Yueyang Tower in Yueyang

Yueyang Tower in Yueyang

Attractions Overview: One of four famous Chinese pavilions
Attraction Type: Tower
Chinese Name:  岳阳楼
English Name: Yueyang Tower in Yueyang
Best Time to Visit: All Year Round
Recommended Visiting Time: 2 Hours
Open Hours:  07:00-18:30
Admission Fee:  66 RMB / Person
Address in English: Dongting North Road, Yueyanglou District, Yueyang City
Address in Chinese: 岳阳市岳阳楼区洞庭北路

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Why is Yueyang Tower So Special?

Yueyang Tower is known as one of the Four Famous Towers in China. It is 1700 years old and it sits on the shore of the Dongting Lake, China’s second largest lake. This tower was made famous by numerous Chinese poets who visited and wrote poetry about the tower and the lake.

Where is Yueyang Tower ?

The Yueyang Tower locates on the city wall of the west gate of the ancient city in Yueyang City, Hunan Province, China.

How to Get to Yueyang Tower

Travel with China Dragon Tours (top recommended)

If you want to get rid of hustle of transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers visiting, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Yueyang Tower with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on travel.

Independent Travel

For independent travelers you can 

By Bus：Take bus 10, 15, 19, 21, 22, 31 or 50 to Yueyanglou Jingqu

What to See in Yueyang Tower

Unique Structure

We will find well-proportioned pavilions, terraces and towers. Looking up, we will see a pavilion with yellow tiles, and overhanging eaves set the green forest off. Its roof, covered with yellow glazed tiles, has a smooth curve, precipitous yet warped, just as the general’s helmet in ancient China covers green pines and cypresses, appearing to be imposing and extraordinarily attractive. This pavilion is the well-know Yueyang Tower.

History

The tower was first built around 220 during China’s Three Kingdoms Period (220-280), when Lu Su, commander in chief of the forces of Wu, was sent to the area to fortify it and made it into a military training base for his fleet of ships. With a height of 19.42 meters, the tower is a three-layer building made of pure wood and its unique architectural structure vividly shows the delicate designs and skills of ancient workers.

Literature

Yueyang Tower was made very famous during the Northern Song Dynasty by the literary work “Memorial to Yueyang Tower”. It was written by renowned Song poet Fan Zhongyan at the invitation of his friend Teng Zijing, who afterwards became the local governor and rebuilt the tower. In his work, Fan described the beauty of Yueyang Tower and indicated his concern about the country and people. Now, a Qing Dynasty wooden screen inscribed with the work is housed in the tower, which becomes a must-see for visitors here.

Useful Travel Tips

  1. The detailed opening time of Yueyang Tower: 07:00-18:30 from May 1 to September 30 (peak season); 07:30-18:00 from October 1 to April 30 (off season)
  2. People under 14 and over 65 are free for charge.

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Edited by Emily Wang/王海玲