"Be the first to worry about the world's worries and the last to enjoy its pleasures"—this line from Fan Zhongyan's Northern Song dynasty essay "Yueyang Tower chronicle" made Yue Yang Tower by Dongting Lake a household name. The main tower, Yueyang Tower, is said to have evolved from a naval review tower built by Lu Su of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period. Alongside Yellow Crane Tower in Hubei and Tengwang Pavilion in Jiangxi, it is hailed as one of the three great towers of southern China. Poets like Li Bai, Du Fu, Meng Haoran, and Bai Juyi once climbed it to compose verses. From the top floor, leaning on the railings, you can take in the vast expanse of Dongting Lake stretching hundreds of miles, with Junshan Island visible across the waters—where timeless verses and the lake's beauty converge in this moment. The tower itself is an architectural treasure: its three-story, triple-eave structure is built entirely of wood with mortise-and-tenon joints—no iron nails used—and four golden nanmu pillars run straight from the ground to the rooftop. The helmet-shaped roof, called "helmet crown," is supported by layered ruyi bracket sets, a rare design among surviving ancient towers in China. Inside, carved Qing-dynasty panels of "Yueyang Tower chronicle" are preserved—pause to admire them when ascending. The small attractions within the attraction each have their own highlights: near the gate, the "Five-dynasty towers" use bronze miniature models to recreate Yueyang Tower's different architectural styles from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, showcasing a millennium of changes at a glance. On the lakeshore in front of the main tower, ancient iron artifacts resembling shackles and weighing several tons are displayed—their casting era and purpose remain debated, forming a long-standing historical mystery. Additionally, there are the Shuanggong Shrine commemorating Fan Zhongyan and Teng Zijing, the stele corridor engraved with poems about the tower from various dynasties, and the Xiaoqiao Tomb—said to belong to the wife of Three Kingdoms general Zhou Yu—waiting to be explored. If you wish to extend your itinerary, you may also take a boat tour of Dongting Lake and visit Junshan Island on the opposite shore. The nearby Bianhe Street, a cobblestone-paved antique-style street, is lined with local snack stalls and souvenir shops, making it convenient to explore along with the nearby Baling Square.

Yueyang · 4.1km from downtown

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No. 12 of Family-friendly Attractions in Hunan

Yueyang Chinese Giant Panda Garden

6.4

4.6/5

833 reviews

The Yueyang Chinese Giant Panda Garden project is located at Longshan, Nanhu in Yueyang, Hunan Province, covering an area of approx. 367 acres with a total construction area of approx. 20,000m². The garden features 9 panda enclosures, a panda science museum, panda restaurant, panda ice and snow pavilion, panda market, ecological wetland, and supporting infrastructure like greener views. It is currently home to 10 giant pandas. With its lake and mountain views as the main scenic highlights, the Yueyang Chinese Giant Panda Garden seamlessly integrates with the urban environment, showcasing pandas in captive, ecological, and dynamic forms. It is dedicated to panda resource conservation, vitality training, scientific research, breeding, and regional greener development.

Yueyang · 4.1km from downtown

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No. 13 of Family-friendly Attractions in Hunan

Junshan Islet

6.4

4.2/5

1.6k reviews

Junshan is a small island in Dongting Lake—a lake which stretches over 400 kilometers. It is on the opposite side of the famous Yueyang Building. The island is shaded by lush greenery and has a large lakeside wetland. There are many places of interest on the island, such as Xiangfei's Tomb and the Two Ladies' Tombs. Xiangfei's Tomb is built to commemorate Xiangfei, and the Two Ladies' Tomb is built to commemorate the two concubines who are buried here.

