Xiangyang (襄阳)

1. Introduction

Xiangyang City, abbreviated as Xiang, formerly known as Xiangfan City, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Hubei Province, People's Republic of China. It is located in the northern part of Hubei Province, in the middle reaches of the Han River. The city borders Shiyan City and Shennongjia Forestry District to the west, Yichang City to the southwest, Jingmen City to the southeast, Suizhou City to the east, and Nanyang City of Henan Province to the north. Situated in the middle reaches of the Han River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, and at the border of Hubei and Henan provinces, its western part includes the eastern sections of the Wudang Mountains and Jing Mountains, the northeast is dominated by the Tongbai Mountains, the southeast by the Dahong Mountains, and the central area lies within the Nanyang Basin. The Han River flows diagonally from northwest to southeast across the entire territory, along with its tributaries such as the Tangbai River, Nan River, Man River, Qing River, and Gun River. The city covers a total area of 19,728 square kilometers, with a permanent population of approximately 5.28 million. The municipal government is located at No. 219 Tanxi Road, Xiangcheng District. Xiangyang is a nationally renowned historical and cultural city, often referred to as "Impregnable Xiangyang," "China's Premier Fortress City," and "A Strategic Location Contended by All." Historically, Xiangyang was divided into two cities, Xiangcheng and Fancheng, located on the northern and southern banks of the Han River (Mian River) respectively, facing each other across the river. Both cities were historically significant military and commercial hubs. After 1949, Xiangcheng and Fancheng merged to form Xiangfan City. In 2010, Xiangfan City was renamed Xiangyang City.

The development of Xiangyang City began with the establishment of the Deng State during the Western Zhou Dynasty in what is now the urban area of Xiangyang. Since Liu Biao, the Governor of Jingzhou, moved his administrative center to Xiangyang, the city has consistently served as the seat of prefectures, circuits, provinces, routes, and counties. Over 200 cultural sites from various periods have been identified within the city's territory, some of which are considered world-class cultural relics and historical sites. Xiangyang has always been a strategic location contested by military strategists. Throughout its 3,000-year history, countless battles, both large and small, have taken place here. Notable examples include Bai Qi's flooding of Yancheng, Guan Yu's flooding of the Seven Armies, Zhu Xu's resistance against Fu Pi, Yue Fei's recapture of Xiangyang, the Song-Yuan Xiangfan battles, and Li Zicheng's occupation of Xiangyang. The city has been a gathering place for talented individuals, shining like stars in the sky. Its long history, rich culture, and numerous outstanding figures have left behind a wealth of scenic spots, historical sites, anecdotes, and legends, earning it the elegant title of "Cultural Ancient City."

nix

2. History

2.1 Prehistoric Period

Lüshi Chunqiu · Zhaolei Pian records: "Yao fought at the banks of the Dan River to subdue the Southern Barbarians; Shun repelled the Miao people and changed their customs." The southward expansion of the Xia people halted at the Han River basin. During the mid-Shang Dynasty, around the time of King Wu Ding, due to the kingdom's powerful momentum and to open passages to the south, particularly the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, the Shang launched multiple campaigns against the Jing people. It was likely during this period that the tribe led by Jilian, a descendant of Zhurong, migrated from the Central Plains to the Jianghan region, including the Xiangyang area, and settled there. The "Yu's Campaign against the Sanmiao" facilitated the first exchange and integration of northern and southern cultures (the Yellow River culture and the Yangtze River culture).

2.2 Han Dynasty

In 190 AD, Dong Zhuo forced Emperor Xian of Han to move west to Chang'an, forcibly relocating millions of people westward. Concurrently, millions of refugees from Qingzhou and Xuzhou also migrated, with large populations from western Shandong and Henan moving into the Xiangyang-Fancheng region. After Wang Yun killed Dong Zhuo, chaos ensued in the Guanzhong region, leading hundreds of thousands of refugees to flee. Some of them traveled south through the Wuguan Pass in the Qinling Mountains via the Nanyang Basin and also migrated into the Xiangyang area.

The most notable feature of this migration was the influx of highly talented individuals, temporarily making Xiangyang a hub that attracted talent from across the country. Liu Biao was from Gaoping, Shandong, leading to a significant migration of people from Shandong at that time: such as Wang Can, Wang Kai, and later the Jin Dynasty imperial physician Wang Shuhe, all of whom were from Gaoping. Other notable figures included: the classical scripture scholar Sima Hui from Yingchuan and Song Zhong from Zhangling; the musician Du Kui from Henan; and Xu Shu from Yingchuan. During Liu Biao's nearly twenty-year governance of Jingzhou, the immigrant population residing in Xiangyang had an extremely profound impact on the local culture of Xiangyang.

