This picturesque lakeside park, located on the shore of Dianchi Lake to the southwest of downtown Kunming was established in 1368 and in 1696 the Daguan Pavilion was built here because the site provided an excellent view of the lake hills and surroundings, hence the name Daguan or "grand view". The Pavilion (which is one of the great four pavilions in China) and its beautiful natural surroundings provided a lifestyle which made it a desirable retreat for scholars, poets and writers.

It was here that the Poet Sun Ranweng (1685-1774), a civilian scholar in the Qing Dynasty, composed the famous Long Couplet which depicts the landscapes around Dianchi Lake and the history of Yunnan Province. Composed of 180 Chinese characters, the couplet is deemed "the Longest Couplet in China" and is highly respected around the world.

In 1986, when Elizabeth visited China the Chinese Government included a visit to Kunming in her itinerary and to commemorate her visit she planted a rose bush in the garden.

In summer and autumn, the lotus flower festival and chrysanthemum exhibition inside the park attract thousands of visitors. 

 

Add: 3 km from downtown
Tel: 0871-68240124,68240933
Admission fee:20 yuan/person

 

Transport
Public bus No. 4, 22, 52, 54, 100