Yellow Crane Tower

A visit to the Yellow Crane Tower (Huanghe Lou) in Wuhan is a great opportunity to enjoy the history and culture of the place as well as the beautiful views. The tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in China, and the tower located at Snake Hill and overlooking the Yangtze River did not disappoint when we visited. When we got there, the first thing that caught our attention was the beauty of the tower and its architecture that has a very rich traditional Chinese decoration and the tree is decorated with intricate wood carvings and bright colors. The present structure, which was built in 1985, is a replica of the proud tower mentioned in the ancient poems and therefore plays the role of a historical site as well as a piece of art. On the way to the observation decks, we were pleased to find out that the tower has a rich history and cultural importance described through various exhibits. Each floor had a lot of information and things to see and learn about the history of the tower, including its use as a military post and a source of ideas for poets and painters throughout the centuries. The best part of the experience was the views from the top. It was amazing to be on the upper deck and have a clear view of the Yangtze River, the city and its buildings and the areas surrounding it. The view was even more beautiful at sunset when the sky was divided into different colors of orange and pink which made the tower to be illuminated with a beautiful orange-neon light. The area that surrounds the tower also adds to the experience. The park that leads up to the tower is neat and beautiful with beautiful gardens, walkways and stone sculptures to admire while climbing up to the tower. There are also people who sell local food and goods which adds to the culture of the place. One note for visitors: expect some crowds, especially during weekends and holidays. So that you can enjoy the experience to the fullest, it is advised to visit early in the morning or in the late afternoon when the crowd is not very high. Also, the tickets are currently quite affordable, so this attraction should be accessible to most people. In general, Yellow Crane Tower is one of the places that one has to visit when in Wuhan. It is a perfect combination of history, culture and natural beauty to create a great connection with the history of the area. If you are interested in history, architecture or just want to have a beautiful view, then Yellow Crane Tower is a place that will not leave you indifferent. We came away with the feeling that we had gained a lot from the experience and the tower had so many stories to tell. Highly recommended!