Exploring Xiangyu Ancient Fortress

**🚩 Route Guide (Color-Coded)** 1. **🟢 Main Entrance (South Gate)** → Pass through the stone archway, walk straight along the cobblestone path to reach the core area of the fortress. 2. **🔵 Defense Line (Blue)**: Climb the city wall → Hidden soldier caves → Watchtower (best panoramic view). 3. **🟡 Residential Culture Line (Yellow)**: Ming Dynasty official residence "Sandutang" → Brick-carved courtyards → Ancient well alley. 4. **🟣 Ancestral Hall and Temple Line (Purple)**: Sun Family Ancestral Hall → Wenchang Pavilion → Guan Yu Temple. 5. **🔴 Exit (East Gate)**: Pass by the ancient opera stage to conclude your visit. **📌 Tips**: The entire tour takes about 2 hours on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as some steps are steep. --- **🍜 Local Food Recommendations** 1. **Qinshui River Noodles**: Handmade buckwheat noodles with pickled vegetable sauce. The "Sun Family Noodle Shop" at the fortress entrance is the most authentic. 2. **Xiangyu Grilled Tofu**: Local yellow bean tofu grilled on an iron plate, crispy outside and tender inside, best enjoyed with chili sauce! 3. **Millet Pancakes**: Filled with jujube paste or pickled vegetables, often freshly made and sold at village markets for breakfast. 4. **Wild Honey Walnut Cake**: Available at small stalls inside the fortress, sweet but not overly rich, perfect as a souvenir. **🌟 Hidden Gem**: During festivals, you might get to try the "Eight Eight Banquet" (8 cold dishes and 8 hot traditional dishes). ---