Yellow Crane Tower is one of the three most famous and historic towers in China. Located on Snake Hill in Wuhan, Hubei Province, it has been regarded as “The First Scenery under Heaven”. Also, it is regarded as a symbol of Wuhan.
Legend goes that, a young man named Xin opened a wine shop. One day, a Taoist priest came to the shop to buy wine, but he could not afford it. So he asked for the free wine and the owner accepted. Xin served the free wine to the Taoist priest everyday for half a year. In order to thank him, the Taoist priest drew a crane on the wall of the shop. It was a magic crane which could dance when it heard clapping. Thousands of people came to the shop to see the magic crane. In this way, the owner’s business became so prosperous that he became a rich man. Ten years later, the Taoist priest visited the shop again. He played the flute and then rode on the crane to the sky. In memory of the Taoist priest, Xin built a tower and named it Yellow Crane Tower.
According relevant records, Yellow Crane Tower was first built during the period of Three Kingdoms (220~280) and was rebuilt during 1981 to 1985. With five stories high, it looks very magnificent. Both internal and external parts of the tower are painted with the patterns of crane, clouds, flowers, etc. In ancient times, it was one of the most inspirational for celebrities and poets. It is said that during the period of the Qing Dynasty (1636~1911), 300 poems were written about the tower.
Related posts:
