Introducing Yellow Crane Tower
The Yellow Crane Tower, located atop Snake Mountain in Wuchang, on the south bank of the Yangtze River in Wuhan, Hubei Province, faces the Yangtze River. A National 5A-level tourist attraction and one of the "Three Famous Towers of Jiangnan," it has long been known as "the Supreme Tower of Jiangnan" and "the Most Beautiful View in the World." A landmark of Wuhan, the Yellow Crane Tower is considered one of the "Three Famous Scenic Spots of Wuhan," along with Qingchuan Pavilion and Guqin Terrace.
The Yellow Crane Tower was first built in the second year of Huangwu in the Wu Dynasty during the Three Kingdoms period (223 AD). During the Three Kingdoms period, the tower was just a "military tower" for surveillance and guarding a corner of Xiakou City. After the Jin Dynasty conquered the Eastern Wu, the Three Kingdoms were unified. While the tower lost its military value, with the development of Jiangxia City, it gradually evolved into a viewing tower where officials, businessmen, and travelers "must visit" and "must have banquets".
The Tang Dynasty poet Cui Hao inscribed the poem "Yellow Crane Tower" here, and Li Bai wrote "Farewell to Meng Haoran at the Yellow Crane Tower" here. Literati and poets of all ages have left many timeless masterpieces here, making the Yellow Crane Tower famous since ancient times.
The Yellow Crane Tower is located on the top of Snake Mountain at an altitude of 61.7 meters. It was designed based on the "Tongzhi Tower" of the Qing Dynasty. Trains on the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway roar past the tower below.
The five-story building has a total height of 51.4 meters and a construction area of 3,219 square meters. The interior of the Yellow Crane Tower is supported by 72 columns, the exterior has 60 angled corners extending outward, and the roof is covered with more than 100,000 yellow glazed tiles.
Outside the Yellow Crane Tower, a series of supporting structures, including a bronze yellow crane sculpture, the Shengxiang Pagoda, memorial archways, verandas, pavilions, and more, enhance the main building's grandeur. Surrounding the main building are the Baiyun Pavilion, the Xiang Pagoda, the stele corridor, and the mountain gate. The entire complex possesses a unique national style, emanating the spirit, elegance, and charm of traditional Chinese culture. It complements the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge at the foot of Snake Mountain. Climbing the tower offers panoramic views of the three towns of Wuhan.
The Yellow Crane Tower is now a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction and a national key cultural relic protection unit.
Climate and best time to travel
Suitable for all seasons
Tickets
Yellow Crane Tower full ticket: 70 yuan/person
Yellow Crane Tower half-price ticket: 35 yuan/person
Yellow Crane Tower Annual Pass: 60 yuan/person (Wuhan residents only)
Wuhan Tourist Card: unlimited free travel within one year (except May 1st and National Day)
Attraction opening hours
Spring and Autumn (March 1st to March 31st, October 1st to November 9th)
Ticket sales open at 8:00, stop at 17:00, and cleaning starts at 18:00.
Summer (April 1st - October 31st)
Ticket sales open at 8:00, stop at 18:20, and cleaning starts at 18:45.
Most Popular FAQs for Yellow Crane Tower
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Yellow Crane Tower is a historic tower in Wuhan, originally built in 223 AD. It has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, symbolizing resilience and cultural heritage. It is famous in Chinese poetry and represents one of the Four Great Towers of China.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Located in Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, along the Yangtze River.
- Accessible by Wuhan Metro Line 2 (get off at Zhongnanlu Station, then walk or take a short taxi ride).
- City buses and taxis are also convenient for reaching the tower.
- Walking possible from nearby districts and riverside areas.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (may vary slightly by season).
- Best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy softer lighting for photography.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- Entrance fee is approximately 80 RMB per person.
- Tickets can be purchased online via official platforms or at the ticket counter onsite.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
Advance booking is recommended during holidays or weekends; 1–2 days in advance is sufficient for regular days.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
1.5 to 2 hours is sufficient to explore the tower and surrounding park comfortably.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Top observation deck for panoramic views of the Yangtze River.
- Exhibition halls with historic artifacts and calligraphy.
- Ancient inscriptions and murals depicting the tower’s history.
- Park gardens and riverside walkways around the tower.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
- Guided tours in Chinese are widely available.
- Audio guides or printed materials in English may be available at the ticket counter.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- Observation deck at the top of the tower.
- Riverfront areas for sunset and sunrise shots.
- Main entrance and surrounding gardens for architectural photography.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
Enter through the main gate, visit exhibition halls and murals on lower floors, climb to the top deck for panoramic views, then walk around the park to explore gardens and riverside scenery.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
- The tower is illuminated at night, making it attractive for night photography from outside, but interior access is usually limited to daytime.
- Special cultural exhibitions may occur seasonally; check the official schedule.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Weekends and public holidays are busiest.
- Weekdays, especially early morning, are least crowded.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Restrooms available near entrances and inside the park.
- Small snack kiosks and souvenir shops onsite.
- Benches and shaded areas throughout the park.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
- Main park paths are suitable for children and elderly.
- Some upper floors may require climbing stairs; not fully wheelchair accessible.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
- Entrance tickets and shops accept cash, cards, and popular mobile payment platforms (WeChat Pay, Alipay).
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Several restaurants, cafés, and street food vendors in the Wuchang District near the tower.
- Some small food stalls within Yellow Crane Tower Park.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants; halal options may be limited, so plan accordingly.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Wuhan city center hotels, guesthouses, and boutique accommodations within 5–10 minutes by taxi.
- Riverside hotels with views of the Yangtze are available for premium stays.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Hankou Bund
- Guiyuan Temple
- Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge
- East Lake Scenic Area
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Souvenir shops inside the park sell miniature tower models, calligraphy scrolls, postcards, and traditional crafts.
- Nearby stores offer local snacks, art prints, and cultural memorabilia.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Taxi or ride-hailing apps to Wuhan city center or nearby attractions.
- Public buses connecting to Hankou and Wuchang districts.
- Walking along the riverfront for scenic exploration.
