Visit the famous Yueyang Tower for a panoramic view of Dongting Lake, explore the tranquil beauty of Junshan Island, walk through the ancient temples, and enjoy a boat ride along the lake to experience local culture.

Yueyang has historical significance due to the renowned Yueyang Tower, which has been a symbol of Chinese literature and culture for centuries. The city played an important role in the Warring States period and has deep cultural ties to the classical Chinese poem "Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng."
Yueyang is located in Hunan Province, near the shores of Dongting Lake. It can be reached by bus, taxi, or train from Changsha, the provincial capital, which is about 150 kilometers away. Local taxis and buses are available for getting around the city.
The main attractions in Yueyang are open from 8 AM to 5 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the natural surroundings are most picturesque.
Entrance fees range from 20 to 60 RMB depending on the attraction. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site at most locations.
Booking in advance is generally not required unless you are visiting during peak seasons or holidays. Booking a few days in advance should be sufficient during busy periods.
1 to 2 days are sufficient to explore Yueyang’s main attractions, including the Yueyang Tower, Junshan Island, and surrounding areas. You may need an extra day if you want to explore the local countryside or other nearby attractions.
The must-see highlights include Yueyang Tower, the tranquil Junshan Island, the scenic Dongting Lake, and the historical temples such as the Lingxiang Temple.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and English-speaking guides can be arranged at some of the larger attractions. Audio guides are available in Mandarin for most major sites.
The best viewpoints include the top of Yueyang Tower, which offers panoramic views of Dongting Lake and the surrounding landscape. Junshan Island also provides excellent spots for scenic photography.
Start by visiting Yueyang Tower for historical context, followed by a boat ride on Dongting Lake. Then, explore Junshan Island and its temples, before concluding your day at the scenic lakeside parks.
There are no regular night visits or light shows, but certain cultural events may occur during festivals, especially near Yueyang Tower.
Yueyang is generally not very crowded, but it can get busy during public holidays and weekends. The least crowded times are weekdays outside of the holiday season.
Most major attractions in Yueyang offer basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls, and rest areas. Shops selling local souvenirs and snacks are also common in tourist areas.
Yueyang’s main attractions are generally accessible for elderly visitors and children. However, some of the older sites, like Yueyang Tower, may require climbing stairs. Check accessibility options at specific sites in advance for disabled visitors.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are more commonly used in tourist areas. Credit cards are not always accepted, especially at smaller attractions.
Local restaurants offer traditional Hunan cuisine, including spicy dishes. Cafes are available near Yueyang Tower and Dongting Lake, offering snacks and beverages.
Vegetarian options are available, especially in local restaurants serving Hunan cuisine. Halal food may be found in larger cities like Yueyang, but it may be more difficult to locate in rural areas.
There are several hotels and guesthouses near Yueyang Tower and Dongting Lake. For more luxurious options, visitors can stay in the city center or nearby larger towns.
Nearby attractions include the city of Changsha, with its historical sites, and the scenic areas around Dongting Lake, such as Junshan Island and its ancient temples.
Souvenir shops near Yueyang Tower sell local crafts such as Hunan embroidery, wood carvings, and traditional tea. Local snacks like preserved vegetables are also popular gifts.
Public buses and taxis are available to continue your journey. You can also take a train from Yueyang Railway Station to other major cities in Hunan Province, including Changsha and Zhuzhou.