Xiangyang sits on the middle reaches of the Han River in northwestern Hubei, a city formed from two once-separate towns facing each other across the water. South of the river is old Xiangyang, ringed by one of the oldest still-intact city walls in China; north of the river is Fancheng, long the commercial and transport side of the city.
For a visitor, that north–south split across the Han is the single most useful thing to understand: the historic sights cluster on the south bank, while the railway station and much of the business accommodation sit on the north bank. This guide covers the areas worth considering as a base, what each suits, and how the accommodation tiers differ. It does not recommend individual properties.
Best areas to stay in Xiangyang
1. Old Xiangyang (Xiangcheng District, south of the Han River)
This is the historic core, the surviving old city on the south bank, where the intact city wall and the traditional street pattern give the area its character. It is the natural base for first-time visitors who want the historic sights within walking distance rather than a commute.
Accommodation here is oriented towards visitors and includes traditional-style lodging alongside larger hotels. Note that the old city is on the opposite bank from the main railway station, so if you arrive by train you will need to cross the river to reach it.
2. Fancheng District (north of the Han River)
Fancheng is the northern half of the city and its long-standing transport and commercial hub, with the main railway lines converging here. It suits travellers who prioritise easy rail connections and practical, business-oriented lodging over proximity to the old walled city.
The district has a spread of business hotels with straightforward facilities, and it puts you on the same side of the river as the station. The trade-off is that the historic core is across the water.
3. Xiangzhou District
Xiangzhou is one of the city's urban districts and lies away from the historic riverfront core. It is a practical option if your reason for visiting relates to the district's industrial and technology zones rather than sightseeing.
Accommodation here leans towards business hotels serving the district's commercial activity. Expect to rely on buses or taxis to reach the historic sights on the south bank.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simple rooms with private bathrooms and internet access, often in smaller local hotels; the most basic category available in the city.
- Mid-range: business hotels offering a range of room types, air conditioning, high-speed internet and breakfast, sometimes with parking and fitness facilities.
- Splurge: larger hotels with a fuller set of facilities, including Chinese-style breakfast buffets and in-room internet.
Best area for a first visit
Old Xiangyang, in Xiangcheng District south of the Han River, is the best base for a first visit. It puts you in the historic core beside the old city wall, which is the main reason most travellers come. The one thing to plan around is the river: the main railway station is on the Fancheng side, so allow time to cross the Han when you arrive or leave.
Frequently asked questions
Which side of the Han River should I stay on?
Stay south of the river in old Xiangyang if the historic sights are your priority, and north in Fancheng if you want to be near the railway station and the transport hub.
How do I get around between the two halves of the city?
The Han River runs through the centre and divides the city north–south, so any trip between the historic core and Fancheng means crossing the river. Local buses serve the districts, and taxis are the other straightforward option.
What local food should I look for while I am there?
Xiangyang beef noodles are the city's signature dish, made with alkaline noodles in a rich beef and offal broth with braised beef and red oil, often served with local yellow wine.
When is the best time of year to visit?
The city has a monsoon-influenced, four-season humid subtropical climate, with cold, damp winters and hot, humid summers, so spring and autumn are the more comfortable seasons for walking the old city.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.