Yueyang (岳阳) is a historic port city in Hunan Province, China. It is renowned for its cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery, centered around the immense Dongting Lake and the iconic Yueyang Tower.
Understand
[edit]Yueyang, located in northern Hunan Province, is a historic and cultural city on the shores of Dongting Lake and at the intersection of the Yangtze River. It has a history of more than 2,500 years and was once a major military and trading center due to its strategic position between the lake and the river.
The city is home to Yueyang Tower (岳阳楼), a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture and one of the “Three Great Towers of Jiangnan.” The tower has inspired countless poets and writers, most famously in Fan Zhongyan’s “Record of Yueyang Tower.”
Today, Yueyang remains an important cultural and tourism hub in the Dongting Lake region, blending history, poetry, and the stunning natural scenery of China’s second-largest freshwater lake.
- Official Government Website of Yueyang[dead link]
Orientation
[edit]Yueyang is divided into three main urban districts — Yueyanglou District, Yunxi District, and Junshan District — each offering a different experience of the city.
- Yueyanglou District (岳阳楼区) – The historical and cultural center of the city, home to the famous Yueyang Tower, Dongting Lake waterfront, and the main commercial areas. Most visitors stay in this district.
- Junshan District (君山区) – Located on the western side of Dongting Lake, known for its natural scenery and Junshan Island, which is associated with many ancient legends.
- Yunxi District (云溪区) – The industrial and developing part of Yueyang, hosting the city’s main port facilities and transportation hubs along the Yangtze River.
Together, these districts form the urban core of Yueyang, connected by modern bridges and highways across Dongting Lake. The surrounding counties, such as Miluo and Linxiang, are also easily accessible and worth short excursions.
History
[edit]Yueyang's history is deeply tied to Dongting Lake and the Yangtze River, making it a strategic port for over 2,500 years. Its pivotal moment came during the Song Dynasty (1044 AD), when the official and scholar Fan Zhongyan wrote his renowned essay "Memorial to Yueyang Tower" (《岳阳楼记》), which immortalized the tower and left the famous dictum "Be the first to bear hardship, and the last to enjoy comfort" (先天下之忧而忧，后天下之乐而乐). The city reached cultural prominence during the Northern Song Dynasty, when its tower became a lasting symbol of loyalty, responsibility, and public service in Chinese culture.
During the Spring and Autumn period, it was part of the ancient state of Chu. In the Tang Dynasty, the city flourished as an important military and trading hub due to its strategic location at the junction of the Yangtze River and Dongting Lake.
In later centuries, Yueyang served as a major river port and regional center for commerce and grain transport and as a critical gateway for trade and cultural exchange along the middle reaches of the Yangtze. Much of its ancient city wall was damaged during the Second Sino-Japanese War, but Yueyang has since grown into a major industrial and tourism center.
Today, it preserves many of its historical landmarks, including ancient temples, traditional streets, and the scenic Dongting Lake area, reflecting the deep connection between the city’s history and its natural setting.
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Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]- 1 Yueyang Sanhe Airport (岳阳三荷机场 Yuèyáng Sānhé Jīchǎng), Yueyanglou district in Hunan, toll-free: +0730 2966666. Yueyang Sanhe Airport is a 4C class airport in the northwest of Yueyanglou District.
By train
[edit]The city sits on the Beijing-Guangzhou railway line. Fast trains take 30 minutes and regular trains around 2 hours and a half to either the provincial capital Changsha or to Wuhan at Hubei province.
By bus
[edit]Buses depart from Changsha east, west and south bus stations.
Get around
[edit]Yueyang’s main attractions are relatively close to each other, especially around the Yueyang Tower and Dongting Lake area. Bike-sharing apps such as Meituan and Hello Bike are also widely available. Boats and ferries operate to Junshan Island and along Dongting Lake, offering scenic rides.
Taxis are ¥7.
Buses are ¥2.
Bus 55 connects high-speed railway station Yueyang east station with the regular train station Yueyang station.
See
[edit]
- 1 Yueyang Tower (岳阳楼 Yuèyáng Lóu), ☏ 0730-8311676. Walk south from the train station till you reach balingzhong lu (巴陵中路) and head towards west until you hit the lake. Alongside the Pavilion of Prince Teng and Yellow Crane Tower, it is one of the Three Great Towers of Jiangnan. As of 2024, admission to the Yueyang Tower Scenic Area costs 70 RMB for adults. Concessions (35 RMB) are available for students, minors aged 14–18, and seniors aged 60–65 with valid ID, while children under 14, seniors over 65, persons with disabilities, and active-duty military personnel are admitted free. The site is open from 7:30 to 18:00 during the day and from 18:00 to 21:30 in the evening. Between 10 February and 31 December 2024, visitors who successfully recited the full text of Memorial to Yueyang Tower at the Beiji Pavilion could obtain a free same-day ticket through advance reservation on Alipay.
