Gulongzhong

Gulongzhong

Gulongzhong is a national scenic area, a AAAAA-level tourist attraction, and a key national cultural heritage site.

Xiangfan’s Gulongzhong is located within the encircling Western Hills, 13 kilometers west of Xiangyang in Xiangfan City, Hubei Province. According to the *Yu Di Zhi*, “Gulongzhong means ‘hollow in the air.’ When you walk on it, it echoes hollowly.” The area was thus named. Historically significant events such as Liu Bei’s three visits to Zhuge Liang’s thatched cottage and the “Longzhong Plan” for reviving the Han dynasty both took place here. The area also hosts Xiangfan University, a higher education institution jointly established by central and local governments.

Gulongzhong is where the outstanding statesman and military strategist Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms period spent his youth (ages 17–27) in seclusion. For ten years, Zhuge Liang farmed the land while composing poetry and contemplating life. Originally from Langya in Shandong, he lost his parents at a young age and came to Gulongzhong in Xiangyang with his uncle at the age of 17. He worked the fields and studied diligently, paying close attention to worldly affairs, earning the nickname “Crouching Dragon.” Later, after Liu Bei’s three visits to his thatched cottage, Zhuge Liang thoroughly analyzed the tripartite division of the realm and proposed a strategy for unifying the country—this became the famous *Longzhong Dialogue*.

Today’s Gulongzhong is a scenic area centered around the former residence of Zhuge Liang. It lies at the intersection of Xiangfan city proper and the three counties of Xiangyang, Nanzhang, and Gucheng in northwestern Hubei—a historic and cultural city. Covering a total area of 209 square kilometers, it includes five major scenic zones: Gulongzhong, Shuijingzhuang, Cheng’en Temple, Qilishan, and Hezichuan. The main zone, Gulongzhong, is located 13 kilometers west of Xiangyang city and boasts beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural heritage.

Gulongzhong has been a cultural and scenic tourist destination for over 1,700 years. The area features “hills that are not high but elegant; waters that are not vast but clear; land that is expansive and flat; forests that are not large but lush.” Longshan Hill stands verdant, hills stretch continuously, and Qishan Hill spirals majestically.

By the Ming Dynasty, the “Ten Scenes of Gulongzhong” had taken shape: Thatched Cottage Pavilion, Farming Fields, Three Visits Hall, Little Rainbow Bridge, Hexagonal Well, Temple of Marquis Wu, Half-Moon Stream, Old Dragon Cave, Liangfu Rock, and Knee-Embracing Stone.

After 1949, numerous attractions were built or renovated, including Longzhong Academy, Zhuge’s Thatched Cottage, Yinxiao Villa, Bronze Drum Terrace, Long Corridor, Star-Gazing Terrace, Chessboard Rock, Qin Terrace, Peacock Village, and Monkey Mountain. In recent years, new additions such as the “Colorful Sculpture Exhibition of the Renowned Prime Minister Zhuge Liang,” mountain cableways, and the iconic Tenglong Pavilion atop the hill have been introduced. Cultural and scenic spots like the Han Culture Area and Longquan Residence offer both sightseeing and lodging, further enhancing the area’s tourism services, enriching its cultural landscape, and increasing visitor capacity.

Gulongzhong has evolved into a scenic area that combines sightseeing with vacation and leisure. Surrounded by mountains and towering pines, the area boasts picturesque scenery. Major peaks include Longzhong Mountain, Leshan Mountain, Daqishan Mountain, and Xiaoqishan Mountain. Key attractions include Zhuge’s Thatched Cottage, Temple of Marquis Wu, Ancient Cypress Pavilion, Knee-Embracing Pavilion, Farming Fields, Little Rainbow Ancient Bridge, Hexagonal Well, and Star-Gazing Terrace. In 1994, it was designated as a National AAAA-level Scenic Area by the State Council. In 1996, it was listed as a Key National Cultural Heritage Site.

