“A visit to Yueyang without seeing Yueyang Tower is a journey incomplete,” remarked one media delegate as the 2025 Overseas Chinese Media Leaders’ Delegation continued its tour through Hunan Province. On August 29, the group made stops at the Yueyang Panda Park and the storied Yueyang Tower, immersing themselves in the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
To the delight and surprise of the overseas media representatives, their first destination featured not only classical Chinese architecture but also a modern wildlife attraction — giant pandas. As the delegation stepped off their bus, they were greeted by the iconic panda-themed entrance of the Yueyang Panda Park, drawing crowds of visitors lining up for photos. Members of the delegation eagerly joined in, capturing memories of this unexpected encounter.
Inside the park, the pandas — either leisurely munching on bamboo or napping adorably on wooden platforms — enchanted guests with their charm.
Wang Qing, President of the United News in Hungary, expressed his astonishment:
“I never imagined I’d see pandas in Yueyang. I thought they were only in Sichuan — this has been such a pleasant and enlightening experience.”
Opened in December 2023, the park is now the largest panda habitat in Central China, housing 10 pandas across 9 enclosures, and has quickly become a must-visit destination.
The next highlight of the visit was the legendary Yueyang Tower, made famous by Fan Zhongyan’s timeless essay “Memorial to Yueyang Tower.” With phrases like “Worry before the people worry; rejoice after the people rejoice” and “Unmoved by joy or sorrow,” the essay has resonated through centuries and across cultures.
As the delegation climbed the tower, often referred to as the “First Tower Under Heaven,” they were immersed in a blend of architectural grandeur and philosophical depth. From a miniature model of the tower to a guided exploration of its historical transformations — from the Tang dynasty’s boldness to the Song’s elegance, and through the ages to the Qing’s ornate splendor — the group was visibly moved.
The current structure, rebuilt in 1880, stands 19.42 meters tall, supported entirely by wooden beams and pillars without a single nail — a testament to traditional Chinese craftsmanship.
From the top floor, the delegation gazed across the vast Dongting Lake, deeply moved by the poetic sentiment:
“Dongting holds the waters of the world; Yueyang stands as its watchtower.”
Yueyang Tower has not only preserved its historical essence but also embraced innovation. Tourists who can recite “Memorial to Yueyang Tower” from memory are offered free entry. In addition, immersive theatrical experiences like “Now Ascending Yueyang Tower” have brought the past to life with modern flair.
In 2024, the Yueyang Tower Scenic Area was recognized as a national-level nighttime cultural and tourism hub, with the “night economy” becoming a new driver of local development.
Dr. Xia, Vice President of the Chinese Biz News in the United States, remarked:
“Yueyang Tower is more than architecture — it’s a cultural symbol that continues to inspire and connect people.”
Outside the tower, the lively streets of Bianhe Street echoed with traditional charm and modern prosperity — a living embodiment of the harmony described in Fan Zhongyan’s prose: “Good governance and a contented people.”
(Reported by Kevin Wang & Felicia Li)
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