After Liu Biao's death, his son Liu Cong surrendered to Cao Cao, who then gained control of Xiangyang and established Xiangyang Commandery. In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Liu Bei sent Guan Yu north to besiege Xiangyang and Fancheng. Cao Cao allied with Sun Quan at the cost of Xiangyang, and Sun Quan ambushed and killed Guan Yu. After Cao Cao's death, Cao Pi succeeded him, burned down the cities of Xiangyang and Fancheng. Sun Quan sent Chen Shao to occupy the empty city of Xiangyang, but Cao Pi, using Sun Quan's "unauthorized seizure of Xiangyang" as a pretext, promptly sent Cao Ren and Xu Huang to recapture it. During the Three Kingdoms period, Sun Wu repeatedly attacked Xiangyang but never succeeded.

2.3 Jin Dynasties and Northern and Southern Dynasties

The Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties period was one of the most frequent regime changes in Chinese history, a chaotic era from unification to fragmentation, yet it once again promoted the exchange and integration of ethnic and regional cultures. "Xiangyang holds the key to the empire." During this time, the cultural tradition of the Xiangyang region was primarily characterized by Southern Dynasty culture, yet it also possessed material cultural elements of Central Plains style.

From 269 to 278 AD, Yang Hu, the Western Jin General Who Conquers the South, garrisoned Xiangyang. He focused on managing Jingzhou and implemented "border peace" with the state of Wu, exchanging silk and grain. With reduced border conflicts and a significant decrease in garrison patrols, he redeployed 40,000 soldiers to reclaim over 800 qing of farmland. This completely reversed the situation where, upon Yang Hu's initial arrival in Xiangyang, the army had less than a hundred days' worth of grain. Ten years later, the 80,000 soldiers in Jingzhou had accumulated over ten years' worth of surplus grain, laying a solid material foundation for the Western Jin's conquest of Wu.

In the second month of the third year of the Taiyuan era of the Eastern Jin (378 AD), Fu Jian, the Former Qin emperor, sent General Who Conquers the South Fu Pi, General of the Guards Gou Chang, and Minister Murmu Wei leading 70,000 infantry and cavalry to invade Xiangyang. In the spring of the following year, they captured Xiangyang, took Zhu Xu prisoner, and sent him to Chang'an. Emperor Fu Jian of Qin, recognizing Zhu Xu's ability to maintain integrity, appointed him as Minister of Revenue. He executed Li Bohu for his disloyalty.

2.4 Song Dynasty

On the thirteenth day of the third month in the fourth year of the Shaoxing era (1134), the Southern Song government delivered the decision to advance and recover Xiangyang and other areas to Yue Fei's military camp. After recapturing Xiangyang, the Southern Song established the Xiangyang Prefecture Route, comprising Xiangyang Prefecture and Ying, Sui, Tang, Deng, and Xinyang. An imperial decree promoted Yue Fei to Military Commissioner of Qingyuan Army and Military Commissioner of Jing, Xiang, and Tanzhou in Hubei Circuit. The assessment and supervision of the administrative performance of all county magistrates and prefects within this route were also entrusted to Yue Fei's discretion. In the sixth month of the sixth year of Shaoxing (1136), the Southern Song government again ordered Yue Fei to station troops in Xiangyang to keep watch on the Central Plains. After the Shaoxing Peace Accord ceded territory, Xiangyang became the Southern Song's forward position.

The Song-Yuan Battle of Xiangyang-Fancheng lasted approximately 16 years, from around the fifth year of the Baoyou era (1257) to the ninth year of the Xianchun era (1273), making it the longest siege in world military history. For about a year during this period, the Mongol army launched fierce assaults on Xiangyang. Both sides had victories and defeats, but the Song defense of Xiangyang remained relatively solid. After the fall of Xiangyang, the combat effectiveness of the Southern Song army sharply declined, prompting Kublai Khan to make the final decision to destroy the Song. In 1274, the Mongol army concentrated forces at Xiangyang and advanced southward, breaking through all resistance. By 1276, they captured the Song capital, Lin'an, and then spent another three years occupying the entire Southern Song territory.

