Yellow Crane Tower Wuhan China is a must-see destination in the capital city of Hubei Province. It is one of the highest AAAAA (5A) rated tourist attractions in China. It is a matter of shame that I visited this amazing place one year after coming to Wuhan. This is in the list of the top 40 tourist places in China.
The Chinese name of this tower is Huang He Lou. The whole Yellow Crane Tower complex is huge. You should plan at least a half-day tour. It is better to make a full-day tour to enjoy the whole area. This iconic attraction will not disappoint you.
It is not only amazing for its architectural beauty but also for its historical background. The place is worth visiting as the foreigners use the words “stunning”, “breathtaking” after making a trip here. It is one of the four great towers in China.
The History of Yellow Crane Tower
This tower has a long complicated history. It was first built in 223 AD by Wu kingdom king Sun Quan as a military watchtower. The tower has been destroyed many times and repaired on different occasions. The reasons were warfare and fire.
The last tower at the original site was built in 1868. But, it was destroyed again in 1884. The construction of the present tower was started in 1981 and completed in 1985 by Wuhan City Government.
The fame of this tower was made by Tang dynasty poet Cui Hao in the 8th century. He wrote a poem titled “Yellow Crane Tower”. Another famous poem was written by Li Bai titled ” Seeing off Meng Haoran for Guangling at Yellow Crane Tower”.
Legends of Yellow Crane Tower
(1) The tower was built by the family of an old pothouse owner. He lived in Wuhan long ago, named Old Xin. One day, a Taoist priest came to the pothouse and asked for some wine.
His son was very kind. He gave the Taoist some wine without asking for money although his father paid no attention to him. The priest visited the pothouse regularly for half a year.
One day the Taoist said to the son that he would like to draw a crane on the wall of the pothouse to repay his kindness. And the crane would dance at his request.
Hearing this, the people flocked to the pothouse to see the dancing crane. Soon, the family became rich. As a symbol of gratitude to the Taoist priest, they built the Yellow Crane Tower.
(2) An Immortal named Wang Zi’an rode away from Snake Mountain on a yellow crane. Later a tower was built here in commemoration of this story.
(3) A person named Fei Wenyi became immortal and rode a yellow crane. He often stopped on Snake Hill to take a rest. This was the cause of building a tower there.
Location
It is located on the Snake Hill of Wuchang district in Wuhan. The address has been given below:
No. 56, Minzhou Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
How to Go to Yellow Crane Tower Complex
10, 61, 64, 108, 401, 402, 411, 413, 584 are the buses that go to this park. You can also use tram lines 1 and 4.
Visiting Time
- April 1 to October 31: 08:00AM – 18:40PM
- November 1 to March 31: 08:00AM – 17:40PM
Entry Fees
The regular ticket price is 80 CNY. But, the low ticket price is applicable to children, students, and senior citizens.
What to See in Yellow Crane Tower Wuhan China
Yellow Crane Tower park is divided into four parts. These are eastern, southern, western, and northern sections. Here is the list of sights of the sections you will be able to see.
Eastern Section: East Gate, Decorated Archway, Yue Fei Pavilion, Yue Fei’s Bronze Statue, and Yue Fei’s Exploits Arch.
Southern Section: Crane Riding Pavilion, A Scroll of Cui Hao Inscribing a Brilliant Poem in Relief, Genious Scaring Pavilion, Grotesque Rock Garden, Purple Bamboo, South Tower, Pavilion of Mao, Return of Ninety Nine Cranes in Relief, White Dragon Pond, Ancient Stele Colonnade, Goose Pond, Goose Plaque Pavilion, Gallery of Steles of Poems, Mume Falling Pavilion, Crapemyrtle Yard, Le Tian Pavilion, Dream Pavilion, Old Well, and Ancient Yellow Crane Street.
Western Section: West Gate, Sacred Stupa, Sanchu Yilou Archway, Path in Clouds Pavilion, Delicate Green Pavilion, Rainbow Plucking Pavilion, River Overlooking Pavilion, Bronze Sculpture The Return of the Yellow Crane, Yellow Crane Tower, Bronze Roof, Millennium Bell, and Cool Greeting Pavilion.
Northern Section: Moon Surging Terrace, White Cloud Pavilion, Pavilion of Celestial Fei Yi, Cave of Immortal Lu, Cloud Lingering Pavilion, Myriad Pines Garden, Rock Mirror Pavilion, Pavilion of Immortal Jujube, Azalea Garden, Knees Holding Pavilion, Four Seasons Arch, Mume Garden, Recluse Pavilion, All-Embracing Pavilion, and Qizhang Pavilion.
What to Do
Climb up the Yellow Crane Tower and enjoy the outlook. When you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Wuhan.
There are some street shops where you can do shopping. The whole tourist spot is recognized as a park which is an excellent combination of natural and artificial beauties.
The night view of this tower is awesome. The authority has an arrangement of mini sightseeing buses inside the park. If you don’t want to walk, then you can use it by buying tickets.
All types of tourists can visit this place. Collect one of the free route maps immediately after entering there. Walking from one end to another end is fantastic.
Suggestions
It is better to avoid visiting the Yellow Crane Tower during Chinese holidays or weekends as it becomes too crowded.
This beautiful and well-maintained tourist spot is highly recommended by foreigners. If you are in Wuhan, never miss this signature tourist attraction of this city. You will enjoy visiting Yellow Crane Tower Wuhan China.