Yueyang Tower
Yueyang Tower, one of China’s "Four Great Ancient Towers," stands on the shores of Dongting Lake in Yueyang City, Hunan Province. First constructed during the Tang Dynasty (653 CE) and rebuilt in the Song Dynasty, it is celebrated for Fan Zhongyan’s "Yueyang Tower Record" (1046 CE), which immortalized the tower as a symbol of scholarly idealism. The wooden pagoda, with its flying eaves and lake views, embodies classical Chinese architecture and literary heritage. Designated a national cultural relic in 1988, it attracts visitors with its panoramic vistas and cultural resonance.
Historical Overview
Built in 653 CE by General Lu Sui as a military lookout, the tower gained fame during the Song Dynasty when poet-statesman Fan Zhongyan composed his essay here. It underwent major renovations in 1044 CE and 1726 CE (Qing Dynasty), with the current structure reflecting 18th-century Ming-Qing styles. The tower hosted scholars like Lu You and Zhang Yiming, who added inscriptions that endure today. In 1988, it was listed as a "Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level."
Structural Layout
The tower rises 19 meters (62 ft) with a three-tiered, octagonal design supported by 48 wooden pillars. Key features include:
- Main Tower: The central structure with a "phoenix-shaped" roof, offering 360-degree views of Dongting Lake.
- Pavilion of the Three Wonders (Sanxuan Pavilion): Displays calligraphy by Fan Zhongyan and Su Shunqin.
- Double Dragon Gate: A stone archway with dragon carvings, marking the entrance.
- Bamboo Grove Path: A scenic walkway lined with bamboo, leading to the tower.
- Dongting Lake Observation Deck: Extended platforms for lake photography.
Major Attractions
- Main Tower: Climb to the top for views merging lake, sky, and distant mountains.
- "Yueyang Tower Record" Stele: A 10-meter-tall marble slab inscribed with Fan Zhongyan’s essay.
- Poetry Gallery: Showcases works by Lu You, Du Fu, and modern poets.
- Ancient Cypress: A 1,300-year-old tree planted during the Tang Dynasty.
- XiaoXiang Gallery: Displays paintings of Hunan’s "Xiaoxiang" (misty river) landscapes.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (1.5–2 hours):
Entrance → Double Dragon Gate → Main Tower → Pavilion of Three Wonders → Xiaoxiang Gallery → Bamboo Grove Path → Exit.
Highlights: Tower views, Fan Zhongyan’s stele, and poetry. - Cultural Route (3–4 hours):
Entrance → Poetry Gallery → Ancient Cypress → Main Tower → Dongting Lake Observation Deck → Exit.
Highlights: Literary heritage and lake photography. - Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Entrance → Guided Tour (All Zones) → Boat Cruise on Dongting Lake → Lunch at Lakeside Restaurant → Workshop (Calligraphy Demo) → Exit.
Highlights: In-depth exploration and lakeside relaxation.
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via WeChat mini-program "Yueyang Tower" or Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).
- On-Site: Tickets sold at the entrance; guided tours require reservation.
- Prices:
- Entrance: ¥70 (adults), ¥35 (students/seniors).
- Guided Tour: ¥20 (additional).
- Free: Children under 1.3m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
- By Bus: Routes 10, 15, or 21 to "Yueyang Tower Stop."
- By Taxi: Direct from Yueyang City Center (¥15–20).
- By Boat: Ferries from Junshan Island dock near the tower.
- Self-Drive: Navigate to "Yueyang Tower" via Yueyang Avenue.
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Seasons: April–May (spring mist), September–October (autumn clarity).
- Avoid Crowds: Visit early (7:30 AM opening) or on weekdays.
- Essentials:
- Wear sturdy shoes for steep staircases.
- Bring a light jacket (lake breezes can be chilly).
- Photography allowed (no tripods without permits).
- Prohibited items: Drones and large bags.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
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May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
