Population: 5,788,000

Area: 19,724 square kilometers (7,615 square miles)

Nationalities: Han

Administrative Division: 3 districts (Xiangcheng, Fancheng, Xiangyang); 3 counties (Nanzhang, Gucheng, Baokang); 3 county-level cities (Zaoyang, Yicheng, Laohekou)

Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0710-3555282
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184
Bank of China: 0710-3240754

Location: Situated in the northwest of Hubei Province, Xiangfan is in the middle reaches of the Han River, which flows through the city and divided the city into northern and southern parts. It neighbors Yichang in the south and Henan Province in the north. Wuhan is 347 kilometers (216 miles) from it.

History: Xiangfan was the combination of Fancheng and Xiangyang. The former one was formed in the Western Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC-771BC), and the Xiangyang was first built in the early Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD). The Xiangfan City was established in 1950.

Physical Features: The terrain of Xiangfan is higher in the west and lower in the east. The western part is made up of mountains and the eastern is low mountains and hills. The Han River flow eastward through the city and divides it into northern and southern city areas.

Climatic Features: Xiangfan enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with annual average temperature of about 16¡æ (61F). The temperature goes up quickly in spring, and rainstorms may sometimes attack this area in summer. Continued cloudy and rainy weather usually happens in autumn.

When to Go: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to Xiangfan City.

Special Local Products:
kohlrahi (Da Tou Cai: a kind of brassica vegetable with tubers as the edible part)
Yicheng dried salted duck

Scenic Spots:
Longzhong Scenic Zone: The former residence of Zhuge Liang is the mainstay of the ancient buildings in the scenic area, and one of the most important memorial locations dedicated to this Martial Marquis of the Shu State in the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). Notable spots include the Longzhong Memorial Archway, Wuhou Memorial Temple and Tenglong Pavilion.
Ancient Xiangyang City: The old town is located in the Xiangfan downtown, south bank of the Han River. The unsophisticated and elegant city was initially built in the Han Dynasty. This famous historical and cultural city has six gates in total, and the ancient moat encompassing the ancient city is also a beautiful sightseeing.

Tourist Tips:
1. Xiangfan Airport is 18 kilometers (11 miles) northeast of Xiangfan downtown, operating flights to some major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Wenzhou, Xiamen, Xian and Chongqing. Wuhan can be reached within five or six hours from Xiangfan by train and visitors can make a round trip in the same day by train or by bus between them.
2. If visitors plan to stay at Xiangfan a little longer, the Shennongjia Forest Zone is suggested to their tourist schedule. The scenic spot is 274 kilometers (170 miles) from Xiangfan, about 4 hours' ride.