Yuanpu Tower stands in the middle section of Binjiang Avenue in downtown Xiangyin. It is more than 200 metres away from the Xiangjiang River Bridge on its left, and borders the riverside scenic garden area on its right.

The tower takes its name from Sails Returning to Distant Shore, one of the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang. Completed in 2004, it is a three-storey pavilion with four layers of eaves. Stone railings surround the ground floor, where visitors can lean on the balustrades and gaze far into the distance. Horizontal boards inscribed with "Yuanpu Tower" and "Sails Returning to Distant Shore" by renowned calligraphers hang on the upper floors and the gatehouse.

On the vertical pillars flanking the front and back ground floors are engraved the opening lines of the poem Xiangyin by Zhan Daoxin of the Qing Dynasty: Among the Five Great Mountains, only Hengshan stands tall; Of the Three Xiang Rivers, only this stretch runs pure.

Standing atop Yuanpu Tower and looking out, you will behold boundless rolling blue waves, which broaden your mind and stir up lofty sentiments. As dusk falls, the sun sinks westward amid brocade-like sunset clouds. Fishermen’s songs drift across the water, dotted with returning sailboats. The breathtaking scenery brings visitors total relaxation and a feeling of transcendence beyond mortal worldly cares.