2.5 Ming Dynasty

The Ming imperial enfeoffment began with Prince Xiangxian, Zhu Zhanshan. Zhu Zhanshan was the fifth legitimate son of Emperor Renzong, the younger brother of Emperor Xuanzong, and the uncle of Emperor Yingzong and Emperor Jingdi. He was devoted to the imperial house and loyal to the state, repeatedly declining power and submitting memorials on governance. After Emperor Yingzong's restoration, moved by the prince's loyalty, he exceptionally summoned him with a golden tally and treated him with familial courtesy. Enfeoffed as a prince in the 22nd year of the Yongle era, he took up his fief in Changsha Prefecture in the fourth year of the Xuande era, moved to Xiangyang Prefecture in the first year of the Zhengtong era, and died in the 14th year of the Chenghua era. His descendants continued until the end of the Ming Dynasty, perishing at the hands of the rebel Zhang Xianzhong.

2.6 Qing Dynasty

In the first month of the first year of the Jiaqing era (1796), Qi Lin, Wang Cong'er, and others planned to launch an armed uprising during the Lantern Festival, but the secret was leaked. Qi Lin and over a hundred followers were captured and executed by the Qing government. Wang Cong'er, actively resisting the Qing, organized a rebel army of forty to fifty thousand people a month later. She was elected as the "Grand Master," the supreme commander of the White Lotus Sect. In 1798, the Xiangyang White Lotus followers, led by Wang Cong'er, broke through the Qing army's encirclement, traveled from Hubei through Henan into Shaanxi, then seized an opportunity to enter Sichuan, joining forces with the Sichuan White Lotus followers in eastern Sichuan. The Qing general Mingliang implemented a "strengthen the walls and clear the fields" strategy to pursue and suppress the sect rebels. After the rebel army failed to attack Xi'an, in the spring of 1798, Wang Cong'er jumped off a cliff at Maoshan in Yunxi County, committing suicide at the age of 22.

2.7 Republican Era

In 1912, Xiangyang Prefecture was abolished. The current area comprised eight counties (Junzhou and Baokang County exchanged affiliations), initially under the Anxiang Yun Jing Circuit, later changed to the Hubei North Circuit. In 1914, Xiangyang Circuit was established, administered from Xiangyang, governing 20 counties, including seven: Xiangyang, Zaoyang, Nanzhang, Yicheng, Gucheng, Guanghua, and Baokang. In July 1948, during the Xiangfan Campaign, Laohekou, Gucheng, Nanzhang, Fancheng, Xiangyang City, Yicheng, and other places were successively captured by the People's Liberation Army. On December 23, 1948, and January 10, 1949, Fancheng and Xiangyang City were captured again by the PLA. Xiangfan City was established for the first time, subordinate to the Third Administrative Office of the Tongbai Administrative Region.

2.8 Modern Era

In May 1950, Xiangfan City was re-established from the two towns of Xiangyang and Fancheng in Xiangyang County, subordinate to the Xiangyang Administrative Office. In June of the following year, the Xiangyang Administrative District Commissioner's Office was renamed the Xiangyang District Commissioner's Office of the Hubei Provincial People's Government.

In October 1958, construction began simultaneously on the Handan Railway from both east and west ends. By year-end, the Fancheng Xiahe Line was completed, the earliest railway section within the city's territory. On June 1, 1960, the railway section from Xiangfan to Danjiangkou was completed and opened to traffic, over 100 kilometers long, with about 90 kilometers within the Xiangfan area, making it the earliest temporary operating railway. On January 1, 1966, the entire Handan Railway was opened to traffic. The Handan Railway intersected with the Jiaozhi Railway (completed in 1970) and the Xiangyu Railway (partially operational from 1976) in Fancheng, making Xiangfan a railway transportation hub.

In 1979, Xiangfan City was elevated to a province-administered city. On August 19, 1983, State Council Document No. 164 approved the abolition of the Xiangyang Prefecture, with its administrative region merged into Xiangfan City. On December 9, 2010, Xiangfan City was renamed Xiangyang City. The former Xiangyang District of Xiangfan City was renamed Xiangzhou District of Xiangyang City.

3. Geography

3.1 Location

• The urban area of Xiangyang City is located between 112°00′–112°14′ E and 31°54′–32°10′ N.
• Xiangyang City is located between 110°45′–113°43′ E and 31°14′–32°37′ N. It is situated in the northwest of Hubei Province, in the middle reaches of the Han River.

