Climb Yueyang Tower to Enjoy Dongting Lake

**Yueyang Tower Travel Guide: Dongting Lake, the World's Water; Yueyang Tower, the World's Tower** **1. Scenic Area Introduction** **Yueyang Tower** is located on the shores of Dongting Lake in Yueyang City, Hunan Province. Along with **Yellow Crane Tower** and **Tengwang Pavilion**, it is known as one of the "Three Great Towers of Jiangnan." It has been praised since ancient times as "Dongting Lake, the world's water; Yueyang Tower, the world's tower." Originally built in the 20th year of Jian'an in the Eastern Han Dynasty (215 AD), it became famous worldwide due to Northern Song Dynasty scholar Fan Zhongyan's "Record of Yueyang Tower," which includes the timeless line "Be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures." The current Yueyang Tower was rebuilt in 1984 following the Qing Dynasty style. The main tower stands 19.42 meters tall, made entirely of wood without using a single nail or rivet, featuring flying eaves and a helmet-shaped roof, exuding grandeur. From the tower, visitors can gaze far across the magnificent 800-li Dongting Lake and feel the majestic spirit of "steam rising over Yunmeng Marsh, waves shaking Yueyang City." --- **2. Core Attractions** 1. **Main Yueyang Tower** - Inside the tower are displays of architectural models of Yueyang Tower through the ages and calligraphy inscriptions by famous artists. The top floor offers a panoramic view of Dongting Lake. - **Must-see:** - First floor: Carved screen of "Record of Yueyang Tower" (Qing Dynasty calligraphy by Zhang Zhao) - Second floor: Miniature models of Yueyang Tower from different eras - Third floor: Distant view of Dongting Lake and Junshan Island 2. **Xiao Qiao's Tomb** - Believed to be the burial site of Xiao Qiao, wife of the famous Eastern Wu general Zhou Yu from the Three Kingdoms period. There is a stele pavilion and statue beside the tomb. 3. **Huaifu Pavilion** - Commemorates Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu, who wrote "Climbing Yueyang Tower" here. The pavilion houses a statue of Du Fu and a poetry stele. 4. **Yueyang Gate** - The southern city gate of ancient Yueyang. Climbing the city wall offers views of Dongting Lake. 5. **Five Dynasties Tower Exhibition** - Displays miniature models of Yueyang Tower from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, showcasing its historical evolution. 6. **Dongting Lake Scenic Belt** - Lakeside walking paths where visitors can enjoy lake views, birdwatch (especially migratory birds in winter), and beautiful sunsets. --- **3. Recommended Itineraries** **Half-day Tour (Essentials)** **Main Yueyang Tower → Xiao Qiao's Tomb → Huaifu Pavilion → Five Dynasties Tower Exhibition → Dongting Lake Scenic Belt** **Full-day Tour (In-depth)** **Main Yueyang Tower → Xiao Qiao's Tomb → Huaifu Pavilion → Five Dynasties Tower Exhibition → Yueyang Gate → Bianhe Street (lunch) → Junshan Island (optional)** --- **4. Transportation Guide** - **High-speed Rail:** Take the high-speed train to **Yueyang East Station**, then taxi about 20 minutes to the scenic area (around 30 RMB). - **Bus:** From Yueyang Station/East Station, take bus **Tourist Line 1 or Line 15** to [Yueyang Tower Scenic Area Stop]. - **Self-driving:** The scenic area has parking lots, but spaces are limited during holidays; early arrival is recommended. --- **5. Ticket Information** - **Yueyang Tower Scenic Area:** 70 RMB per person (peak season May-October), 60 RMB per person (off-season November-April). - **Discounts:** Half price for students and seniors over 60; free for children under 1.2 meters. - **Opening Hours:** 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM (peak season), 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (off-season). --- **6. Best Photo Spots** 1. **Top Floor of Yueyang Tower:** Overlooking Dongting Lake, capturing the magnificent "water and sky as one" scenery. 2. **Yueyang Gate City Wall:** Photographing the blend of the ancient city and Dongting Lake. 3. **Dongting Lake Sunset:** The shimmering golden lake surface at dusk is perfect for photography. --- **7. Nearby Food Recommendations** 1. **Bianhe Street** (pedestrian street near the scenic area) - Recommended dishes: Yueyang barbecue, Dongting silverfish, braised duck, stinky tofu. 2. **Baling Whole Fish Banquet** - Dongting Lake specialty, recommended dishes include chopped chili fish head and steamed mandarin fish. 3. **Junshan Silver Needle Tea** - One of China's top ten famous teas, available for tasting at the scenic area's tea house. --- **8. Accommodation Recommendations** - **High-end:** Yueyang Grand Hotel (near Dongting Lake), Pullman Hotel (lake view rooms) - **Budget:** Home Inn, 7 Days Inn (near Bianhe Street or train station) --- **9. Best Time to Visit** - **Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November):** Comfortable climate, most beautiful lake views. - **Summer (June-August):** Lotus flowers bloom, but it can be hot. - **Winter (December-February):** Fewer tourists, ideal for birdwatching (such as cranes and swans). --- **10. Notes** 1. The stairs in Yueyang Tower are steep; elderly and children should be cautious. 2. Dongting Lake water levels vary seasonally; it may rise in summer and recede in winter, offering different landscapes. 3. If time permits, take a boat to **Junshan Island** (separate ticket required, about 40 minutes by boat). --- **11. Nearby Joint Tour Recommendations** - **Junshan Island** ("A green snail in a silver plate," the island of love legend) - **Zhangguying Village** (Ming and Qing Dynasty ancient village, known as the "Folk Palace Museum") - **Nanhu Square** (night light show) --- **Summary** Yueyang Tower is not only a historic landmark but also a symbol of Hunan culture. Climbing the tower to admire Dongting Lake allows visitors to feel Fan Zhongyan's spirit of "not rejoicing in external gains nor grieving over personal losses" and to appreciate the magnificent nature that "embraces distant mountains and swallows the Yangtze River." Combined with the delicious food of Bianhe Street and the exploration of Junshan Island, it is truly a feast of culture and nature!