The Temple of Marquis Wu in Longzhong was first built during the Jin Dynasty and is located within the Longzhong Scenic Area in Xiangyang City. In the early Ming Dynasty, Wu Shou, an inspector of Jingnan Circuit, oversaw a comprehensive renovation of the temple. In the 38th year of the Kangxi reign (1699) of the Qing Dynasty, Inspector Jiang Xingqi relocated the temple from the eastern valley to the eastern ridge—now east of the Three Visits Hall—and it remains a Key National Cultural Heritage Site today.

The Temple of Marquis Wu in Longzhong is a four-courtyard, three-section layered structure, with each hall ascending gradually along the mountain slope. In front of the main steps lies an open space flanked by stone lions. On the western side stands a stele inscribed with historian Tan Qixiang’s conclusion about Zhuge Liang’s farming site: “Zhuge Liang farmed in Longzhong, Deng County, Nanyang Commandery—20 li west of Xiangyang. After Deng County was abolished in the Northern Zhou Dynasty, Longzhong came under Xiangyang’s jurisdiction.” At the center of the open space is an incense burner for visitors’ worship. The temple walls, built from blue bricks, show weathered patches that enhance their rustic solemnity. The upturned eaves and flying rafters lend the roof an imposing grandeur.

In the front hall of the Temple of Marquis Wu hangs a vertical plaque reading “Temple of Marquis Wu, Prime Minister of Han, Zhuge Liang.” The stone door lintel bears an inscription: “Resting on Nanyang, he remained humble in his fields; uniting the west, his noble image endures.” Inside the hall stands a bronze statue of Zhuge Liang, gifted in 2001 by his descendants from Bagua Village, Lanxi, Zhejiang—it is said to be the only one crafted to his actual proportions. Historical records state Zhuge Liang stood eight chi tall, equivalent to 1.81 meters today. Behind the statue is a white tiger painting, and above it hangs a plaque inscribed with the golden characters “Crouching Dragon’s Ruins,” written in 1965 by the then Vice President of China. The hall’s sides display writings by historical figures, such as Su Shi’s *Eulogy on Zhuge Wuhou’s Portrait* and Xi Zaochi’s *Praise of Zhuge Zhongwu Marquis* from the Jin Dynasty.

The Three Visits Hall is located in front of Zhuge’s Thatched Cottage and commemorates Liu Bei’s three visits and Zhuge Liang’s *Longzhong Plan*. In a poem about the hall, Ming Dynasty’s Wu Shou wrote: “The sage hid in caves; the imperial scion sought him thrice. His lifelong resolve in solitude, his eloquence aimed to save the world. The winding path shrouds the hills; the trees veil the daylight. A thousand years hail their fish-and-water bond, their virtue unmatched through time.” The hall’s name reflects admiration for Liu Bei’s respect for talent and reverence for Zhuge Liang’s wisdom.

The Three Visits Hall features three rooms in the front hall and five in the rear, all with flush-gable roofs. Corridors on both sides display stone carvings and inscriptions about renovations. The central hall hangs an ancient painting of the three visits and calligraphy by national leaders. Three ancient cypresses stand at the front gate, symbolizing the horses tied during the three visits by Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. Every detail exudes classic elegance, evoking memories of the “fish-and-water alliance that divided the realm and stirred winds across the land.”

The Three Visits Hall commemorates Liu Bei’s three visits to Zhuge Liang and the *Longzhong Plan*. The original meeting house was destroyed in the Ming Dynasty; the current hall was rebuilt during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty.

Zhuge’s Thatched Cottage is located on the hillside behind the Three Visits Hall, adjacent to Longzhong Mountain. Hexagonal in shape with double-layered flying eaves, green pillars, and red tiles, the pavilion houses a large stone tablet inscribed with the bold, dignified characters “Thatched Cottage.” Erected in 1540 (the 19th year of the Jiajing reign) at the original site and rebuilt by Zhao Hong’en in the early Qing Dynasty.

During his youth (ages 17–27), Zhuge Liang and his uncle lived here in seclusion for a decade. Amidst this period, Zhuge Liang immersed himself in classics, composed poetry, farmed the land in Longzhong, and built influence among local scholars—laying the foundation for his later role in assisting Liu Bei to establish the Shu Han regime and shape the Three Kingdoms era. The famed three visits and the *Longzhong Plan* both unfolded here.

