Fánchéng

Fánchéng stands on the northern bank of the Hàn River opposite Xiāngyáng. Together the two fortified towns guarded a vital passage into the Yangtze basin. During the Mongol siege of 1268–1273, the attackers enclosed both cities and blocked the river, repeatedly turning back Sòng relief forces. Fánchéng fell first in 1273, leaving Xiāngyáng isolated.