A Poetic Painting between Mountains and Waters
Yueyang, an ancient city nestled by the Dongting Lake, shines like a resplendent pearl embedded in the vast land of northern Hunan. It boasts not only unparalleled natural beauty but also profound historical and cultural heritages, making it a poetic destination that captivates and leaves you longing for a return.
Yueyang
Upon entering Yueyang, you are immediately drawn to the rippling Dongting Lake. The lake surface, resembling a mirror, reflects the blue sky, white clouds, verdant mountains, and lush trees, creating a flowing scroll of breathtaking scenery. Standing by the lakeside, Yueyang Tower, the iconic landmark of Yueyang, rises majestically. It stands guard like a watcher of history, having witnessed countless changes of the past. As the sun sets, its golden rays illuminate the lake, blending harmoniously with the tower and the surrounding landscapes, painting a picture of indescribable beauty.
Beyond its natural beauty, Yueyang also harbors a rich historical and cultural heritage. This place has been a gathering spot for scholars and poets, who have left behind numerous beloved poems. Fan Zhongyan's "On Yueyang Tower" has particularly brought fame to Yueyang Tower across the world. Here, you can sense the ancients' awe for nature and reflections on life, as well as appreciate the realm of transcending worldly affairs and pursuing spiritual freedom.
The cuisine of Yueyang is also a must-try. The fishes and shrimps from Dongting Lake and the Xiang cuisine, with their unique flavors and craftsmanship, have attracted countless foodies to taste. In the streets and alleys of Yueyang, one can enjoy various authentic delicacies, experiencing the happiness and satisfaction that come from the taste buds.
Yueyang, a poetic painting nestled amidst mountains and waters, boasts not only stunning natural scenery and rich historical culture, but also unique humanistic charm and food culture. Like a dazzling pearl, it shines brilliantly on the vast land of northern Hunan, eagerly awaiting your arrival!
Yueyang Tower
Yueyang Tower
The Yueyang Tower, along with the Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan, Hubei, and the Tengwang Pavilion in Nanchang, Jiangxi, is collectively known as the "three famous towers in areas south of the Yangtze River". Originally built in the Eastern Han Dynasty (215 CE), it was a "military inspection tower" for General Lu Su. After numerous renovations and expansions, the existing building follows the form and layout of its reconstruction in the Qing Dynasty (1880 CE). In the Northern Song Dynasty (1045 CE), Teng Zongliang rebuilt the Yueyang Tower and invited Fan Zhongyan to write "On Yueyang Tower", which made it renowned worldwide.
The main building of Yueyang Tower is a rectangular structure, standing at a height of 19.42 meters, with a depth of 14.54 meters and a width of 17.42 meters. It comprises three floors, four pillars, soaring eaves, a helmet-shaped roof, and is constructed entirely out of wood. Supported by four golden-hued Phoebe zhennan pillars, each with a diameter of 46 centimeters, the entire tower exudes an ancient and unique charm, boasting a magnificent and dignified presence.
Its unique helmet-shaped roof structure embodies the ingenuity and exquisite design skills of ancient working people and craftsmen. Inside the tower, there are carved screens depicting the essay "On Yueyang Tower", as well as poems, couplets, and carvings, all of which showcase the profound depth of ancient Chinese culture. As a place for scholars and poets to visit, compose poems, and write essays, Yueyang Tower has attracted numerous literary figures to explore and create, leaving behind a rich cultural legacy.
Travel Information
Location: Yueyanglou District, Yueyang City, Hunan province
Open hours:
7:30am -- 18:00pm (Oct 1 to April 30)
7:00am -- 18:30pm (May 1 to Sept 30)
Recommended visiting hours: 2 Hours
Admission: CNY 70/person
Half Price: Minors aged from 14 to 17; seniors aged from 60 to 64
Free Tickets: Children under 14 and seniors over 65
Note: The above information is for reference only. The specific prices and preferential policies may be adjusted according to the season, holidays and other factors, we recommend tourists to check the latest information through official channels before travel.
Dongting Lake
Dongting Lake
Located on the south bank of Jingjiang River in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, Dongting Lake spans over multiple cities such as Yueyang, Yiyang, and Changde. It is the second-largest freshwater lake in China, second only to Poyang Lake in Jiangxi Province. With a lake surface area of approximately 2,579 square kilometers, Dongting Lake is one of the essential lakes in the Yangtze River Basin. Anciently known as Yunmeng and Jiujiang, Dongting Lake's name originated from the Spring and Autumn period to the Warring States period, deriving from the Dongting Mountain (presently known as Junshan) located within the lake. Initially, Yunmeng Marsh was situated within the current territory of Hubei Province, covering an area of up to 40,000 square kilometers. In the later stage of the Warring States period, due to sediment deposition, Yunmeng Marsh was divided into two parts, north and south, and the southern part eventually formed today's Dongting Lake.