Yueyang · 11.8km from downtown

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No. 15 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Hunan

Lake Dongting

6.1

4.5/5

465 reviews

Lake Dongting is the second-largest freshwater lake in China. This body of water is a vast remnant left behind after the recession of the ancient Yunmeng Marsh, and it has been known as "800-li Dongting" since ancient times. Influenced by siltation and the division of sandbars, the lake is generally divided into East Dongting Lake, South Dongting Lake, and West Dongting Lake. It is surrounded by mountains on the east, south, and west, and opens to the Yangtze River in the north. The lakes, river channels, and sandbars are intertwined, creating a landscape of plains and water towns. Classic spots for viewing the lake include Yueyang Tower and Junshan Island. Climbing Yueyang Tower and looking out from the railing, the lake view is fully captured, perfectly matching the atmosphere of "embracing distant mountains and swallowing the Yangtze River" described in Fan Zhongyan's "Yueyang Tower Record." Junshan Island, located in the heart of the lake, is an iconic island of this vast lake. Historical sites such as the Tomb of the Two Consorts and Liuyi Well, along with the legend of the Xiangfei bamboo, are passed down here. The famous Junshan Yinzhen tea produced on the island is also quite well-known. In the Chenglingji area, where the lake water flows into the Yangtze River, you can also see the scene of the lake and river waters, which have different colors, converging and flowing majestically eastward. This lake area is known as a land of fish and rice. It is rich in fish such as carp, grass carp, and silver carp. Silverfish is a traditional specialty, and products from the lake area like Xiang lotus seeds are also famous. The water level of the lake fluctuates significantly with the seasons. During the high-water season, the misty waves reach the sky, while during the low-water season, sandbars are exposed and reeds stretch across the area. The scenery varies greatly depending on the time of visit. Every winter, large numbers of migratory birds arrive at the East Dongting Lake wetland to overwinter.

Yueyang County · 10.2km from downtown

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No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Yueyang

Sheng'an Temple

5.6

4.6/5

195 reviews

Sheng'an Temple, also known as Sheng'an Ancient Temple, is a Buddhist temple in Yueyang, Hunan, standing on Dagui Mountain. The whole temple is magnificent, with flying eaves and corners, and magnificent. Stepping into the temple, the melodious "Great Compassion Mantra", the peaceful chanting and the lingering sandalwood incense will bring people into a strong Buddhist cultural atmosphere. Following the road, the temple can be divided into the mountain gate, the hall, the Great Hall, the Buddha Hall, the Guanyin Hall, and the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda. The mountain gate is the main gate of Sheng'an Temple. It was built in imitation of the Buddhist Incense Pavilion Archway in the Summer Palace. There are five gates in total, also collectively known as the Wisdom Gate. The hall is one of the main buildings of Sheng'an Temple, and it is unique in modern Chinese temple architecture. It consists of the hall, the bell and drum tower, and the Sutra Pavilion. The hall is filled with incense, and there is a Maitreya Buddha statue. The Buddha statue is bare-backed, with a rosary in his hands and a smile on his face. On both sides of the Maitreya Buddha statue, there are four Dharma protectors, commonly known as the "Four Great Vajra", also known as the Four. The statue is tall and majestic, with graceful and smooth lines, and lifelike. On the back of the Buddha cage in the hall is a statue of Weituo, the guardian deity in Buddhism. He holds a pestle to subdue demons, and his statue is solemn, giving people a sense of power without anger. The Great Hall of the Buddha stands between the hall and the Buddhist Chanting Hall. With carved beams and painted buildings, flying eaves and corners, it naturally integrates people into a solemn atmosphere. There are three big Buddhas in the hall. The Wanfo Pagoda is built on the top of the Big Turtle Mountain and is also a tower to guard the mountain. On the base of the tower, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of Nanhu Lake on the right, with seven small turtle mountains floating on the water, sometimes floating and sometimes sinking, and lifelike; looking to the left, you can see Dongting Lake in the distance, with white sails of commercial ships coming and going; looking from the front, you can see Baling City, and the whole city is in full view. Climbing the tower and looking out, the scenery is even more unparalleled, making people linger.

Yueyang · 5km from downtown

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No. 4 of Family-friendly Attractions in Yueyang

Zhang Guying Village

5.5

4.2/5

467 reviews

Zhang Guying Village, an ancient village with many years of history, is located in the Zhang Guying Town, Yueyang County, Yueyang City. Despite the changing world around it, it remains fairly true to its original state. The building materials in the ancient village are mainly wood, supplemented by blue granite bricks. The overall layout has a honeycomb-like structure. The rooms are centered on patios. Each module has an integrated courtyard.