Originally Zhuge Liang’s study, the site was nearly seized by Ming Dynasty’s Prince Xiangjian Zhu JianShu for his tomb due to feng shui beliefs. After Li Zicheng’s rebellion destroyed the tomb, locals built this cottage to honor Zhuge Liang’s legacy.

The Thatched Cottage Pavilion sits atop the hill behind the Three Visits Hall in Xiangyang’s Longzhong Scenic Area. Hexagonal with double-layered eaves, green pillars, and red tiles, it holds a stone tablet inscribed with “Thatched Cottage” in bold, dignified script. Originally Zhuge Liang’s study, the site was nearly claimed by Ming Prince Xiangjian Zhu JianShu for a tomb. After Li Zicheng’s forces destroyed the structure, the tomb mound remained. Later generations built this pavilion to honor Zhuge Liang.

Longzhong Academy, located in Xiangyang’s Longzhong Scenic Area, is recorded in the *Xiangyang Prefecture Annals* as being “30 li west of the city, on Longzhong Mountain,” where “a Yuan-era academy was built for worship.” Some claim it was constructed during the Yuan Zhi Zheng era, though evidence is unclear. By the Ming Chenghua reign, Wu Huan, while inspecting Jingnan, wrote *Records of Longzhong Academy* during a reconstruction of Zhuge Liang’s residence—but the text does not mention educational functions. Destroyed later, it was rebuilt in 1987, featuring structures like Jingli Hall, Zhiyuan Hall, and the Longzhong Exhibition Hall.

The core of Longzhong Academy is the Zhuge Liang and Xiangyang Longzhong Exhibition Hall, with a plaque inscribed “Zhuge Liang Memorial Hall” by Li Xiannian. Inside, dioramas, sculptures, and multimedia displays illustrate Zhuge Liang’s historical context, the three visits, and the *Longzhong Plan*. An animation by Huazhong University of Science and Technology, acclaimed for its script, sets, music, and voice acting, lets visitors grasp key *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* tales in just five to six minutes.

According to the *Wei Lue*, Zhuge Liang often “composed poetry while hugging his knees” during his Longzhong years. Between 1888–1893 (Guangxu 14–19), Viceroy Cheng Wenbing of Hubei rebuilt the Knee-Hugging Pavilion on the site of Zhao Hong’en’s original farming cottage. Legend says a large rock once stood here, where Zhuge Liang would sit and hum *Liangfu Song*, a folk tune from his Shandong homeland—expressing homesickness and ambition. Nestled in greenery, the hexagonal, three-eaved, three-tiered pavilion features soaring upturned corners. A wooden ladder inside leads to a viewing platform, offering unique charm.

During his Longzhong years, Zhuge Liang and his younger brother Zhuge Jun farmed the land for self-sufficiency. In 1984, the scenic area erected a single-eave, hip-and-gable pavilion in the farming fields, inscribed with “Pastoral Simplicity.” A 2002 stele by former Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Liu Huaching reads “Farming the Fields.” In spring, golden rapeseed flowers bloom around the pavilion, echoing Zhuge Liang’s reclusive youth.

The Little Rainbow Bridge spans the middle of a stream near Zhuge’s Temple. This petite, arched bridge—resembling a rainbow over the water—was Zhuge Liang’s daily route. When Liu Bei visited during a snowstorm, he met Zhuge Liang’s father-in-law Huang Chengyan here, giving rise to a celebrated poetic tale. This charming episode cemented the bridge’s status as a treasured historical site.

The Hexagonal Well in Xiangyang’s Longzhong Scenic Area served as the living water source for Zhuge Liang’s youth residence. According to the *Xiangyang Records* by Eastern Jin historian Xi Zaoshi, Zhuge’s former home had a well “five zhang deep and five chi wide.” As one of Longzhong’s traditional Ten Cultural Landmarks, the well also verifies the location of the thatched cottage.

