Things to do in Yueyang
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Top 10 attractions in Yueyang
Yue Yang Tower
"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
Junshan Islet
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
Lake Dongting
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
Sheng'an Temple
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
Zhang Guying Village
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
Quzi Cultural Park
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 toMiluo · 6.5km from downtown
Baling Square
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
Bianhe Street
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
Pingjiang Shiniuzhai Scenic Area
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
Liuzhuang(Former Residence of Zuo Zongtang)
The former residence of Zuo Zongtang Liuzhuang is located in Xinguang Village, Jinlong Town, Xiangyin County. Because it is the hometown of Zuo Zongtang, a famous official in the late Qing Dynasty, many tourists from all over the country come to worship each year, not only the descendants of the Zuo clan, Zuo clan, but also tourists from all directions.Xiangyin · 16km from downtown
Free things to do in Yueyang
Lake Dongting
Yueyang County · 10.2km from downtownBaling Square
Yueyang · 4km from downtownBianhe Street
Yueyang · 4km from downtown
Yueyang Museum
Yueyang · 1.4km from downtown
Cishi Tower
Yueyang · 3.8km from downtown
Dongting Lake Town
Yueyang · 4.5km from downtown
South Lake
Yueyang · 2.8km from downtown
Dongting Lake Museum
Yueyang · 11.8km from downtown
Wujian Mountain National Forest Park
Linxiang · 6.7km from downtown
Yueyang Church School (Hubin University) Former Site
Yueyang · 6km from downtown
More ways to travel from Yueyang
Yueyang Cruises
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What travellers say about Yueyang
Anonymous user12 October 2026
4.0
We didn't enter the scenic area until 4 PM, so we could only do a quick look around. The queue at Yueyang Tower was incredibly long; it was almost evening, and we waited for over half an hour. Everyone just turned on their phone flashlights, groped their way up and down the stairs in the dark, took some photos, checked off our list, and left 😂 It felt like there were still so many places we didn't get to see. Yueyang Tower, as an original ancient tower, is the only one of the four famous towers built entirely of wood. Next time, I'll spend more time learning about this historical tower and watching the evening shows!
Yue Yang Tower
139***6426 August 2026
5.0
Before the trip, I read various travel guides,
so I didn't have high expectations.
But the elderly and children came back full of praise.
It has history, scenery, and you can even leisurely ride around on a small electric scooter.
Truly a green snail in a silver platter.
Junshan Islet
悠哉悠哉015 July 2026
5.0
Last week, I went to Dongting Lake with friends. When we arrived in the morning, a thin mist was floating on the lake, creating a very atmospheric scene. We strolled along the lakeside path, enjoying the cool breeze carrying the moisture. We stopped at a roadside stall for some delicious fish; it was incredibly fresh. In the afternoon, we took a boat tour, where we could see the vast expanse of the lake, with Junshan Island appearing and disappearing in the distance. We spent the whole day there without getting bored, and every photo we took looked beautiful. I definitely want to bring my family back next time! 🌊
Lake Dongting
M18***3730 April 2026
4.0
Sheng'an Temple in Yueyang is built against a mountain, requiring visitors to climb steps to reach it. The Bodhisattvas inside are dignified and majestic, inspiring awe.
Entrance to Sheng'an Temple requires a ticket. Parking is available nearby for 10 yuan. Electric vehicles charging their devices can park for free for two hours.
Overall, the two large golden Buddha statues at Sheng'an Temple are dazzling and photogenic.
Sheng'an Temple
Anonymous user1 July 2025
4.0
The weather is too hot. Zhangguying Village is a good ancient village because it is alive. It has a similar style to Yongding Tulou. But it is not serious to say that the folk Forbidden City is not serious. Is there any prejudice against the Forbidden City?
Zhang Guying Village
陪娃小时光6 May 2026
4.0
The environment was beautiful, but the games were just average, the rules were inconsistent, and the game questions were somewhat questionable. The performances were uninteresting and not as good as street shows. I mainly went to Qu Yuan Temple, and there weren't many people during the May Day holiday.
Quzi Cultural Park
臭美31 January 2025
5.0
I went to Baling Square after visiting Yueyang Tower, then crossed the pedestrian street and ran to the front to watch the sunset and relax. There weren't too many people there and no entrance fee was required, so I walked back slowly, feeling leisurely and comfortable. When I turned back and passed the big square, I realized that I almost missed the night view of Baling Square, where you can enjoy various snacks, ride a bike, and see Dongting Lake.
Baling Square
第二号爱人1 April 2022
4.0
The street is also an entrepreneurial street here, so there are many entrepreneurial shops here, and the transportation is still good. The most famous commercial entities in Yueyang are connected here. Not far away is Yueyang Port and Yuxiangzi.
Bianhe Street
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
Anonymous user2 October 2026
5.0
As a Chinese person, there are three places worth visiting, one of which is Liuzhuang. This is because it is the former residence of the national hero Zuo Zongtang. "Newly planted willows stretch for three thousand miles, drawing the spring breeze across the Jade Gate Pass!" In the late Qing Dynasty, when the nation was weak and teetering on the brink of collapse, Zuo Zongtang led his troops into battle, ultimately recovering Xinjiang! His achievements are unparalleled in China, and his name will be remembered for eternity! Liuzhuang's furnishings are relatively simple and authentic, making it well worth a visit!
Liuzhuang(Former Residence of Zuo Zongtang)