Yueyang County · 38.5km from downtown

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No. 4 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Yueyang

Quzi Cultural Park

5.2

4.0/5

139 reviews

The Quzi Cultural Attraction is backed by the green mountains of Yuxi, surrounded by the endless Miluo River, with green grasslands on its chest and clear lakes in its embrace. Its ecology can be described as a paradise. Climbing high and looking far away, the whole area is colorful, with clear layers and stretched shapes, just like a landscape painting. Walking slowly, the verdant ancient camphor trees are like giant umbrellas, the sparkling lake water kisses the green island, the quiet stream trails are shaded by flowers and plants, and the towering academy has green tiles and flying eaves and ancient trees are fragrant. You can take in the magnificent scenery on the top of Yuxi Mountain, or step on the Zhuoying Bridge to enjoy the flying boats. Between tension and relaxation, the frowns and smiles are caused by the scenery but not by the heart. Transportation guide: Nearby public transportation stations Miluo No. 8 - Quzi Cultural Park Station Walk 259 meters to

Miluo · 6.5km from downtown

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No. 3 of Night Attractions in Yueyang

Baling Square

5

4.5/5

296 reviews

Baling Square is located on the shores of Lake Dongting and is an extension of the Yue Yang Tower Scenic Area toward the lakeshore, adjacent to the food street Bianhe Street and Yueyang Tower Park. The square covers an area of approx. 48,400 m², and its iconic feature is the central "Hou Yi Slaying the Ba Snake" sculpture, which stands approx. 16 m high, has a net weight of 2,000 tons, and was designed and created by the Central Academy of Fine Arts. The sculpture is based on the legend of the Ba snake eating elephants from the *Classic of Mountains and Seas*: legend has it that Hou Yi once slew the Ba snake at Lake Dongting, and the snake's bones piled up to form hills, from which Yueyang's ancient name, "Baling," originated. The sculpture also embodies the meaning of "Hou Yi shoots the Ba snake, and the people are at peace." The square is oriented east-west and is basically symmetrical, echoing the city's historical development axis. The central square is surrounded by sparse woodland and lawns, while the fish culture landscape areas on the north and south sides use architectural features to recreate the fishing scenes of Lake Dongting. The square descends in levels from east to west, with the Baling Grand Steps by the lake reaching the water's edge. Standing on the platform, you can take in a panoramic view of Lake Dongting. The stone railings along the lake are engraved with poems by scholars throughout history praising the lake. Zhanyue Gate, located by the square, is an imitation ancient city gate tower, and Yueyang's "city origin point" is also located on the square.

Yueyang · 4km from downtown

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Selected for Night Attractions in Hunan

Bianhe Street

5

4.1/5

180 reviews

Bianhe Street starts from Yueyang Tower Scenic Spot in the south and faces Dongting Lake in the west. The total length of the street is more than 300 meters. It is a characteristic antique commercial street built on the basis of Yueyang Tower culture, Dongting culture and Baling culture. The architectural design of Bianhe Street is simple and elegant. The scattered Qingshitai Road and the melodious Guqin music add a touch of charm to this antique street. Walking along the bluestone road, there are inns, restaurants and tea houses on both sides, and the stage and pavilions are all blue bricks, blue tiles and white walls, carved windows and painted eaves, with scenery in the street and buildings in the scenery, simple and elegant. There are many gourmet snacks and handicraft shops along the street, which has become a food street in Yueyang.

Yueyang · 4km from downtown

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No. 9 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Yueyang

Pingjiang Shiniuzhai Scenic Area

5

4.8/5

2.7k reviews

Located where Hunan, Hubei, and Chongqing meet, the Glass Bridge Scenic Area of Shiniuzhai has historically been an important strategic area. In the late days of the Yuan dynasty, peasant leader Tang Kuang led troops here and built fortifications, later recorded by local histories as “Shiniuzhai.” Above Shiniuzhai are limitless views, and below it enticing scenery. It is a geological wonderland of strangely shaped rocks, peaks, and stone caves carved out by nature in so many different forms that the beauty cannot be taken in all at once.