- 2 Junshan Island (君山岛 Jūnshān Dǎo), Junshan District Tourist Road, ☏ 0370-8159066. 08：30-17：30. This little island attracts Chinese tourist and locals alike. Great place to see the local flora and watch families hang out with their children. It can be reached by bus, boat and also by foot. The latter is recommended for more sightseeing.
- 3 Zhangguying village (张谷英村 Zhānggǔyīng Cūn). A small village from Ming dynasty, 80 kilometers to the southeast.
- 4 Yueyang Museum (岳阳博物馆), 60 Nanhu Ave, Yueyanglou District (Take bus No.23 or NO.11 to Yueyang Museum stop. About 20 minutes from Yueyang Railway Station.), ☏ +86 730 880 3777. 09:00–17:00 (closed on Mondays). A modern museum featuring Yueyang’s history, archaeology, and folk culture. Exhibits include ancient relics, calligraphy, and regional heritage displays. 0¥.
- 5 Dongting Lake (洞庭湖). China's second-largest freshwater lake. It is a vital ecosystem, especially for migratory birds. The lake's scenery changes dramatically with the seasons.
Historical sites
[edit]- 6 Qu Yuan Temple (屈原祠). 08:30-17:00. Dedicated to Qu Yuan, the famous Chu poet who drowned himself in the Miluo River. The temple commemorates his life and poetry. Free.
- 7 Yueyang Confucian Temple (岳阳文庙). 09:00-17:00. A well-preserved Confucian temple dating back to the Song Dynasty, offering insight into traditional Chinese education and philosophy. ¥20.
Do
[edit]Walk along a man made rock path around the tower area on the lake side and watch the city wall. Although a modern reconstruction, it gives you an idea of how it was back in the old days.
- Cycle around Nanhu Lake - A scenic lake area within the city, perfect for a relaxing bike ride.
- Bird watching at Dongting Lake - Best during the winter and spring migration seasons.
- Watch the "Dongting Sheyue" Immersion Light Show - A large-scale outdoor performance that uses light and water to tell local legends.
- Attend the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) - If you visit in May or June (based on the lunar calendar), you can witness traditional dragon boat races on the Miluo River, a tributary of Dongting Lake near Yueyang. This area is considered the birthplace of the festival, which commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan.
- 1 Dongting Lake Cruise (洞庭湖游船), Yueyang Tower Pier, ☏ +86 730-8315588. 09:00-16:30, hourly departures. Take a boat tour around Dongting Lake to enjoy the scenery and get a different perspective of Yueyang Tower from the water. ¥80-150.
- 2 Junshan Island Tea Tasting (君山银针品茶), Junshan Island Tea Plantation. 09:00-17:00. Sample the famous Junshan Yinzhen yellow tea, one of China's Ten Famous Teas, at its place of origin. ¥30-100.
- 3 Yueyang International Dragon Boat Festival (岳阳国际龙舟节), Miluo River. Early June annually. Experience this vibrant festival celebrating Qu Yuan with dragon boat races, traditional music, and zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). Free to watch.
- 4 Evening Light Show at Yueyang Tower (岳阳楼灯光秀), Yueyang Tower Scenic Area. 19:30-21:00 (summer months). Witness the spectacular light and sound show that illuminates Yueyang Tower and tells the history of the city. Included with tower admission.
- 5 Biking along Dongting Lake (环洞庭湖骑行). 24 hours. Rent a bicycle and explore the scenic paths around Dongting Lake, especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset. Bike rental ¥20-50/hour.
Cultural experiences
[edit]- 6 Yueyang Intangible Cultural Heritage Center (岳阳非物质文化遗产馆), ☏ +86 730-8223456. 09:00-17:00 (closed Mondays). Learn about local crafts including Yueyang paper-cutting, bamboo weaving, and traditional dyeing techniques. Free.
- 7 Calligraphy at Yueyang Tower (岳阳楼书法体验), Yueyang Tower Cultural Area. 10:00-16:00 weekends. Try your hand at traditional Chinese calligraphy while overlooking Dongting Lake, inspired by the literary heritage of the tower. ¥50.
Buy
[edit]Yueyang offers a variety of local specialties and souvenirs that make for perfect gifts and mementos.
