Yueyang Nanny-Level Guide to Explore Stunning Attractions

🗺️Yueyang Two Days | Dongting Lake Waves · Tower Viewing Past and Present · Immersive Guide for All Ages Yueyang is hidden by the shores of Dongting Lake, with one tower (Yueyang Tower), one lake (Dongting Lake), and one island (Junshan Island) linking a millennium of culture and riverside charm. The two-day itinerary can be leisurely and relaxed; elders can lean on the railing to watch the lake, children can chase waves and step on sand, and the whole family can find resonance in the mountains, waters, and poetry~ 🌊 Day 1: Appreciate Literature at Yueyang Tower · Watch Waves on Dongting Lake Morning: Climb Yueyang Tower, read "Record of Yueyang Tower" 📍 Yueyang Tower (5A, ticket 70 RMB, free for 60+, half price for students) - Highlights: One of the three famous towers in Jiangnan, world-renowned because of Fan Zhongyan’s "Record of Yueyang Tower." The "Four Wonders" inside the tower must-see — Teng Zijing’s tower renovation, Fan Zhongyan’s record, Su Shunqin’s calligraphy, and Shao Song’s seal carving wood carving screen of the "Record of Yueyang Tower." - Elders can lean on the railing on the second floor to gaze at the vast misty waves of Dongting Lake; children can follow the guide to read “Be concerned before the world is concerned, enjoy only after the world enjoys,” and recognize ancient characters on the stele. - 📸 Photo spot: Observation deck on the top floor of the main tower (capture panoramic views of the tower and lake; sparkling waves on sunny days, misty rain with charm on rainy days) - 💡 Tip: Have children memorize a few lines of "Record of Yueyang Tower" in advance; reciting facing the real scene when climbing the tower enhances immersion~ Noon: Taste Yueyang Flavors on Bianhe Street Exit the Yueyang Tower scenic area to Bianhe Street, an ancient-style pedestrian street hiding authentic local delicacies. - Recommended: Mao Family Restaurant: try “Dongting Silverfish Scrambled Eggs” (delicate silverfish, rich egg aroma), “Yueyang Ginger Spicy Snake” (local specialty, mildly spicy and flavorful; non-spicy version available for those who can’t eat spicy); - Street stalls offer “Spicy Snails” (5 RMB/portion), “Sugar Oil Baba” (3 RMB each), perfect for kids to hold and eat while walking. Afternoon: Dongting Lake Cruise to Watch Waves 📍 Dongting Lake Cruise Pier (ticket 50 RMB/person, free for children under 1.2 meters) - Take a cruise to see the grandeur of “biting distant mountains, swallowing the Yangtze River” — Junshan Island faintly visible in the distance, waves hitting the boat nearby, occasional river gulls flying alongside. - Elders can sit inside the cabin to enjoy the scenery; children can go to the deck to feel the lake breeze (safety first, hold the railing tightly), and play with the little water droplets splashed by the waves. - The boat takes about 1 hour to reach near Junshan Island, with a distant view of Xiangfei Temple and Liuyi Well on the island, and listen to the guide tell the legend of “Ehuang and Nuying’s tears staining the spotted bamboo.” Evening: Watch Sunset by Dongting Lake After returning to the pier, take a stroll on the lakeside beach (free). The sunset dyes the lake surface golden red; elders sit on the beach watching the afterglow, children take off shoes to step in the water, chase the retreating waves, and collect shells and small stones. - 🕙 Best time: 18:00-19:00 (later in summer as sunset is late) Night: Stay at a Dongting Lake Homestay Choose a “lake view room” (such as “Yueyang Dongting Residence,” 400-500 RMB/night), open the window to the lake and fall asleep to the sound of waves. After dinner, take a walk at Nanhu Square to see the musical fountain (open on weekends, starts at 20:00). 🐉 Day 2: Explore Junshan Island’s Serenity · Experience Old Town Life Morning: Climb Junshan Island, explore the “Fairy Island of Dongting” 📍 Junshan Island (ticket 80 RMB, includes round-trip boat, free for 60+) - Highlights: A small island in Dongting Lake, known as “Dongting Penglai.” The island’s “spotted bamboo” is most famous — bamboo poles with purple-brown spots, said to be the tears of Ehuang and Nuying. - Elders can stroll in “Spotted Bamboo Park,” watching bamboo shadows sway; children can listen to the story of “Liu Yi’s Letter” by Liuyi Well, and play fetching water at Longxian Well (the well water is sweet and drinkable). - Must-see spots: Xiangfei Temple (commemorating Ehuang and Nuying), Tomb of Two Concubines, Letter Pavilion — each hiding mythological legends, perfect for storytelling with children while walking. Noon: Eat Freshwater Delicacies on Junshan Island Recommended restaurant on the island: “Junshan Fishing Village”: - “Steamed Dongting Carp” (firm texture, fresh without fishy smell), “Stir-fried Lotus Shoots” (local seasonal dish, crisp and refreshing), about 50 RMB per person for a satisfying meal. Afternoon: Stroll Through Yueyang Old Town Alleys Back in the city, walk around the old alleys near “Lüxian Temple” — bluestone roads and old brick walls hiding Yueyang’s local life atmosphere. - Elders can have a cup of “Junshan Silver Needle” tea (local famous tea, fragrant and sweet aftertaste) at a teahouse at the alley entrance, watching locals play chess; - Children can chase alley cats and take vintage photos in front of “Yueyang Old Post Office” (Republic of China era building). Evening: See the “Houyi Shooting the Ba Snake” Sculpture at Baling Square The giant sculpture in the square is magnificent; elders can rest on the steps, children can run around the sculpture while parents tell the legend of “Houyi slaying the Ba Snake to save the people.” - Nearby “Baling Whole Fish Feast” restaurant is perfect for the final dinner with “One Fish Three Ways” (fish head tofu soup, fish meat fried balls, fish tail braised), fresh to the bone. 💡 Tips for All Ages 1. Transportation: Taxi starting fare in the city is 6 RMB; from Yueyang Tower to Junshan Island, take bus No. 15 (5 RMB/person), convenient for elders and children. 2. Clothing: It’s windy by the lake; bring a light jacket in spring and autumn, a sun hat in summer, and windproof clothes in winter. 3. Bonus: Next to Yueyang Tower is “Three Drunken Pavilion,” where elders tell the story of Lü Dongbin getting drunk three times at Yueyang Tower; children love asking, “Do immortals really get drunk?” The beauty of Yueyang lies in the feelings of “concern and joy,” in the waves of Dongting Lake. After two days of touring, even your footsteps carry the riverside charm~