Pingjiang · 45.4km from downtown

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4.2/5

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12 days · Three Gorges of the Yangtze River · Shanghai - China - Chongqing

4.7/5

188 reviews39 booked

The rare long-distance route from Shanghai to Chongqing, with a panoramic view of the Yangtze River, three major cuisines from nine famous cities, and canyon scenery

13D12N • Shanghai + Yangtze River Three Gorges + Chongqing

Travel through Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, and Chongqing to experience the diverse charm of each city. Visit the Bund, Jingzhou, and historic Chongqing, where modern and ancient cultures blend together. | Explore Mount Jiuhua, a renowned Buddhist sacred mountain. A fusion of natural beauty and cultural heritage across classic China landscapes. | Stroll along Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street and visit Hongya Cave to experience local culture. Cruise aboard the Century Legend ship and enjoy premium hotels for a high-quality journey.

MandarinGuaranteed departureTour guide includedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Multiple car types availablePrivate Tours

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2027 Advance Sales Now Open [Chongqing to Wuhan on the Yangtze River] Chongqing-Fengdu County-Fengjie County-Yichang-Yueyang-Wuhan, shore excursions: Fengdu Ghost City | White Emperor City | Shennong Stream | Three Gorges Dam | Yue Yang Tower | Two Dams and Three Gorges | sail through the five-stage ship locks of the Three Gorges Dam + Gezhouba Dam, embark in Chongqing

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President Cruise ·

President 73

Depart from Chongqing

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From CAD 666CAD 713

6-day · Yangtze River Three Gorges · Wuhan-Yueyang-Shenzhen-Yichang-Wushan County-Fengjie County-Fengdu County-Chongqing

2026 Full Year Pre-sale [Wuhan to Chongqing • Same Ship Passing Through Two Dams] Wuhan - Yueyang - Yichang - Fengjie County - Fengdu County - Chongqing, Shore Excursions: Yue Yang Tower | Three Gorges Dam | Goddess Stream | White Emperor City | Fengdu Ghost City | Two Dams and Three Gorges | Ship passing through the Three Gorges Dam 5-level ship lock + Gezhouba Dam, Boarding in Wuhan

Instant Discount | Instant Discount-CAD 43

From CAD 574CAD 615

6-day · Yangtze River Three Gorges · Chongqing-Fengdu County-Zhong County-Fengjie County-Badong-Wushan County-Yichang-Yueyang-Wuhan

[Jiangling Fu & Time Wander • Chongqing to Wuhan] Chongqing - Fengdu County - Fengjie County - Yichang - Yueyang - Wuhan, Fengdu Ghost City | White Emperor City | Shennong Stream | Three Gorges Dam | Yueyang Tower | Two Dams and Three Gorges | Ship passing through the Three Gorges Dam five-level ship lock + Gezhouba Dam

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[Jiangling Ode & Time Wander • Wuhan to Chongqing] Wuhan - Yueyang - Yichang - Fengjie County - Fengdu County - Chongqing, shore excursions: Yueyang Tower | Three Gorges Dam | Goddess Stream | White Emperor City | Fengdu Ghost City | Two Dams and Three Gorges | Ship passage through the Three Gorges Dam five-level ship lock + Gezhouba Dam, boarding in Wuhan

4.1/5 · 59 reviews

YANGTZE GOLD CRUISES ·

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Depart from Wuhan

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From CAD 751CAD 772

6-day · Yangtze River Three Gorges · Wuhan-Yueyang-Yichang-Fengjie County-Wushan County-Fengdu County-Chongqing

<Same ship through both dams>Shore excursions: Yueyang Tower|Three Gorges Dam|Goddess Stream|White Emperor City|Fengdu Ghost City or Mt. Wuling Great Rift Valley + 816 Nuclear Project Site|Two dams and Three Gorges|Pass through the 5-step ship locks at Three Gorges Dam + Gezhouba Dam, board in Wuhan

