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Yueyang Pavilion
Introducing Yueyang Pavilion
Yueyang Pavilion is an ancient structure steeped in history. Yueyang Pavilion is perched on the shores of Dongting Lake in Yueyang, Hunan Province. Originally constructed in 215 AD as a military structure where generals could review their troops, it later served purely as a scenic landmark. After being rebuilt numerous times, the current structure, dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), boasts a unique three-story, wooden design with flying eaves and intricate carvings.
Immortalized in Northern Song Dynasty’s (960-1127) Scholar, Fan Zhongyan’s famous prose “On Yueyang Pavilion (岳阳楼记)“, the pavilion is a symbol of civic virtue and a pilgrimage site for those seeking inspiration from its panoramic views of the vast lake and surrounding mountains, embodying the spirit of “being the first to worry about the world’s troubles and the last to enjoy its happiness.”
Yueyang Pavilion Fast Facts
• AKA: Yueyang Tower
• Chinese Name: Yueyanglou 岳阳楼
• Date Established: 215 AD
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Chinese History and Culture, Architecture
• Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY70
• Address: Dongting North Road, Yueyanglou District, Yueyang, Hunan Province
What to Expect at Yueyang Pavilion
Yueyang Pavilion, one of the Three Great Pavilions and Towers of the southern China alongside the Pavilion of Prince Teng and Yellow Crane Tower, is renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance. It is a perfect place to contemplate and try to resonate with the poets and scholars who once ascended it.
Yueyang Pavilion
Yueyang Pavilion, from afar, presents a breathtaking spectacle of color and grace, resembling a magnificent bird poised for flight. Its vibrant red and yellow hues gleam against the backdrop of the tranquil Dongting Lake, reflecting its image alongside drifting clouds and distant white sails against the blue horizon.
This remarkable three-story wooden structure, standing 19.42 meters (63.7 ft) tall, is built upon a robust system of interconnected pillars. Four central sandalwood pillars rise through all three stories, forming the core of the pavilion and supporting its distinctive helmet-shaped roof. These are augmented by twelve corridor pillars and thirty-two eave pillars, all expertly joined using traditional mortise and tenon techniques, creating a stable and interconnected framework of beams, rafters, and purlins.
The pavilion’s most striking feature, its helmet-shaped roof, is a unique element in ancient Chinese architecture. Layered and interlocking brackets create the impression of an ancient general’s helmet, covered in glazed yellow tiles that contribute to the pavilion’s grand and dignified presence. The roof’s artistry extends beyond its unique shape, with eye-catching flying dragon sculptures and intricate dragon and phoenix carvings adorning the beams. Inside, each of the three floors offers a glimpse into the pavilion’s rich history and artistic heritage, with walls adorned by carved screen inscriptions and couplets.
Sanzui Pavilion
The Sanzui Pavilion (Thrice-Drunk Pavilion), located north of Yueyang Pavilion, is one of its auxiliary structures. Standing opposite the Xianmei Pavilion, it derives its name from the legend of Lü Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals in Chinese mythology, who represents scholars and intellectuals. Following the tradition of ancient Chinese scholars and poets who enjoyed drinking while appreciating beautiful landscapes, Lü Dongbin is said to have been so captivated by the beauty of Yueyang Pavilion and its surroundings that he became intoxicated by the scenery three times.
This two-story structure, reaching a height of 9 meters (29.5 ft) and covering an area of 135.7 square meters, boasts a traditional double-eaved hip-and-gable roof adorned with vibrant red pillars and green tiles. Intricate carvings grace its wooden doors and windows, the door itself featuring key fret window lattices and depictions of various legendary stories, further connecting the pavilion to the realm of myth and legend. Inside, on the first floor, a portrait of a reclining Lü Dongbin hangs on a screen, a visual reminder of the pavilion’s namesake and the enchanting tale behind its creation.
Xianmei Pavilion
The Xianmei Pavilion, also known as the “Immortal Plum Pavilion”, is a small, hexagonal, two-story wooden structure situated on the south side of the famous Yueyang Pavilion, directly across from the Sanzui Pavilion. This secondary pavilion features three tiers of upturned eaves, topped with green glazed tiles. It occupies a 44-square-meter area and stands 7 meters (23 ft) tall.
The pavilion’s unique name and purpose stem from a remarkable discovery. In 1639, during the reconstruction of Yueyang Pavilion, local officials unearthed a rare stone from the foundation. Upon cleaning off the mud, they found a withered plum blossom branch with twenty-four calyxes embedded within. Deemed divine, this object was named the “Immortal Plum.” To commemorate this discovery, the Xianmei Pavilion was built, a tribute to the unearthed plum blossom branch.
The Huaifu Pavilion
Huaifu Pavilion mirrors Xianmei Pavilion in its design and height. Surrounded by intricately carved railings, its pure wood roof exudes a simple elegance. At its center stands a solemn stele, bearing a dignified portrait of the revered poet Du Fu. Below the portrait, his celebrated poem “Ascending Yueyang Pavilion” is inscribed in powerful calligraphy, capturing the poem’s majestic spirit. The stele’s reverse side offers a detailed account of Du Fu’s life, enriching future generations’ understanding of this literary giant.
How to Get to Yueyang Pavilion
• The Yueyang Pavilion is located approx. 146 kilometers (90.7 miles) north of Changsha.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the Yueyang Pavilion.
Additional Travel Advice on Yueyang Pavilion
• There is a wharf in the scenic area where visitors can take a cruise boat to visit the Junshan Island across the Dongling Lake.
• Visitors can walk to the neighbored Bianhe Street for shopping and having local snacks.
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