Tenglong Pavilion crowns Longzhong Mountain, standing ten stories tall as the premier vantage point for viewing Xiangyang. Designed with five exterior and nine interior levels, its 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th floors function as observation decks—each offering distinct vistas. From afar, the pavilion appears majestic, with cascading vermilion eaves and soaring angles. Up close, its intricate brackets and gilded splendor shine, with the fifth-floor corridor framed by greenery and birds. At the summit, the Han River’s sails come into view. Inside, Zhuge’s spirit pervades amid calligraphy and paintings, immersed in profound cultural ambiance. The mountain hues, cultural relics, river, and sails form this unique earthly paradise.

Within Longzhong Scenic Area lies the renowned Old Dragon Cave at Longzhong Mountain’s entrance. Locals believe Zhuge Liang drew not ordinary spring water but “wisdom water” from here—why tea brewed with its water remains a tradition. Year-round, sweet, fragrant water gushes from the cave, irrigating fields, nourishing tea, and quenching thirst.

Though modernized, the cave’s ancient water-diversion method still inspires rural irrigation solutions. Locals credit Zhuge Liang for the “wisdom water” from Old Dragon Cave—a tradition that endures in tea culture.

The Tomb of King Xian of Xiang is located in the ancient Longzhong Scenic Area of Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang City. There are currently two extant earthen mound sites: one has a base diameter of 30 meters and a height of 8 meters, belonging to King Xian’s tomb, while the other has a base diameter of 20 meters and a height of 5 meters, belonging to the tomb of Queen Xian. Excavated in 1998, it was discovered that King Xian’s tomb is a single-brick chamber tomb, with a protruding rectangular layout measuring 6.2 meters in length and 2.4 meters in width. The tomb chamber had been looted in ancient times and is now severely collapsed. It is also said that the location of King Xian’s tomb was originally the site of Zhuge’s Thatched Cottage, which King Xian moved westward at that time. As a result, in the Qing Dynasty, a stele was erected here inscribed with the four characters “Thatched Cottage Site” to inform future generations.

The Longzhong Toboggan Slide is situated on the picturesque southern side of Mount Longzhong. Its upper station leads to the majestic Tenglong Pavilion at the mountain’s peak, while the lower station is close to the scenic and pleasant Laolong Cave area. It consists of two parts: the slide rail and the sled. The uphill slide rail is nearly 433 meters long, and the downhill slide rail extends over 1,072 meters, with a height difference of 126 meters and an average slope of 12 degrees, featuring three spirals.

The Kongming Guqin Hall in the Ancient Longzhong Scenic Area offers a wide variety of diverse variety show performances. These include classical music performances such as bianzhong (chime bells) and guzheng (zither) playing, as well as spectacular acrobatic acts like ball juggling and hula hooping. The story of Zhuge Liang playing the guqin to retreat Sima Yi in the Empty Fort Strategy is widely known. Zhuge Liang’s guqin skills were said to be divine—he could express his aspirations through music and even discern people’s character by listening to their music, impressing even Zhou Yu. The Kongming Guqin Hall features special performances of guqin and bianzhong, with the show “Moonlight Over the Thatched Cottage” recounting the stirring heroic tales of the Three Kingdoms... Visitors can immerse themselves in the experience, sipping Longzhong’s clear tea, listening to the ethereal sounds of the bianzhong, enjoying the melodious ancient music, appreciating graceful song and dance, and getting lost in the wisdom and legends passed down through millennia—it’s an experience like no other.

The Longzhong Peony Garden is reputed as “Come to Longzhong in March to see the peonies.” It is clearly recorded in the Ming Dynasty’s Xiangyang Prefecture Records that Longzhong peonies have long been famous for their large blossoms and vibrant colors, with nearly ten thousand plants in total. The peony blossoms here can reach up to 20 centimeters in diameter, with over fifty petals. Precious varieties include “Xiangyang Crimson,” “Crouching Dragon Emerging from the Mountain,” “Drooping Orchid,” and 243 other varieties.

