It is situated on Snake Hill (蛇山), one kilometer away from the original site, on the banks of the Yangtze River in Wuchang District.

The Yuanhe Maps and Records of Prefectures and Counties, written almost 600 years after the construction of the tower, notes that after Sun Quan, founder of the kingdom of Eastern Wu, built the fort of Xiakou in 223, a tower was constructed at/on the Yellow Crane Jetty, west of Xiakou, and hence its name.

[1][2] The tower has been destroyed twelve times, both by warfare and by fire, in the Ming and Qing dynasties and was repaired on ten separate occasions.

In 1981, the Wuhan City Government commenced reconstruction of the tower at a new location, about 1 km (0.62 mi) from the original site, and it was completed in 1985.

In the first, an Immortal (仙人) named Wang Zi'an (王子安) rode away from Snake Mountain on a yellow crane and a tower was later built in commemoration of this story.

In the second legend, Fei Yi becomes immortal and rides a yellow crane, often stopping on Snake Hill to take a rest.

The clear river reflects each Hanyang tree, fragrant grasses lushly grow on Parrot Island.

On both sides of the hall, tall pillars bear a couplet, each line measuring up to 7 meters: The front wall of the second-floor hall is engraved with the "Record of Yellow Crane Tower" by Tang Dynasty writer Yan Bolu, detailing the history of the tower’s construction, renovation, and the stories of notable figures.

The fourth floor is divided into several smaller halls using folding screens, displaying contemporary calligraphy and paintings by renowned artists, available for visitors to appreciate and purchase.

Although the exterior of Yellow Crane Tower appears to have five stories, its interior actually contains nine levels, symbolizing the imperial power associated with the number nine.