In terms of the genesis of the tower-name, there are two versions involving an immortal and a mountain respectively.

The first version has two subversions. First, legend holds an immortal coming here on craneback. Second, a Taoist priest is said to visit Xin’s tavern and paint a dancing yellow crane. The tavern enjoyed prosperous business from then on. A decade later the priest reappeared and played a flute to call the crane and fly away on its back. Xin then spent money on building a tower and naming it after the yellow crane. These fabulous legends, though touching our hearts, do not truly reveal how the tower got its name.

All past examinations hold that the tower has this name as it is situated on Yellow Crane Mountain.

Anyway, both versions have their functions. One lays the geographical cornerstone for its naming while the other lets visitors’ imagination run wild. In particular, the second version therefore satisfies human needs for aesthetics and transcendence. So, they will contrast with each other, yet shine bright together.