Local Experience｜At Yuelai Hotel, I Fell in Love with Xiangyang's Lively Charm Again

As a native of Xiangyang, I always thought the scenery at my doorstep couldn't compare to distant lands—until last week when I brought my out-of-town bestie to stay at Yuelai Hotel (Xiangyang East Station OCT Fantasy Resort Branch). That's when I discovered how many surprises my familiar city held! 🌙【"Xiangyang Chronicles" at the Breakfast Table】 My friend is a beef noodle fanatic, so I specifically took her to the hotel's breakfast area for "inspection." Watching the chef toss alkaline noodles into boiling water and the steam rising as beef bone broth was poured, I suddenly remembered childhood mornings following my grandpa to noodle shops. The beef noodles here didn't disappoint: the broth simmered for a full 8 hours, and with a drizzle of chili oil and a mix of pickled beans, my friend devoured two bowls and wanted more🌶. A local uncle nearby, seeing us enjoy our meal, smiled and said, "They're generous with the beef here—more than my usual spot!" 🎢【"Childhood Nostalgia" at OCT】 Taking my friend by shuttle to OCT, the driver reminisced: "This area used to be farmland, now it's a hotspot for young people." Inside the park, the changes were striking: the carousel that felt thrilling as a kid was now a dreamy photo spot, while the new "Galactic Adventure" rollercoaster weaved between buildings, offering screams and glimpses of Xiangyang's ancient city walls🎡. Tired from playing, we bought sugar paintings at the "Fantasy Market"—the vendor was the same grandpa who once had a stall at People's Square. Suddenly, Xiangyang's blend of old and new felt incredibly romantic. 🍢【"City Code" at the Late-Night Eatery】 At night, we headed to a barbecue joint near the hotel. The moment we sat down, the owner asked, "The usual? Mild spice, less scallions?" Turns out, this was my college roommate's and my "secret spot." The sizzling beef fat burst with cumin and juices upon the first bite; garlic-covered grilled oysters made my friend say they were fresher than coastal cities'🍢. Passing my old middle school on the way back, the sticky rice wrap stall was still there—it hit me why locals always say, "No matter how good food is elsewhere, nothing beats the warmth of home." Local Musings: I used to think travel meant going far, but staying at a hotel in my own city as a "tourist" made me see Xiangyang's beauty—in beef noodle broth, OCT's lights, and barbecue smoke. And Yuelai Hotel? It strung all these wonders together perfectly.