Plan at a glance
North Gate in, South Gate out
Ancient Longzhong is at No. 461-1 Longzhong Road in Xiangcheng District. A common plan is to enter through North Gate and finish at South Gate, linking the hillside sights in one direction. North Gate is close to Hubei University of Arts and Science, while parking near South Gate is less convenient. Ticketing and entry checks still follow the day's ticket type and scenic-area arrangements.
Tickets, reservation, and seasonal hours
The adult ticket is about CNY 67 and the student ticket about CNY 33. Booking online in advance is recommended. From March 1 to October 31, opening hours are 08:30–17:30 and entry stops at 16:30. From November 1 to February 28 of the following year, hours are 08:30–17:00 and entry stops at 16:00. Hours may change during the May Day holiday and on other special dates. Check separately whether a shuttle bus is included and whether you need to go to the visitor centre before entering.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
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The Three Visits story route
The Longzhong Memorial Arch (石牌坊), Longzhong Academy, Wuhou Memorial Temple (武侯祠), Three Visits Hall, and Zhuge Liang Thatched Cottage (诸葛草庐) form the main cultural sequence. It suits visitors interested in the Three Kingdoms and families introducing children to history. The “Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage” scene show is free, and possible times include 10:00 and 15:00; follow the day's programme.
Hillside sights and wider views
Plowing Farmland (躬耕田), Dragon Cave (老龙洞), and Flying Dragon Pavilion (腾龙阁) extend the visit from the buildings onto the hills. Flying Dragon Pavilion is an optional climb for visitors who want a higher viewpoint. The Longzhong Memorial Arch, Three Visits Hall, and the red walls of Wuhou Memorial Temple work well for architecture and portrait photos, while Flying Dragon Pavilion gives a broader landscape view.
A half-day visit
Allow 1.5–2 hours for the core story route, or 3–4 hours if you want the academy, thatched cottage, and hillside sights. Much of the park uses stone paths and slopes. If your group has limited energy, treat Flying Dragon Pavilion and Dragon Cave as optional sections and divide the route according to the group's pace.
For a city-centre heritage route, see Xiangyang Ancient City.
Build your day
1.5–2-hour core route
Enter through North Gate and go to the Longzhong Memorial Arch, Three Visits Hall, and Wuhou Memorial Temple in sequence. Use the day's programme to decide whether to watch the scene show near Three Visits Hall, then finish toward South Gate. This route keeps the main buildings and story in the first half of the visit; entry checks and the exit direction follow the on-site flow.
3–4-hour complete route
North Gate → Longzhong Memorial Arch → Longzhong Academy → Wuhou Memorial Temple → Three Visits Hall → Zhuge Liang Thatched Cottage → Plowing Farmland → Dragon Cave → South Gate. This order covers the buildings, fields, and cave section. Flying Dragon Pavilion is an additional climb; if you add the “Wolong Emerges from the Mountain” slide or another paid activity, check the current price and queue before changing your return plan.
Fit the programme into the route
After entering, check the day's “Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage” show time and connect the stop near Three Visits Hall with the rest of the route. The programme changes by day, so continue toward the thatched cottage and Plowing Farmland after the show. If you miss it, follow the sight sequence instead and use the day's programme for timing.
Get there
Bus and North Gate navigation
Take bus 512 to Hubei University of Arts and Science West Gate, then walk about 10–15 minutes to Ancient Longzhong North Gate. For a taxi or car, use “Ancient Longzhong North Gate” or “Ancient Longzhong Wenchi Smart Valley.” Confirm that you have reached North Gate, since the visitor centre, South Gate, and North Gate serve different functions.
Parking
There is parking near North Gate, while South Gate parking is less convenient. If you plan to enter at North Gate and leave at South Gate, decide in advance whether to leave the car at North Gate or arrange a transfer; otherwise the vehicle and exit may end up on opposite sides of the site.
Know before you go
Hillside paths, water, and extra activities
There are many stone paths and slopes, while food and supplies inside are limited. Bring drinking water and a simple snack. The one-way “Wolong Emerges from the Mountain” slide costs about CNY 60; queues are possible during holidays, so check the day's price and operating status before buying.
Entrance and shuttle rules
The North and South Gates can be used to plan the route, but whether you can complete entry checks directly at North Gate, whether you must first visit the visitor centre, and whether the shuttle is included with the ticket all depend on the day's ticket type and scenic-area rules. Confirm the permitted entrance and shuttle arrangement before buying and entering. Foreign visitors using a passport to buy tickets should first confirm that the chosen official or OTA channel accepts passports and how entry verification works on site.
Guangde Temple is separate
Guangde Temple near South Gate is a separate free attraction. Its Duobao Pagoda and old ginkgo tree belong to a different visit. If you add it, calculate the walking time separately; it is not included in the Ancient Longzhong ticket or internal route.