Yueyang Tower, Yueyang

- Historical Background: Yueyang Tower was originally built as Yuejun Tower by Lu Su during the late Eastern Han Dynasty. During the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, it was known as the Baling City Wall. In early Tang Dynasty, it was called the South Tower. In 716 AD (4th year of Kaiyuan), it was renamed to Yueyang Tower. After Teng Zijing's renovation during the Northern Song Dynasty and Fan Zhongyan's famous essay "Notes on Yueyang Tower," the tower gained widespread fame. - Architectural Features: Yueyang Tower is a three-story wooden structure with four pillars, flying eaves, and a helmet-shaped roof. Standing at 19.42m tall, its main structure is supported by four nanmu wooden pillars without using any nails. The iconic helmet-shaped roof weighs 10 tons and is perfectly joined to the pillars through 72 sets of mortise and tenon joints. The second floor features a "3 visible, 5 hidden" structure, appearing as three rooms from the outside but actually containing five sections. - Cultural Heritage: Yueyang Tower embodies Confucian spirit and symbolizes diligent governance and concern for the people. Over 1,800 poems and couplets have been left by scholars throughout history, including Li Bai's "Water and Sky in One Color" and Du Fu's "Heaven and Earth Float Day and Night." The 12 sandalwood boards inside the tower with carved inscriptions of "Notes on Yueyang Tower" are considered an artistic miracle combining literature and woodcraft. Travel Guide - Admission: Adult tickets are CNY 70/person; Discounted tickets at CNY 35/person are available with valid ID for seniors aged 60-65, youth aged 14-18, and full-time students (undergraduate and below). Free admission with valid ID for children under 14, seniors over 65, people with disabilities, active military personnel, and retired military officers. Night admission is CNY 35/person. - Opening Hours: Summer hours - scenic area 6:30-19:00, main tower 7:00-18:25; Winter hours - scenic area 7:00-18:30, main tower 7:30-17:55. Night opening hours: Summer 18:30-21:30, Winter 18:00-21:30. - Transportation: From Yueyang Railway Station, take bus routes 22, 15/Tour 15, or 10 to Yueyang Tower Scenic Area stop. From Yueyang East Station, take bus 61 to Huifeng Home Expo Center stop, then transfer to bus 19 to Yueyang Tower Scenic Area stop. From Yueyang Airport, it's about 40 minutes by taxi or private car. - Local Cuisine: Try local specialties such as Baling Whole Fish, Crispy Diaozi Fish, Yueyang Handmade Fish Cakes, Braised Huitou Fish, and Fish Head with Chopped Chili and Perilla. - Suggested Route: Start with the main tower to appreciate its architecture and cultural relics, then visit the auxiliary buildings like Xianmei Pavilion, Sanzui Pavilion, and Huaifu Pavilion to experience the historical atmosphere. Finally, take a stroll through the Dongting Poetry Gallery and Bianhe Street to experience local customs and culture.