By outdoor-nature-child.com As night falls over the ancient city of Xiangyang, the skyline adorned with multi-tiered pavilions and shimmering lights creates a captivating atmosphere. Visitors dressed as iconic martial arts characters like Guo Jing and Huang Rong can often be spotted near Linhan Gate, epitomizing the city’s blend of historic charm and heroic spirit. Today, “Heroic Xiangyang” stands out as a significant cultural emblem for the region.
Historically cherished for its strategic location, Xiangyang has long been a coveted stronghold, fostering a unique urban identity that harmonizes literary elegance with martial valor, akin to the “City of Chivalry” portrayed by the renowned author Jin Yong. Notably, Xiangyang is referenced over 260 times in his classic novels like “The Legend of the Condor Heroes” and “The Return of the Condor Heroes,” where the city’s defenses are vividly detailed. The tale of Guo Jing and Huang Rong’s steadfastness in defending Xiangyang is especially beloved among martial arts enthusiasts.
To celebrate the centenary of Jin Yong’s birth on March 10 of this year, fans in Xiangyang gathered at the ancient city walls, forming the figures “100” and “The Great Hero” in candlelight to honor his legacy. The influence of martial arts culture has become a vital part of Xiangyang’s cultural fabric.
In recent years, Xiangyang has embraced the surging interest in martial arts culture through a variety of interactive performances and experiences. The Xiangyang Overseas Chinese Town hosted a “National Trend Cultural Festival,” showcasing scenes from “The Legend of the Condor Heroes” that allowed visitors to capture memorable photos. Additionally, performances that reenact passages from Jin Yong’s novels have become a regular attraction in Guanjiatang.
On social media, followers are often delighted to encounter a playful character named “Guo Xiang,” portrayed by Chen Zheng. An editor at the Xiangyang Media Center, Chen has taken on this role since 2023, producing nearly a hundred short videos that highlight the beauty, cuisine, and cultural history of Xiangyang.
“Transitioning from behind the scenes to front of the camera has been quite challenging,” Chen remarked. To bring Guo Xiang to life, she trained with the Xiangyang martial arts team, dedicating her free time to learning swordplay, staff techniques, and traditional dance.
Leveraging its martial arts heritage, Xiangyang is also extending its cultural tourism industry through film and television. Preliminary statistics indicate that over 120 productions, including “The Nine Provinces” and “Joy of Life Season 2,” have filmed on location in Xiangyang, with a substantial number focusing on martial arts themes.
According to Yuan Xiaoning, director of the Xiangyang Cultural and Tourism Bureau, the city is capitalizing on the popularity of martial arts culture by launching cultural IPs such as “Iron-willed Xiangyang” and “Heroic Xiangyang.” The initiative includes integrated online and offline marketing efforts aimed at enhancing the city’s reputation through vibrant cultural promotions and performances that connect film culture with tourism.