Grand View Park (Daguan Park) and Flowers & Birds Market
Grand View Park
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Daguan Pavilion Pictures |
Grand View Park locates on the shore of Dianchi Lake and faces the Western Hills which are on the other side of Dianchi Lake. In 1682, a monk named Qianyin built a small temple here to give Buddhist lessons; eight years later, in 1690, the satrap of Yunnan Province Wang Jiwen was attracted by the beautiful natural views here and began to construct a whole park including many halls, pavilions, bonsais, rockeries, trees and porches. Grand View Park became an attraction from then on and the most famous spot among them is the Daguan Pavilion (Grand View Pavilion).
Like many other Chinese ancient buildings, Daguan Pavilion also had been in disarray, destroyed and restored several times because of the dynastic changes and the civil wars. The present-day square, three-storied pavilion was established in 1883. At the entrance there is the longest antithetical couplet which was written by a famous Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) scholar named Sun Ranweng (also called Sun Ran); this couplet of 180 characters is one of the most valued cultural treasures in Yunnan Province. The first part of the couplet describes the beautiful and magnificent natural views before your sight, tell people to enjoy and treasure. The second part reviews the 2,000 years' history of Yunnan, awakens to that no matter how successful or frustrated you are, all will be in nothingness in the end.
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True to its name, Grand View Park and the attractions in it provide spectacular and grand views in different styles. From the sparkling Dianchi Lake to the superb Western Hills, the natural beauties create a perfect place to spend your holiday.
Around Chinese New Year, there is a Tulip Festival in the Grand View Park. More than 200,000 tulips are on show, attracting plenty of visitors. If you happen to visit the city during the period, you can't miss it!
How to get to Grand View Park
Kunming Bus Search
| Entrance Fee | Free |
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| Opening Hours | 7:00 - 19:00 |
| Recommended Time for a Visit | 1 hour |
Further Reading: Top 10 Things to Do in Kunming
Flowers & Birds Market
Famous for its year-round mild climate, Kunming is often called Spring City. The famous Flowers and Birds Market in Jingxing Street is the city's biggest, most attractive shopping market where spring reigns all year.
Since 1983 the Flowers and Birds Market has gradually been built into a comprehensive public spot for leisure, shopping, and trading. Strolling on the street, you can see shops and stalls of all sorts, especially those featuring flowers, birds, and fish.
Beautiful blossoms and delicate plant crafts lure the visitor. Hundreds of flowers, including orchids, camellias, lilies, roses, and tulips bloom in profusion. You can buy loose flowers, made-up boutiques, or potted flowers as well as various styles of vases there. You'll hear continuous bird song from parrots, mynahs, thrushes, and cuckoos, most of which are for sale. The fishes are mainly tropical -- small and brightly colored for home aquariums.
The Flowers and Birds Market is also a popular trading place for antiques. Curios, coins, jade articles, jewelry, ink stones, porcelains, potteries, stone carvings, and marble products are among the arts and crafts to be found there. It is a treasure trove for souvenirs. Do not miss the shops that sell colorful ethnic costumes with headdresses. Most are handcrafted and very popular with tourists. Prices are reasonable, and you may even bargain with shopkeepers.
Beautiful well-preserved old buildings within the market are now home to many Western restaurants and shops. During your visit, stop for a leisurely cup of tea.
How to get to Flowers and Birds Market, Jingxing Street, Kunming
Kunming Bus Search