- Junshan Yinzhen Tea (君山银针) - This is a high-quality yellow tea produced on Junshan Island in Dongting Lake. It is known for its unique appearance and mild flavor.
- Dongting Lake Biluochun Tea (洞庭碧螺春) - A type of green tea known for its delicate spiral shape and floral aroma.
- Yueyang Lou Miniature Replicas - Small models of the iconic Yueyang Tower are popular souvenirs.
- Xiangxiu Embroidery (湘绣) - As one of China's four famous embroideries, Xiangxiu is renowned for its intricate designs and vibrant colors. You can find embroidered items like handkerchiefs and wall hangings.
- Dongting Lake Silver Fish (洞庭银鱼) - These small, white, dried fish are a local delicacy. They are often used in soups or stir-fried with eggs.
For shopping, you can find these items at:
- Yueyanglou Scenic Area Souvenir Shops - Convenient but prices might be higher.
- Local Tea Markets - For a wider selection of teas.
- Bianhe Street (Bianhe Jie) - A bustling street near the Yueyang Tower scenic area with various shops and stalls selling souvenirs and snacks .
Eat
[edit]- 1 Dongting Flavors Restaurant (洞庭风味馆), 1 Dongting South Road, ☏ +86 730 8288 8888. 10:00-22:00. Specializes in fresh fish from Dongting Lake. Their signature dish is Steamed Fish Head with Pickled Chilies. A bit touristy but reliable for local cuisine. ¥¥.
- 2 Old Street Noodle Shop (老街面馆), Alley 5, Bianhe Street. 06:30-14:00. A no-frills local favorite for a quick and delicious breakfast. Famous for its hot dry noodles and other local breakfast snacks. ¥.
Drink
[edit]The nightlife in Yueyang is relatively laid-back, with options ranging from traditional teahouses to modern bars. The area around the scenic spots and the city center offers a variety of choices .
- Teahouses (茶馆 Cháguǎn) - Enjoying a cup of local tea, such as Junshan Yinzhen, in a tranquil teahouse is a must-do experience in Yueyang. Many teahouses offer beautiful views of the lake.
- Bars and Cafes - The city center and areas near the lake have a growing number of bars and cafes, catering to both locals and tourists.
- Local Beer - Like many Chinese cities, Yueyang has its own local beers. You can find them in most restaurants and bars.
local specialty drink
[edit]Junshan Silver Needle Tea（君山银针） A high-quality, yellow-toned tea produced on Junshan Island.
Changle Sweet Rice Wine (长乐甜酒)A traditional sweet fermented rice wine from Changle Town near Yueyang. It has a light golden color, rich aroma, and a mildly sweet taste with low alcohol content.
Yueyang Yellow Tea (岳阳黄茶)A well-known yellow tea produced in the Dongting Lake region of Yueyang. It has a bright golden color and a smooth, mellow flavor with a lingering sweet aftertaste. The tea leaves are lightly fermented and roasted, giving them a distinctive aroma between green and black tea.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Yueyang Tower Hotel (岳阳楼酒店), 20 Dongting North Road (Opposite the Yueyang Tower scenic area), ☏ +86 730 8888 8888, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A comfortable business hotel with excellent views of Dongting Lake. Well-located for exploring the main attractions. ¥¥¥.
- 2 7 Days Inn Yueyang (七天连锁酒店), 125 Bayi Road, ☏ +86 730 8288 9999. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A reliable and clean budget chain hotel located in the city center, offering good value for money. ¥.
Connect
[edit]Staying connected in Yueyang is straightforward for travelers.
- Telephone - The area code for Yueyang is 0730. When calling from outside China, dial +86 730 followed by the local number.
- Internet Access - Most hotels, hostels, and modern cafes offer free Wi-Fi. Major shopping malls and some public areas might also have wireless hotspots.
- Postal Services - China Post (中国邮政 Zhōngguó Yóuzhèng) offices are scattered throughout the city. You can find them for sending postcards and parcels. Look for their distinctive green signage.
- News and Media - For local news and events, you can check the website of the Yueyang Municipal Government[dead link].
Go next
[edit]- Zhangguying village(张谷英村) :The town was built by a family surnamed Zhang, whom migrated during Ming dynasty from neighboring Jiangxi province in search of a place that would fit perfectly into Chinese fengshui. The town has a creek that flows through it and it's surrounded by mountains.
- Changsha - The vibrant provincial capital, a short train ride away.
- Wuhan - The capital of Hubei Province, another major city accessible by high-speed rail.
- Explore the smaller ancient towns and natural scenery of northeastern Hunan.