Once known as Yuezhou, Yueyang stands as a testament to China’s rich history. It sits in northern Hunan province. This city resides on the east bank. It marks the Dongting Lake’s exit into the Yangtze River.
Yueyang’s story stretches back over 2,500 years. Under the Chu state, it was once known as Ximi. This was during the Spring and Autumn periods. Later, it became a military stronghold. It was called Baqiu during the Three Kingdoms period. Its strategic position made it a coveted prize.
In 528, it gained the name Yueyang. It kept the name Yuezhou until 1913. Yueyang was heavily fortified under the Song dynasty. Walls stretched some 4 miles around it.
The Taiping Rebellion saw fierce fighting here. Rebels captured Yueyang in 1852. This was a key move in their advance up the Yangtze River valley. The central government retook it in 1854. This secured control over the middle Yangtze basin.
Opened to foreign trade in 1898, Yueyang saw foreign settlements rise. These commercial hubs flourished at Chenglingji river port. The railway arrived later. It linked Hankou to Guangzhou via Yueyang. This connected it to Changsha. The railway boosted Yueyang’s importance.
Yueyang became a vital hub. It collected and shipped goods via Dongting Lake. The Xiang River and other waterways converged here. Timber was a major export. Vast rafts floated down to Yueyang. From here, it traveled onward by river or rail.
Today, Yueyang attracts many tourists. They come to see its historic sites. The Yueyang Tower stands proudly. It overlooks Dongting Lake. It embodies Yueyang’s long and important past.
But did you know Yueyang held municipal status briefly? This was between 1960 and 1962. Then, in 1975, it became a county-level city.
Let’s talk about Yueyang Tower. It is one of the Three Great Towers of Jiangnan.
The Yangtze River, a lifeline of China, borders Yueyang. The city sits on the river’s shore. It’s a strategic point along this great waterway. The Yangtze spans 6,300 km. It ranks as Eurasia’s longest river. It’s the world’s third-longest. The river has played a big role in China’s history. It has shaped culture and economy.
Also, the city is the only international trade port city in Hunan. Its comprehensive economic strength is second only to Changsha in Hunan. Yueyang has an administrative area of 14,896 km2. In 2020, the population was 5,051,922.
So, as you explore Yueyang, remember its long history. From ancient battles to modern trade, Yueyang remains a vital city. It stands proudly on the shores of Dongting Lake and the Yangtze River.