of Jiajing's parents, and its "one mausoleum, two mounds" layout is unique in China. Next to it, Mochou Village is a recently viral night-time district packed with street food and intangible-heritage performances. Mochou Lake, the Zhongxiang Museum (with gold and jade from the Tomb of Prince Zhuang of Liang), and the Yuanyou Palace and Wenfeng Pagoda in the old town can be linked on foot or with short rides. About 60 km northeast, around Kedian Town, are Huangxian Cave and Dahong Mountain, worth an overnight stay; Shimen Reservoir east of the city makes a pleasant scenic drive. Spring and autumn are best: rapeseed flowers bloom in Mar–Apr, and Sep–Nov brings clear, crisp weather; summers are hot and humid, winters damp and cold. Zhongxiang is about 2.5 hours' drive from Wuhan; alternatively, take the train to Jingmen and transfer to a bus (about 1 hour). Getting around the city and to the sights is mainly by taxi or car. Allow 2 days: one for the Xianling Tomb plus an evening in Mochou Village, and one for Huangxian Cave and Dahong Mountain. Be sure to try panlong cai (coiled-dragon meat roll), kudzu starch and Zhongxiang longevity noodles.

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