Bordering regions: It neighbors Suizhou City to the east; Jingmen City and Yichang City to the south; Shennongjia Forestry District and Shiyan City to the west; and Nanyang City, Henan Province to the north. The total boundary line is 1,332.8 kilometers long.

Planar rectangular coordinate distances: The maximum east-west span is 220 kilometers (from the easternmost point of Xinshi Town, Zaoyang City in the east to the westernmost point of Maqiao Town, Baokang County in the west). The maximum north-south span is 154 kilometers (from the southernmost point of Donggong Town, Nanzhang County in the south to the northernmost point of Hongshanzui Town, Laohekou City in the north).

The urban area's maximum east-west span is 21 kilometers (from the westernmost point of Longzhong Huayan Temple in the west to Sandong Reservoir in Dongliuzhuang in the east). The maximum north-south span is 29 kilometers (from Yongfeng Reservoir in the south to 1 km north of Yejiadian in the north).

The city structure is a clustered riverside city. Xiangyang City borders the Han River to the north, with its eastern, southern, and western moats averaging 180 meters in width, reaching a maximum of 250 meters, which is the widest in the country. The ancient city wall is 7,331 meters long, averaging 8.5 meters in height and 10-14 meters in width. Xiangyang holds a strategically vital position. Du Shi Fang Yu Ji Yao states: "Xiangyang is the gateway to the upper reaches, connecting to Ru and Luo in the north, bordering Qin and Shu in the west, shielding Huguang in the south, and overlooking Wu and Yue in the east." and "In terms of the empire, the focus lies on Xiangyang...". It has always been a contested strategic point for military strategists.

The planar territory resembles an irregular parallelogram. Its eastern line starts from the Baizhuyuansi Forest Farm in Xinshi Town, Zaoyang City at the northern end, connecting to Jiepaikou Village in Xincheng Town, Suizhou City; the southern end terminates at Matou Village in Liushui Town, Yicheng City, connecting to Changshou Town and Zhangji Town of Zhongxiang City; the straight-line distance between the two ends is approximately 109.5 kilometers. The western line starts from Yanghuagang Village in Hongshanzui Town, Laohekou City at the northern end, connecting to Xichuan County, Henan Province; the southern end terminates at Maqiao Town, Baokang County, connecting to Fang County and Shennongjia Forestry District; the straight-line distance between the two ends is approximately 122.8 kilometers. The farthest north-south endpoints within the jurisdiction are Yanghuagang Village in Hongshanzui Town, Laohekou City at the northern end and Cangping Village in Donggong Town, Nanzhang County at the southern end, with a straight-line distance of approximately 157 kilometers. The farthest east-west endpoints are the easternmost point of Baizhuyuansi Forest Farm in Xinshi Town, Zaoyang City at the eastern end and the westernmost point of Maqiao Town, Baokang County at the western end. The straight-line distance between these two points is approximately 228 kilometers. The total boundary line length is 1,332.8 kilometers.

3.2 Topography and Landforms

The topography of Xiangyang City is broadly divided into three basic geographical units: western mountainous areas, central hilly lands and plains, and eastern low mountains and hills. The western mountainous area belongs to the Jing Mountain Range, while the central part belongs to the Nanyang Basin. Geologically, it falls under two major structures: the Yangtze Paraplatform and the Qinling Geosyncline. The soil primarily includes six types: yellow-brown soil, paddy soil, limestone soil, fluvo-aquic soil, purple soil, and mountain brown soil. The mountain ranges belong to four major systems: Wudang Mountains, Jing Mountains, Tongbai Mountains, and Dahong Mountains. Rivers belong to two major water systems: the Han River and the Ju Zhang River. The climate is a northern subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Resources are relatively abundant, with significant reserves of many varieties nationally and provincially. Natural disasters are diverse, with floods and droughts occurring frequently and repeatedly.