Ming Stele Pavilion

Address: No. 6, Longzhong Road, 13 kilometers west of Xiangyang City

Type: Former Residence of a Celebrity

Rating: AAAA

Recommended Visiting Time: 1–3 hours

Phone: 0710-3592387; 0710-3591656

Opening Hours: 8:00–17:30

Information Source: Official Website of Hubei Provincial People’s Government

Zhuge Liang (July 23, 181 – August 28, 234), courtesy name Kongming, also known as Wolong (or Fulong), was a Han Chinese from Yangdu, Langya (present-day Yinan County, Linyi City, Shandong Province). He served as the Chancellor of Shu Han and was an outstanding statesman, strategist, inventor, and military leader during the Three Kingdoms period. During his lifetime, he was granted the title Marquis of Wuxiang and posthumously honored as Marquis Zhongwu. The later Eastern Jin regime, in admiration of his military prowess, posthumously titled him King Wuxing. His notable works include the “Former Campaign Memorial,” “Later Campaign Memorial,” and “Admonitions to My Son.” He invented devices such as the wooden ox and flowing horse, as well as the Kongming lantern. Chengdu is home to the Temple of Marquis Wu. Additionally, the great poet... More detailed information about Zhuge Liang++

Liu Bei (161–223), courtesy name Xuande, was a native of Zhuojun County, Zhuo Commandery (present-day Zhuozhou, Hebei Province). Said to be a descendant of Liu Sheng, the Prince of Zhongshan of the Han Dynasty, he was the founding emperor of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, reigning from 221 to 223. A statesman, he was posthumously honored with the temple name Liezu.

Liu Bei (161–223), at the end of the reign of Emperor Ling of the Eastern Han Dynasty, rose to prominence in the late Han political scene for his role in suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion. He sought Zhuge Liang’s assistance only after visiting him three times at his thatched cottage.

In the 13th year of the Jian’an era of the Han Dynasty (208 AD), together with Sun Quan’s general Zhou Yu and others, he achieved a great victory over Cao Cao at the Battle of Red Cliffs. Subsequently, he gained control of five... More detailed information about Liu Bei++

Guan Yu (162?–220), of Han ethnicity, was born during the Yanxi era of Emperor Huan of the Eastern Han Dynasty. His courtesy name was Yunchang, originally Changsheng. He was a native of Xie Liang, Hedong (present-day Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province). A renowned general of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, he held the rank of General of the Vanguard, was granted the title Marquis of Hanshou Ting, and was a celebrated military strategist. After his death, he was revered by the people and honored by successive dynasties, eventually being worshipped as the God of War, Guan Shengdi. In Buddhism, he is referred to as Sangharama Bodhisattva and respectfully called “Lord Guan.” Later rulers revered Guan Yu as the “Military Sage,” equal in stature to Confucius, the “Civil Sage.”

Following Liu Bei

Guan Yu’s original courtesy name was Changsheng, later changed to Yunchang. In his early years, due to some trouble, he fled his hometown to... More detailed information about Guan Yu++

Zhang Fei (?–221), courtesy name Yide, also called Yide, was a native of Taocun, Zhuojun County, Zhuo Commandery, Eastern Han Dynasty (present-day Zhongyidian, Zhuozhou City). In his early years, he shared a strong bond with Liu Bei and Guan Yu, forming a sworn brotherhood in Zhuojun, famously known as the “Oath of the Peach Garden.” In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Zhang Fei, Guan Yu, and Liu Bei gathered local militiamen to rise up in Zhuojun, participating in the suppression of the Yellow Turban Rebellion. In the 12th year of the Jian’an era (207), Liu Bei sought refuge under Liu Biao of Jingzhou. When Cao Cao sent troops to seize Jingzhou, Liu Bei was defeated and retreated to Xiakou, and at Changban Slope in Dangyang, Cao’s forces scattered Liu Bei’s group. Zhang Fei, with just 20 men, held the rear. Seeing the approaching enemy, he stood defiantly atop the bridge, blocking the waterway with his sword drawn, successfully holding off Cao’s troops...

Longzhong Community: Longzhong Community... More detailed information about Longzhong Community++

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of National Key Scenic Areas

· 35th Batch of National 5A-Level Tourist Attractions (January 2020)

· Fourth Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level