Dongting Lake is picturesque throughout the four seasons. In spring, the lake water rises, and the shores are lush and vibrant with new growth. In summer, the lake surface is vast and sparkling, making it an ideal place for people to escape the heat. Autumn is the busiest season, as fishermen are busy catching fish and returning home with full nets. Even in winter, the lake surface still shimmers with waves, exhibiting immense vitality and energy.
Dongting Lake
Dongting Lake not only boasts beautiful natural scenery, but its residents also possess unique folkloric and cultural traditions, such as lake-worship activities, which reflect the respect and nostalgia of the people of Hunan Province for historical figures like Qu Yuan. The Battle of Dongting Lake was a significant campaign during the Southern Song Dynasty, where Yue Fei subdued the rebel army of Yangmo, strengthening the anti-Jin forces of the Southern Song Dynasty and laying the foundation for the perfection of Yue Family Troops. Furthermore, Dongting Lake is home to mythological legends, including the story of Emperor Shun's southern tour and the tragic tale of two consorts, Ehuang and Nuying, who jumped into the lake to die by suicide after the death of their husband. Many important political figures and cultural celebrities in history have visited this place.
Travel Information
Location: Yueyanglou District, Yueyang City, Hunan Province
Open hours: with access All Day
Recommended visiting hours: 2 Hours
Admission: Free of Charge
Note: The above information is for reference only. The specific prices and preferential policies may be adjusted according to the season, holidays and other factors, we recommend tourists to check the latest information through official channels before travel.
Dongting Lake Bridge
Dongting Lake Bridge
The Dongting Lake Bridge is a river-crossing passage connecting Junshan District and Yueyang Tower District, located above the Dongting Lake waterway. Starting from Jingming Avenue in Junshan District, the bridge spans the Dongting Lake waterway and extends eastward along Dongting Avenue to Dongfeng Lake in Yueyang Tower District, with a total length of 5,783.5 meters, including a main bridge span of 5,300 meters. The bridge deck is designed as a four-lane urban expressway for two-way traffic.
The Dongting Lake Bridge is situated close to the tourist attractions of Yueyang Tower and Junshan Scenic Area. Combined with Yueyang City, a renowned historical and cultural city and tourist destination, the main bridge integrates with Yueyang Tower, Junshan, and the vast Dongting Lake, complementing each other to form a magnificent cultural landscape. This scenic spot serves as a new window for the world to understand Hunan and Yueyang.
Baling Square
The Baling Square, situated at the western end of Baling Road, the main thoroughfare in the downtown area of Yueyang City, is an important landmark and cultural attraction. It is bordered by Dongting Lake to the west, the core scenic area of Yueyang Tower to the north, and a business district to the south. This advantageous geographical location has made Baling Square a comprehensive square that integrates tourism, leisure, and cultural experiences.
Baling Square
The iconic sculpture "Hou Yi Slays the Bashe Snake" in the square stands approximately 16 meters tall and weighs 2,000 tons, designed and crafted by the Central Academy of Fine Arts. This sculpture interprets the origin of Yueyang's name "Baling" through a mythical legend, specifically the ancient tale where Hou Yi slew the Bashe Snake in Dongting Lake, and its bones piled up to form a hill.
Apart from its rich natural landscapes and historical cultural elements, Baling Square also boasts city gates like the Zhanyue Gate and museums, offering visitors a diverse cultural experience. The square is also a popular destination for locals to relax, where people can stroll, exercise, admire the scenery, and enjoy the leisurely pace of urban life.
Junshan Island
Junshan Island
Junshan, anciently known as Dongting Mountain, Xiangshan, or Youyuan Mountain, is a small island located in Dongting Lake. The entire island takes on an elliptical shape, with high elevations on both sides and a lower center. Located to the southwest of Yueyang City, it covers a total area of 0.96 square kilometers. Renowned for its unique geographical location and natural beauty, Junshan Island stands opposite the renowned Yueyang Tower, complementing each other to form a major landscape in the Dongting Lake region. The island boasts rich vegetation and pleasant scenery throughout the four seasons.
Junshan Island
Junshan Island is also rich in historical and cultural significance. Among its most famous legends is the story of "The Two Consorts of Junshan". It is said that when Emperor Shun toured the south, his two consorts, Ehuang and Nuying, wept for their husband so much that their tears transformed into spotted bamboo on this island. It also boasts numerous other cultural relics. It is believed that the famous Tang Dynasty poet Liu Zongyuan wrote his renowned essay "The Small Tarn West of the Knoll" by the side of a well here. Additionally, there are historical sites such as the Shun Emperor Temple and the tombs of the two consorts, which are significant materials for studying ancient Chinese culture.
How To Get to Yueyang
>>>We suggest you take the bullet train:
From Changsha
Changsha South Station -- Yueyang East Station
35~50 Minutes; RMB 68
From Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie West Station -- Yueyang East Station
4 Hours; RMB 349.5
From Fenghuang Ancient Town
Fenghuang Ancient Town Railway Station -- Yueyang East Station
3 Hours; RMB 255.5
