Yellow Crane Tower stands majestically on the summit of Snake Hill in Wuchang District of Wuhan, overlooking the Yangtze River. As a national 5A-level scenic attraction, it is hailed as “the most spectacular view under heaven” and is one of China’s Three Great Towers in the Jiangnan region, together with Yueyang Tower and Tengwang Pavilion.
The original tower was built in 223 AD in the Three Kingdoms era for military defence. Through wars and fires, it was destroyed and reconstructed many times. The existing tower was completed in 1985. This 51.4-meter-high five-story building features magnificent traditional Chinese architecture with yellow glazed roof tiles and graceful flying eaves.
The tower owes its worldwide fame to the masterpiece poem written by Tang Dynasty poet Cui Hao. Every floor exhibits themed murals, ancient poems, calligraphy and relics telling legends and history. Standing at the top, visitors enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Yangtze River, the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge and the whole city. The surrounding park also includes pavilions, gateways and bronze crane sculptures for visitors to explore.