3.3 Climate

The city has a subtropical monsoon climate. The annual average temperature ranges from 15 to 16°C. The average temperature in January is 2–3°C, and in July it is 27–28°C. Annual precipitation is around 1,000 mm. The frost-free period lasts between 228 and 249 days, exhibiting climatic characteristics transitional between northern and southern China. Solar radiation is relatively abundant, with an average annual total sunshine duration of 1,800–2,100 hours. | Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |-----------|------|------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|------|------|-------|-------| | Avg high °C | 7.4 | 10.3 | 15.2 | 22.0 | 27.1 | 30.4 | 31.8 | 31.2 | 27.4 | 22.1 | 15.7 | 9.6 | 20.8 | | Avg high °F | 45.3 | 50.5 | 59.4 | 71.6 | 80.8 | 86.7 | 89.2 | 88.2 | 81.3 | 71.8 | 60.3 | 49.3 | 69.5 | | Daily mean °C | 3.1 | 5.6 | 10.1 | 16.6 | 21.7 | 25.4 | 27.4 | 26.7 | 22.5 | 17.1 | 10.9 | 5.2 | 16.0 | | Daily mean °F | 37.6 | 42.1 | 50.2 | 61.9 | 71.1 | 77.7 | 81.3 | 80.1 | 72.5 | 62.8 | 51.6 | 41.4 | 60.9 | | Avg low °C | -0.2 | 2.0 | 6.2 | 12.4 | 17.5 | 21.5 | 24.1 | 23.5 | 19.0 | 13.4 | 7.0 | 1.6 | 12.3 | | Avg low °F | 31.6 | 35.6 | 43.2 | 54.3 | 63.5 | 70.7 | 75.4 | 74.3 | 66.2 | 56.1 | 44.6 | 34.9 | 54.2 | | Avg precip. mm | 19.5 | 27.6 | 45.7 | 60.7 | 93.9 | 96.8 | 148.3 | 136.9 | 76.3 | 66.3 | 39.1 | 16.8 | 827.9 | | Avg precip. in | 0.77 | 1.09 | 1.80 | 2.39 | 3.70 | 3.81 | 5.84 | 5.39 | 3.00 | 2.61 | 1.54 | 0.66 | 32.59 | | Avg rel. hum. (%) | 73 | 71 | 72 | 73 | 72 | 76 | 83 | 82 | 78 | 76 | 74 | 72 | 75 |

4. Administrative Divisions

Xiangyang City currently administers 3 municipal districts, 3 counties, and has jurisdiction over 3 county-level cities.

• Municipal Districts: Xiangcheng District, Fancheng District, Xiangzhou District
• County-level Cities: Laohekou City, Zaoyang City, Yicheng City
• Counties: Nanzhang County, Gucheng County, Baokang County

It also hosts the national-level Xiangyang High-tech Industrial Development Zone, the national-level Xiangyang Economic and Technological Development Zone, and the Yuliangzhou Tourism Economic Development Zone.

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | |-------------------|-------------------|--------------------|----------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------|---------------| | 420600 | Xiangyang City | Xiāngyáng Shì | 19,727.68 | 5,260,951 | Xiangcheng District | 441000 | 27 | 74 | 4 | | 420602 | Xiangcheng District | Xiāngchéng Qū | 642.39 | 475,611 | Zhenwushan Subdistrict | 441000 | 6 | 2 | 1 | | 420606 | Fancheng District | Fánchéng Qū | 561.81 | 920,800 | Hanjiang Subdistrict | 441000 | 10 | 3 | | | 420607 | Xiangzhou District | Xiāngzhōu Qū | 2,466.54 | 923,200 | Zhangwan Subdistrict | 441100 | 4 | 13 | | | 420624 | Nanzhang County | Nánzhāng Xiàn | 3,852.89 | 455,690 | Chengguan Town | 441500 | | 10 | | | 420625 | Gucheng County | Gǔchéng Xiàn | 2,540.97 | 483,293 | Chengguan Town | 441700 | | 9 | 1 | | 420626 | Baokang County | Bǎokāng Xiàn | 3,221.53 | 223,622 | Chengguan Town | 441600 | | 10 | 1 | | 420682 | Laohekou City | Lǎohékǒu Shì | 1,051.68 | 420,495 | Guanghua Subdistrict | 441800 | 2 | 7 | 1 | | 420683 | Zaoyang City | Zǎoyáng Shì | 3,276.01 | 888,794 | Beicheng Subdistrict | 441200 | 3 | 12 | | | 420684 | Yicheng City | Yíchéng Shì | 2,113.86 | 469,417 | Yancheng Subdistrict | 441400 | | 8 | |

5. Economy

5.1 Industry

Xiangyang City is one of China's 36 star industrial cities and a hub for central and provincial third-line military-industrial enterprises. Its total industrial output value ranks second in the province, only after Wuhan. The textile industry in Xiangyang is also listed among the 39 key cities nationally. The city's industrial system has evolved to rely on key sectors such as light industry, textiles, machinery, automobile manufacturing, electronics, pharmaceuticals, building materials, chemicals, and food. In 2019, the regional GDP reached 481.28 billion yuan.

