Tourists visiting China’s famous Wuhan district should make it a point to enjoy the view from the famous Yellow Crane Tower (Huang He Lou). This ancient tower sits atop Sheehan (literally Snake Hill) and over looks the historical Yangtze River. Located near the city of Wuhan, visitors who make the trip to the tower will not be disappointed in the view from its top. Though it is built on the same site as the ancient tower, the one visitors see today is really a reconstruction. The new tower replaced the crumbling remains of the older one but the locals carefully constructed it to look as much like the old one as possible. One thing the new tower has that it predecessor did not is an elevator, and that makes the view accessible to all travelers. Considered one of the “Four Great Towers” in China, the Yellow Crane Tower is a destination for its own sake, and for the sake of the beauty that surrounds it.

Along with the scenic views of the river, the grounds host events and take part in national festivals. A rather large temple bell is located on the eastern side of Snake Hill and any tourist willing to pay a small fee may enjoy the thrill of ringing the bell. During festivals, dances are held and performed on the grounds.

Of course, like all ancient Chinese architecture, there are legends attached to the building of Yellow Crane Tower. One legend has it that an ancient Immortal, a type of demigod, named Wang Xi’an ascended from Sheshan on a great, yellow crane, and the locals built a tower to commemorate the site. Still others hold that another immortal, Fei Wenyi, who often rode about on a great, winged yellow crane was a frequent visitor to the hilltop and that it was in his honor the tower was erected. Whichever of the immortals was truly responsible, their taste in view and vantage point was impeccable. The vista of the river and the surrounding countryside from atop Sheshan (Snake Hill) is one that has been a favorite subject for artists for centuries. Writers and even Chinese Poets have waxed lyrical about the beauty of the place. Those interested in art and literature featuring the Yellow Crane Tower will find plenty of references to its use by artists and writers of ancient times and in the works of their modern counterparts today.