Gaogu Tower in Hongta District, Yuxi

Why is Gaogu Tower So Special?

Gaogu tower(高古楼) in Beicheng Town of Yuxi city, is a famous building in central Yunnan. In the past hundreds of years, Gaogu Tower had been destroyed and rebuilt for many times, but it is still popular among Yuxi people.

In Yuxi City, reputed as the "The Hometown of Cigaratte", "The Hometown of Lantern" and "The Hometown of Nie Er", there is a well-known pavilion, originally named Fuyuan pavilion(扶元阁), which was built in Yuan dynasty or earlier. It was rebuilt in Ming dynasty and was repaired in Qing dynasty, later it was destroyed in the war.

It is said that after the tower was built, there was a Jinshi(进士a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) in Beicheng Town(北城镇). Therefore, Yuxi people have a special feeling for the Gaogu Tower(高古楼), and they are proud of the Gaogu Tower. The Gaogu Tower has become the landmark building of Yuxi. In the last hundred years, because of disrepair, Gaogu Tower became a dangerous building. Therefore, in 1993, the government demolished the dilapidated building. Afterwards, at the request of the public, the government designed the tower according to its original appearance, organized the construction in January 2001 and rebuilt the Gaogu Tower on the former site. There are a lot of ancient wooden couplets on both sides now.

Nearby Attractions

The Former Residence of Nie Er in Yuxi
Yingyuetan Hot Spring in Hongta District, Yuxi
Yuquan Temple in Hongta District, Yuxi
Hongta Industrial Zone in Yuxi

How to Get There

Hongta District is the political and economic center of Yuxi City, so transportation to Hongta District is convenient. When you are there in Hongta district, you can take a taxi to Gaogu Tower.

1. By Long-distance Bus

There are many buses from Kunming to Hongta District of Yuxi. It is about 107 kilometers from Kunming East Bus Station to Hongta District bus terminal, about 1.5 hours. The ticket price is from 37 yuan to 55 yuan.

2. By Train

The fastest way to get to Hongta District of Yuxi is by train. You can take train at Kunming railway station or Kunming south railway station. Departing from Kunming south railway station spends less time.

Accommodation in Hongta District

Gaogu Tower(高古楼) is located in Beicheng Town(北城镇) of Hongta District. Hongta district is located in the central Yunnan hinterland, and is ranked as one of the top 100 industrial regions in China. The economy is relatively developed. Accommodation in Hongta District is convenient as there are many hotels ranging from luxury hotels to hostels. It is easy to find a comfort hotel in Hongta District.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Gaogu Tower(高古楼) at all seasons.

Useful Travel Tips

1. The traffic route to Gaogu Tower: Kunming-Hongta District-Nie Er Road(聂耳路)-Nanbei Avenue(南北大街)-Zhongwei Road(中卫路)-Taiji Road(太极路)-Aimin Street(爱民街)-Wenxing Street(文星街)-Gaogu Tower.

2. Understand the general situation of Gaogu Tower in advance, if you are traveling with the tour group, the tour guide will explain the cultural geography of Gaogu Tower.

3. Gaogu Tower(高古楼) is the must-visit attraction when you are traveling in Yuxi.

4. Hongta District of Yuxi is well-known for the cigarette brand, Hongtashan(红塔山).