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6-day · Yangtze River Three Gorges · Chongqing-Fengdu County-Zhong County-Fengjie County-Wushan County-Badong-Yichang-Yueyang-Wuhan

<Yuchu Yangtze ·same ship through 2 dams>Chongqing–Fengdu County–Fengjie County–Yichang–Yueyang–Wuhan , Fengdu Ghost City | White Emperor City | Shennong Stream| Three Gorges Dam| Yueyang Tower | Two dams and the Three Gorges | Pass through the 5-stage ship locks at Three Gorges Dam + Gezhouba Dam , with worry-free luggage handling

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Yueyang Today's weatherOvercast 13-14℃

Yueyang weather for the next 2 days11/13: 13-15℃, 11/14: 14-17℃

M28***192 March 2026

5.0

This is a highly recommended attraction with stunning scenery. Standing on the glass suspension bridge offers a unique and unforgettable experience. A walk along the cliffside walkway adds to the experience. The most distinctive feature is the clover-shaped "Sky Eye" at the summit, offering a 360-degree panoramic view as if floating among the clouds, pushing the limits of the glass suspension bridge.

Pingjiang Shiniuzhai Scenic Area

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Trip Moments in Yueyang

Free Yao village near Wuhan | The first ancient Yao village in China, hidden at the border of Hunan and Hubei

“📍Location: Neichong Yao Village, Daping Township, Tongcheng County, Xianning, Hubei | Located in the Mufu Mountains at the Hunan-Hubei border, this niche cultural Yao village offers free admission.”

@OrlaaaaaGEM · 5 hours ago

Yueyang 2-Day 1-Night Trip | Stay at this private hot spring hotel and explore Dongting Lake—it's so relaxing

“There's more to Yueyang than just Yueyang Tower!”

@William~Hill-Mason · 9 hours ago

Orange Isle Scenic Area

@TheodoreLivingston20 · 13 hours ago

Yueyang Family Trip | Stay at Huaya Yunman·Pu, visit Yueyang Tower, and watch the sunset over Dongting Lake

“I'm telling you!”

@charliesunflower · 16 hours ago

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Popular cities near Yueyang

Mount Hengshan

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Things to do in Yueyang

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Yueyang

Yue Yang Tower

Yueyang Chinese Giant Panda Garden

Junshan Islet

Lake Dongting

Sheng'an Temple

Zhang Guying Village

Quzi Cultural Park

Baling Square

Bianhe Street

Pingjiang Shiniuzhai Scenic Area

Traveller favourites curated for you

"Today's Yueyang Tower" Night Tour Performance

Pingjiang: Travel photo shoot follow-up shoot photography family-friendly personal couple short video promotional video portrait wedding translation

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6-day · Yangtze River Three Gorges · Chongqing-Fengdu County-Zhong County-Fengjie County-Wushan County-Badong-Yichang-Yueyang-Wuhan

Free things to do in Yueyang

Lake Dongting

Baling Square

Bianhe Street

Yueyang Museum

Cishi Tower

Dongting Lake Town

South Lake

Dongting Lake Museum

Yueyang Church School (Hubin University) Former Site

What travellers say about Yueyang

Yue Yang Tower

Yueyang Chinese Giant Panda Garden

Junshan Islet

Lake Dongting

Sheng'an Temple

Zhang Guying Village

Quzi Cultural Park

Baling Square

Bianhe Street

Pingjiang Shiniuzhai Scenic Area

Trip Moments in Yueyang

Free Yao village near Wuhan | The first ancient Yao village in China, hidden at the border of Hunan and Hubei

Yueyang 2-Day 1-Night Trip | Stay at this private hot spring hotel and explore Dongting Lake—it's so relaxing

Orange Isle Scenic Area

Yueyang Family Trip | Stay at Huaya Yunman·Pu, visit Yueyang Tower, and watch the sunset over Dongting Lake

Popular cities near Yueyang

Mount Hengshan

Xiangtan

Changsha

Frequently asked questions

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Can I change or cancel my booking?

How can I get discounted prices?