On May 27, an aerial view of the highly anticipated renovation of the new red wall at Wuhan’s Yellow Crane Tower.

A carved lattice window has been opened in the middle section of the red wall, perfectly framing the Yellow Crane Tower in the distance.

On May 28, an on-site visit revealed that the new red wall at the Simentou Yellow Crane Tower subway station is complete and expected to open to the public by the end of this month.

The new red wall is located on the “Yanzhi Floating Island” above the subway station. It is taller, longer, closer to the Yellow Crane Tower, and offers a larger photo-taking area to accommodate more visitors.

On-site visit: Three routes to the “Floating Island”

Exiting from Gate B of the Simentou Yellow Crane Tower Station on Metro Line 5, the previously visible ventilation shafts are now hidden, supporting a floating island-style structure named “Yanzhi Floating Island.”

Why this name?

First, because the site is on the remnant of Yanzhi Mountain in Wuchang, using the local place name. Second, the building adopts a floating island design to highlight its unique style. Though called a “Floating Island,” it is actually an elevated platform built over the subway entrance and ventilation facilities.

How to reach the “Floating Island”?

Three routes are available: a spiral staircase directly opposite Gate B, an antique bluestone step staircase on the right, and a convenient escalator on the other side.

During the visit, Gate B, which was temporarily closed due to construction of the “Floating Island,” has been reopened with multiple signs. A barrier with staff on duty blocks the path from Gate B to the “Floating Island.”

Upon reaching the “Floating Island,” the view opens up: trees have been transplanted and greenery planted on the platform. On the side near the Yellow Crane Tower, a straight new red wall extends, creating a charming contrast with the nearby tower.

The middle section of the wall is slightly elevated, featuring a carved lattice window. Pulling out a phone and adjusting the zoom, the Yellow Crane Tower is perfectly framed within it.

The entire platform covers about 3,000 square meters, with the red wall stretching approximately 40 meters. The block where the “Floating Island” is located is undergoing rapid development, including 11 buildings, expected to be completed by the end of the year. In the future, visitors on top of these buildings will be able to take photos with the Yellow Crane Tower.

The old red wall: A happy accident

The new red wall makes a stunning debut, but the story begins with the old one.

The old red wall, near the Simentou Yellow Crane Tower Station on Metro Line 5, consists of three sections ranging from 2.2 to 2.7 meters in height.

Exiting from Gate C, a turn reveals the Yellow Crane Tower atop Snake Hill. Riding the escalator out, the tower gradually emerges against the red wall, blue sky, and white clouds, creating a striking and impressive photo.

Originally, there was no red wall here.

It came about due to subway construction.

This plot was above the subway station and initially developed as a parking lot. For management, a wall was added; later, for aesthetics, the wall was painted red with green tiles—becoming a “Forbidden City-style” red wall. When paired with the Yellow Crane Tower, it unexpectedly went viral online.

This red wall became a new photo spot for out-of-town visitors to Wuhan. It is another classic case of a happy accident.

To meet visitors’ photo needs, the parking lot wall was once moved back a few meters to create space. The subway also marked safe photo zones with yellow lines.

This “Forbidden City-style” red wall produces stunning photos with a simple snap. Visitors flocked, and the subway adapted. During holidays, crowds surged, with daily passenger traffic peaking at over 200,000, 90% of whom came specifically for photos.

Currently, a section of the old red wall remains below the “Yanzhi Floating Island.” During the visit, some visitors were still taking photos there.

The new red wall: Intentional design

The site of the red wall is at the southern gateway of the Des

Yellow Crane Tower

The Yellow Crane Tower is a historic tower located in Wuhan, China, originally built during the Three Kingdoms period (223 AD) as a military watchtower. Over centuries, it became a renowned cultural landmark, celebrated in poetry and art, particularly by the Tang dynasty poet Cui Hao, whose famous poem about the tower solidified its legacy. Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, the current structure dates to 1985 and stands as a symbol of Chinese architectural and literary heritage.

Yanzhi Mountain

Yanzhi Mountain, located near the city of Urumqi in Xinjiang, China, is a scenic area known for its rugged red-hued cliffs and rock formations, which give it the nickname “Red Mountain.” Historically, it served as a vital landmark along the ancient Silk Road, where travelers and traders would pass through the surrounding passes. Today, it remains a popular destination for hiking and photography, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountain landscapes.

Snake Hill

Snake Hill is a prominent geological and historical landmark in New Jersey, located near the Meadowlands. It is best known as the site of a key battle during the American Revolutionary War in 1777, where British and Hessian forces clashed with American troops. Today, the area is recognized for its natural landscape and historical significance.

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, located in the heart of Beijing, China, served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1420 to 1912. Constructed under the Yongle Emperor, it is a sprawling complex of nearly 1,000 buildings and is the world’s largest ancient palace structure. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Palace Museum, showcasing centuries of Chinese imperial history and art.

Wuhan

Wuhan is a major city in central China, known as the capital of Hubei Province and a key transportation hub along the Yangtze River. Its history dates back over 3,500 years, and it was formed by the merger of three towns—Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang—in the early 20th century. The city gained global attention in late 2019 as the initial epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is also famous for landmarks like the Yellow Crane Tower and its vibrant street food culture.

Wuchang

Wuchang is a historic district in Wuhan, China, located on the southern bank of the Yangtze River. It is best known as the site of the Wuchang Uprising of 1911, which sparked the Xinhai Revolution and ultimately led to the fall of the Qing Dynasty. Today, Wuchang is a vibrant urban area with numerous universities, cultural landmarks, and the famous Yellow Crane Tower.

Metro Line 5

Metro Line 5 is a modern rapid transit line serving several cities in China, such as Shanghai and Hangzhou, with each city’s line having its own distinct history. In Shanghai, Line 5 opened in 2003 as a branch line connecting the city center to the Minhang district, later extended to the Fengxian district. In Hangzhou, Line 5 began operations in 2019, becoming one of the city’s longest metro lines and facilitating cross-city travel.

Simentou Yellow Crane Tower Station

“Simentou Yellow Crane Tower Station” refers to a metro station in Wuhan, China, serving as a key stop on Line 5. It is named after the nearby Yellow Crane Tower, a historic pavilion originally built in 223 AD during the Three Kingdoms period, which has been rebuilt multiple times and is a symbol of Chinese culture and poetry. The station itself opened in 2021, providing modern transit access to this iconic landmark and the surrounding Simentou area.