5.2 Commerce

There are currently 106 large and medium-sized commercial enterprises in the urban area.

6. Transportation

Xiangyang boasts a well-developed transportation network. Since ancient times, it has been a crucial hub for north-south water and land transportation, an important distribution center for goods in the Han River basin, and a major commercial town in the Hubei-Henan-Shaanxi region. It has long been known as the "Southern Xiangyang Pass," the "Southern Boats and Northern Horses," and the "Thoroughfare of Seven Provinces."

6.1 Railway

Xiangyu Railway, Jiaoliu Railway, Handan Railway, Zhengzhou-Chongqing High-Speed Railway, Hohhot-Nanning High-Speed Railway, Xi'an-Wuhan High-Speed Railway, Mengxi-Huazhong Railway

• Xiangyang Station (Class I Station)
• Xiangzhou Station (Class I Station)
• Xiangyang North Station (Special Class Station)
• Xiangyang South Station (Class IV Station)
• Xiangyang East Station (Class I Station)

6.2 Passenger Transport

• Xiangyang Bus Passenger Transport Center Station
• Xiangcheng Bus Passenger Station
• Xiangyang Long-Distance Bus Passenger Station
• Xiangyang Expressway Bus Passenger Station

6.3 Urban Public Transport

• Xiangyang Public Transport Operator: Xiangyang Public Transport General Company, operating 46 routes.

6.4 National Highways

• National Highway 307
• National Highway 207
• National Highway 209
• National Highway 316

6.5 Provincial Highways

• Provincial Highway 216, Zaoyang - Shayang
• Provincial Highway 217, Xiangzhou - Xinye
• Provincial Highway 218, Xiangzhou - Zhongxiang
• Provincial Highway 222, Gucheng - Baokang
• Provincial Highway 302, Laohekou - Danjiangkou
• Provincial Highway 303, Xiangzhou - Gucheng
• Provincial Highway 305, Xiangzhou - Zhuxi
• Provincial Highway 306, Nanzhang - Suizhou

6.6 Aviation

Located in the northeast corner of the urban area, 18 kilometers from the city center, is Xiangyang Liuji Airport (IATA code: XFN). The airport operates regular flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xi'an, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Wuhan, and Chongqing.

7. Education

7.1 Universities

• Hubei University of Arts and Science
• Hubei University of Arts and Science: formerly known as Xiangfan University;
• Hubei University of Arts and Science Institute of Technology;
• Xiangyang Vocational and Technical College;
• Xiangyang Automobile Vocational and Technical College;
• Military Economic College Xiangyang Non-Commissioned Officer School;

7.2 High Schools

• Xiangyang No. 4 High School
• Xiangyang No. 5 High School
• Xiangyang No. 1 High School
• Xiangyang No. 3 High School
• Xiangzhou No. 1 High School
• Xiangzhou No. 2 High School
• Xiangzhou No. 6 High School
• Xiangyang City No. 8 High School
• Xiangyang City No. 9 High School
• Xiangyang City Zhiyuan High School
• Xiangyang City Chucai High School
• Xiangyang City No. 36 High School
• Xiangyang City Nanzhang County No. 1 Senior High School
• Xiangyang City Nanzhang County No. 2 Senior High School
• Xiangyang City Nanzhang County Chengguan Town Senior High School
• Xiangyang City No. 24 High School
• Xiangyang City No. 12 High School
• Xiangyang City Tian Jiabing Senior High School (formerly Xiangyang County Experimental High School)
• Xiangyang Dongfeng High School High School Department

7.3 Middle Schools

• Xiangyang City No. 41 Middle School
• Xiangzhou Chengguan No. 1 Middle School
• Xiangyang No. 35 Middle School
• Xiangyang Zhuge Liang Middle School (formerly Xiangyang No. 32 Middle School)
• Xiangyang No. 31 Middle School
• Xiangyang No. 4 High School Middle School Department (formerly No. 22 Middle School)
• Xiangyang No. 33 Middle School
• Xiangyang Experimental Middle School (formerly No. 37 Middle School)
• Xiangyang No. 7 Middle School
• Xiangyang City No. 39 Middle School
• Xiangyang City No. 20 Middle School
• Xiangyang City Gaoying Middle School
• Xiangyang City No. 23 Middle School, Xiangyang City No. 38 Middle School
• Xiangyang Dongfeng High School Middle School Department

