Xiangyang is a prefecture-level city located in northwestern Hubei province, China. It currently serves as the second-largest city in the province by population. The city was known as Xiangfan from 1950 until 2010 and was formed by the agglomeration of two previously separate cities: Fancheng and Xiangyang.
The Han River flows through the center of the city, dividing it into north and south sections. The historic area of old Xiangyang is situated to the south of the river and contains one of China's oldest still-intact city walls. In contrast, Fancheng is located to the north of the river. Both original cities played prominent roles in ancient and pre-modern Chinese history.
As part of China's efforts to urbanize and develop its interior provinces, Xiangyang has become a target for both government and private investment. According to the 2020 census, the municipality contained approximately 5,260,951 people, with 2,319,640 inhabitants residing within its three urban districts.