Historic Yueyang Tower highlights city’s distinctive charm

Yueyang Tower in Yueyang, central China's Hunan Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Bin)

The fourth Hunan Tourism Development Conference took place in Yueyang, central China's Hunan Province, from May 24 to 26, drawing journalists from across the country to explore the city's attractions.

One of Yueyang's best-known attractions is Yueyang Tower, an ancient pavilion overlooking Dongting Lake. In 1046, Chinese scholar Fan Zhongyan (989-1052) penned "The Notes on Yueyang Tower," an essay that remains widely recited today.

Since 2023, Yueyang has marked the 15th day of the ninth lunar month as "Yueyang Tower Day." The celebration features recitations of Fan's classic essay and various cultural performances that attract crowds of tourists.

In recent years, Yueyang has unveiled several new cultural tourism landmarks. During the conference, the city launched new travel routes and introduced incentives including vouchers and cash prizes for group tours. Authorities said the measures aim to boost integration of culture and tourism and attract more visitors to the city.

Photo shows Dongting Lake at dusk. (People's Daily Online/Liu Bin)

Photo shows the Yueyang Tower scenic spot in Yueyang city, central China's Hunan Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Bin)

A performance at the Yueyang Tower scenic area in Yueyang city, central China's Hunan Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Bin)

Photo shows Dongting Lake at dusk. (People's Daily Online/Liu Bin)

A performance at the Yueyang Tower scenic area in Yueyang city, central China's Hunan Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Bin)

A street scene in Yueyang, central China's Hunan Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Bin)