TOWER OF THE YELLOW CRANE

Perched on the summit of the Serpent Hill (Seshan), this monument of Wuhan was built in 233 ap. During the period of the Three Kingdoms (206-280 AD) and quickly became the symbol of the city. The tower then served as a watchtower. Many poets gathered at their feet, leaving their feather freely: The poems of the Tang era and the following dynasties describe this magical place overlooking the city. At that time, the Yellow Crane Tower was known as one of the «three most beautiful towers south of the Yang-Ze River» (Jiangnan Sanda Minglou). It was destroyed several times in history, the last destruction being that of 1884. The building now visible is a reconstruction of 1985: 51.40 m high on 5 levels, flanked by two small pavilions. At the main yellow-colored building follows the white cloud tower (Baiyun Ge) which according to tradition represents: «The homeland of the yellow crane in the white clouds», the other name of Wuhan. A commemorative ark marks the entrance to the site. The lateral covered galleries house a series of stats reproducing famous poems referring to the tower.