7.4 Primary Schools

• Xiangyang City No. 41 Middle School Primary School Department
• Xiangyang City Migong Primary School
• Xiangyang City Daqing Road Primary School
• Xiangyang City Experimental Primary School
• Xiangyang No. 4 High School Primary School Department (formerly Dongjie Primary School)
• Xiangyang City No. 39 Middle School (Primary School Department) (formerly Xiangfan City Cotton Textile Mill Children's School)
• Xiangyang City Changhong Road Primary School (formerly Hanjiang Road Gaozhuang Primary School)
• Xiangyang City Ciqi Street Primary School
• Xiangyang City No. 23 Middle School Primary School Department
• Xiangyang City Chenguang Primary School

8. Population

By the end of 2022, the city's permanent resident population was 5.276 million, with an urbanization rate of 63.2%. The per capita disposable income of urban permanent residents in the city was 43,893 yuan.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 5,260,951. Compared with the 5,500,307 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was a decrease of 239,356 people over ten years, a decline of 4.35%, with an average annual growth rate of -0.44%. Among them, the male population was 2,661,772, accounting for 50.59% of the total population; the female population was 2,599,179, accounting for 49.41% of the total population. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100) was 102.41. The population aged 0–14 was 917,232, accounting for 17.43% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 3,254,690, accounting for 61.87% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 1,089,029, accounting for 20.7% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 783,355, accounting for 14.89% of the total population. Among them, the urban population was 3.2439 million. The elderly population aged 60 and above was 1.089 million, accounting for 20.7% of the city's total population. There were 48,000 new births, with a birth rate of 8.1‰; 30,000 deaths, with a death rate of 5.1‰; and a natural population growth rate of 3.0‰. The sex ratio in the city was 102.4:100.

Among the total population, the population of Xiangyang urban area was 2,176,693 (including the total population of Xiangzhou), accounting for 37.70% of the city's total population. The proportion of people without permanent residency accounted for 0.92% of the total population. In 2002, there were 43,013 new births in the city, 1,235 fewer than the previous year; 24,734 deaths, 1,419 fewer than the previous year. The natural increase was 18,279, with a natural growth rate of 0.32%. The city had 42,020 immigrants and 47,242 emigrants, resulting in a mechanical growth rate of -0.09%. Among the city's non-agricultural population, Xiangyang urban area had 835,170 people, accounting for 51.71% of the city's total non-agricultural population. According to the "2010 National Population Statistics by County and City of the People's Republic of China," by the end of 2010, the non-agricultural registered population of Xiangyang urban area was 1.286 million, making it the second-largest city in Hubei Province.

8.1. Ethnic Groups

The Han population in Xiangyang City accounts for 99.7% of the total population. There are 26 ethnic minorities, totaling approximately 20,000 people, with the Hui ethnic group being the majority, accounting for about 80% of the total minority population. The Hui people are mainly distributed in Xiangcheng District, Fancheng District, five towns in the northeastern part of Xiangzhou District, the county seat of Nanzhang and Wuan Town, the county seat of Gucheng and Shihua Town, the county seat of Baokang, the urban area of Laohekou and two towns in the northeast, the urban area of Zaoyang and two towns in the northeast, and Yancheng and Liushui Town in Yicheng.

Among the city's permanent resident population, the Han population was 5,236,618, accounting for 99.54%; the ethnic minority population was 24,333, accounting for 0.46%. Compared with the 2010 Sixth National Population Census, the Han population decreased by 248,758, a decline of 4.53%, with its proportion of the total population decreasing by 0.19 percentage points; the ethnic minority population increased by 9,402, a growth of 62.97%, with its proportion of the total population increasing by 0.19 percentage points.

