During the fifth year of the reign of Song Emperor Qingli (1045), when the tower was renovated, Fan Zhongyan (989-1052), a well known writer, was invited to compose an essay. His "Remarks of Yueyang Tower," made the tower famous, and has been deeply rooted in the Chinese people's mind from generation to generation. "One should first show concern of the state and the last to enjoy himself," he wrote. (Other translations: "One should be the first to bear hardship, the last to enjoy comforts," and "Be first to share sorrows with the world people; Don't share joys before they are enjoyable." ) "Don't feel happy just with wealth satisfaction! Don't be sad in self suffering condition!", he also wrote.

Made of wood with interlocking brackets that required no nails its main building has three stories and is 19.72 meters in height. The roof looks like a helmet and four huge nanmu pillars support the upper floor. At each layer around the main building are open corridors decked with flat seat. The current structure was rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty (1867 AD) during the reign of Tong Zhi, and the latest major renovation was done just before I went to the Yueyang No. 1 High school, situated across the street from the tower. It was thought provoking walking on the Dong Ting Lake beach at the foot of the tower during the sunset, while reciting Fan's essay. The scene exactly reflected what was described in his article. Walking up the long stairs and standing on top of the tower, one's spirit was transcend beyond the space and time. Only the singing of Fan's poem echoing in the air:

The lake embraces distant hills and devours the Yangzi,

its mighty waves rolling endlessly.

From morning glow to evening light,

the views change a thousand then thousand times.

On top of the tower the mind relaxes, the heart delights.

All honors and disgrace are forgotten.

What pleasure, what joy to sit here and drink in the breeze.

Ticket: 28 yuan (US$3.5)

Transportation: Bus 2, 9, 15.

Open Time: 07:00-18:00

(China.org.cn June 5, 2003)