Yueyang, a National Historic and Cultural City with a history spanning over 2,500 years, boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, blending natural landscapes with a vibrant human spirit.
History
Yueyang's founding dates back to 505 BC. It was originally the seat of Baling Commandery, and later underwent administrative changes, including Hanchang Commandery and Baling Commandery, before being officially named "Yueyang" during the Republic of China period. It was elevated to a provincial-level city in 1983 and designated a National Historic and Cultural City in 1994.
Literature and Spiritual Heritage
Fan Zhongyan's "Yueyang Tower Inscription" embodies the spirit of "worrying about the world before worrying about oneself, and rejoicing after the world rejoices" into the DNA of Chinese culture. Qu Yuan's martyrdom by drowning in the Miluo River became the cultural inspiration for the Dragon Boat Festival. Historical figures such as Zuo Zongtang and Ren Bishi hailed from Yueyang, embodying the spirit of responsibility inherent in Hunan culture.
Natural and Cultural Landscapes
Yueyang Tower, having survived war, boasts a Qing Dynasty-era structure. Together with the Miluo River and Dongting Lake, it forms a geographical landmark of "sorrow and joy culture." Zhangguying Village (a 600-year-old Qing Dynasty architectural complex) and Junshan Yinzhen Tea (one of China's ten famous teas) are important cultural symbols.