9. Religion

9.1 Buddhist Temples

• Xiangyang Guangde Temple
• Lumen Temple
• Fenglin Chan Temple
• Guyin Temple
• Yanqing Temple
• Ganquan Temple
• Wofo Temple (Reclining Buddha Temple)
• Xianshi Temple
• Longquan Temple
• Baima Temple (White Horse Temple)
• Taishan Temple
• Chongshan Temple
• Kangjiayan Guanyin Temple (Kang Family Rock Avalokitesvara Temple)

9.2 Taoist Temples

• Zhenwu Mountain Taoist Temple
• Wanxian Palace (Ten Thousand Immortals Palace)
• Wannian Mountain Taoist Temple
• Tianbao Zhai Taoist Temple

9.3 Mosques

• Youyi Street Mosque
• South Street Mosque
• Wu'an Town Mosque
• Laohekou Mosque
• Gucheng Mosque
• Zaoyang Mosque

9.4 Catholic Churches

• Dingzhong Street Catholic Church
• Shenyawan Catholic Church
• Laohekou City Renyi Street Catholic Church
• Laohekou City Yuantian Catholic Church
• Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

9.5 Protestant Churches

• Xiangyang City Christian Gospel Church
• Checheng Road Christian Church
• Gucheng County Shihua Gospel Church
• Zaoyang Gospel Church

10. Culture

10.1 Historical Sites

Xiangyang has long been a hub for the convergence of northern and southern economic and cultural exchanges, as well as a strategic military location. It is home to diverse ethnic groups and a variety of cultural forms. The city boasts 9 nationally protected key cultural heritage sites, 106 provincially protected key cultural heritage sites, and 156 municipally protected key cultural heritage sites. These relics from ancestors either exude the charm of traditional culture or hold significant historical and archaeological value, making them the city's most precious cultural assets. The municipal government has planned 8 historical and cultural preservation areas in the main urban district, which are must-visit attractions in Xiangyang. Based on the integration of scenic spots, these 8 historical and cultural preservation areas are as follows: Friendship Street Historical and Cultural Preservation Area, Dingzhong Street Traffic Lane Historical and Cultural Preservation Area, Chenlao Lane Historical and Cultural Block, Porcelain Street Historical and Cultural Preservation Area, Zhongshan Front and Back Street Historical and Cultural Preservation Area, Xiangyang North Street Historical and Cultural Preservation Area, and Green Shadow Wall Lane Historical and Cultural Preservation Area. While visiting historical sites, do not forget to try Xiangyang's local snacks. Due to the blending of northern and southern economic and cultural influences here, the city's snack culture is unique, embodying the characteristics of both regions. These snacks are not only a must-try for visitors but also the most nostalgic hometown delicacies for those living away. Snack hubs are located in the Hui Muslim community on Friendship Street and Dingzhong Street, while other famous snacks are scattered throughout the city. Representative famous snacks include beef offal noodles, tofu noodles, sour and spicy noodles, Xiangyang yellow wine, Xiangyang pickled mustard tuber, clear soup, thin knife noodles, and dozens of others, many of which are halal foods with local characteristics.

10.2 Public Cultural Facilities

• Xiangyang Museum
• Xiangyang City Library

10.3 Festivals

• Chuantian Festival
• Torch Culture Festival

10.4 City Symbols

City Flower The crape myrtle is a native tree species in Xiangyang. Its flowering period is exceptionally long, lasting from early summer to late autumn, earning it the well-deserved name "hundred-day red." The Song Dynasty poet Yang Wanli once praised it in a poem: "Who says red flowers cannot last a hundred days? The crape myrtle blooms for half a year." It comes in many varieties, including the crape myrtle, as well as other species in the same genus such as Lagerstroemia caudata and Lagerstroemia speciosa. In the main urban area of Xiangyang and its subordinate counties and cities, not only can tall crape myrtle trees over a hundred years old be seen, but there are also many ancient and vibrant Lagerstroemia caudata stumps that are hundreds of years old. In August 1986, after deliberation by the Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee, the crape myrtle was designated as the city flower.

City Tree The glossy privet is also a native tree species in Xiangyang. It remains evergreen throughout the year, has a neat shape, grows quickly, and is highly adaptable. It can also absorb dust and resist pollution, making it the preferred tree species for urban greening in the city.

11. Sister Cities

11.1 Domestic Sister Cities

Xianyang City, Shaanxi Province Haidong City, Qinghai Province Quanzhou City, Fujian Province Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province

11.2 International Sister Cities

Yangyang County (South Korea) (with Xiangzhou District) Inuyama City, Japan Smiths Falls, Canada

nix

nix

nix

nix

Xiangcheng District

Xiangzhou District

nix

Privet

Ziwei