There are 9 golf courses in Yunnan Province at nowadays. Kunming, Dali and Lijiang are the best cities for golf playing. In this tour you will experience Kunming Spring City Golf and Lake Resort, Dali Stone Golf Course, Lijiang Ancient Town Lakefront Golf Club and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club. You will also visit some charming attractions including Kunming Stone Forest, Dali Ancient Town, Erhai Lake cruise, Lijiang Ancient Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Highlights:
Play golf at famous golf courses of Kunming, Dali, Lijiang.
Visit some charming must-see attractions of Kunming, Dali and Lijiang.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Kunming Arrival
Day 2: Kunming
Day 3: Kunming
Day 4: Kunming
Day 5: Kunming – Dali
Day 6: Dali – Lijiang
Day 7: Lijiang
Day 8: Lijiang
Day 9: Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Lijiang
Day 10: Lijiang Departure
Google Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Kunming
Sightseeing and Activities:Kunming Arrival Accommodation: Kunming Meals: None
Upon arrival at the Kunming International Airport, your local guide will meet you, drive to Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort for overnight.
Day 2 Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort
Sightseeing and Activities: Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, Stone Forest Accommodation: Kunming Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, play golf at the Mountain Course of Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort.a premier integrated golf resort in Kunming, comprises luxury villas and two championship golf courses – the Mountain Course designed by Jack Nicklaus and the Lake Course by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Surrounded by mountains and beside the limpid lake, the Spring City Golf & Lake Resort is one of the most beautiful golf holiday resorts in the world, hence the name of the golf paradise in Asia. It is Located in Kunming city in south China, this golfing. Jack Nicklaus designed this golf resort. In June 1999, the US Golf Digest evaluated it as No.1 Golf resort in China and Hong Kong.
Then drive to visit Stone Forest in the afternoon. There is a local saying: ‘It is a waste of time not to visit the Stone Forest while visiting Kunming’, which vividly expresses the deep love of the local people toward this world wonder. The quintessential karst landscape makes every tourist lost in wonder. After the tour transfer back to your hotel.
Day 3 Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort- Dali
Sightseeing and Activities:the Lake Course of Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, Yuantong Temple, Flower and Birds Market Accommodation: Kunming Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning you will play golf at the Lake Course of Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort.
After lunch drive back to Kunming and visit Yuantong Temple which is the biggest Buddhist shrine in Kunming. It was originally built over 1000 years ago during the Tang Dynasty. After two restorations and expansions in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the temple took on its present appearance, with covered corridors, bridges and grand halls.
Sightseeing and Activities: Dali Stone Mountain Golf Club, Three Pagodas, Dali Old Town Accommodation: Dali Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, take the high speed train to Dali(2 hours). Upon your arrival, meet your local guide and driver, drive to play golf at Dali Stone Mountain Golf Club. After the golf, you will visit the Three Pagoda in Chongshen Temple, which is a typical historical symbol of Yunnan. It is also one of the oldest sublime architecture in South China.
At last, you will visit Dali Old City, a historically and culturally famous city of China, is renowned for her historical interest. During the Tang and Song Dynasties, it was the capital of Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, the political, economic and cultural centre of Yunnan, an important gateway of cultural exchange and trading with southeastern Asian countries, and an important pass of the ancient “Silk Route of the South”. It has long enjoyed the reputation of “a land of letters”.
Day 5 Dali -Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities:the Erhai Lake Cruise, Xizhou Town, Lijiang Old Town Accommodation: Lijiang Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you’ll travel in the Erhai Lake by boat and visit Jinsuo Island. Erhai Lake is the largest highland lake next to Dianchi and one of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China. It means, ‘sea shaped like an ear’, in Chinese. Implying that the lake is ear shaped and as large as a sea, hence it was so named. The lake covers an area of 250 square kilometers and is located about two kilometers east of Dali.
After landing, you will head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style architecture, taste their fragrant three-course tea and explore their distinctive culture.
Then drive about 4 hours to Lijiang. You will be free in Lijiang Old Town. Lijiang Old Town has a history more than 800 years; it was listed as the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997. Here you will see the wonderful wooden architecture of Naxi ethnic people.
Day 6 Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities:Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club, the Spruce Meadow,Baishuihe River Accommodation: Lijiang Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning you’ll visitGanhaizi Meadow, Baishui(White Water) River; take the chairlift to visit the Spruce Meadow of the Yulong Snow Mountain, which stretches a length of 35 kilometers (22 miles) and a width of 20 kilometers (13 miles). Looking from Lijiang Old Town in the south which is 15 kilometers (nine miles) away, the snow-covered and fog-enlaced mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence, the name Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
After the Spruce Meadow, you will play the golf at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club, which is well-known as the highest golf course in Asia. Situated in Ganhaizi at the eastern foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, this golf course was open to the public in October 2001.
Sightseeing and Activities:Lijiang Ancient Town International Golf Club, Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Museum Accommodation: Lijiang Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning you will head for the scenic Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Museum to explore the rich Naxi minority culture. Black Dragon Pool is the main headwater of the Yushui River which goes through the Old Town. People believe that the gods of the Naxi people are living in the chestnut woods, beside the mouth of springs, behind the carved doors and below the bridges.
In the afternoon you will play the golf at Lijiang Ancient Town International Golf Club, which is located at the foot of Wenbishan Peak, in the front of Wenhai Lake, face to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, about 8 Km away from Lijiang Old Town. It is designed by Joe. Bringer, a famous designer from USA. The Club features an international standard par 72; 18-hole golf course with 7,661 yards of fairway .There is also a 38-tee driving range with lights for evening driving. Overnight at the Villa of Lijiang Ancient Town International Golf Club.
Day 8 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities: First Bend on the Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge Accommodation: Lijiang Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
From Lijiang, you’ll drive about 60KM to the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, and the Iron Chain Bridge in the Stone Drum town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks.
Continue the driving 40KM more to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river. Afternoon, you will drive back to Lijiang.
Day 9 Departure from Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Lijiang Accommodation: None Meals: Breakfast
In the morning you will be free until you take the flight for returning. Transfer to airport, drop off and see off. Service ends.
Recommended Hotels
Destination
5 Star
4 Star
3 Star
Hostel
Kunming
Softel Hotel
Wenhui Hotel
Jinhua Hotel
T&T Story Hotel
Dali
Hilton Dali Resort & Spa
Shouyi Boutique Hotel
Dali Taihe Boutique Inn
Dali Fengxue Gucheng
Lijiang
Pullman Hotel
Wangfu Hotel
Liwang Hotel
Baisha Holiday Resort
Service Included:
Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
Meals as listed in the itinerary;
Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
Private English-speaking tour guide;
Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
Service charge & government taxes;
Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
High speed train tickets from Kunming to Dali(2nd class seat).
Service Excluded:
Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
Chinese visa fees;
Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
Single room supplement;
Tips to guides and drivers;
Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
Personal travel accident insurance;
All optional programs.
General Yunnan Golf Travel Tips:
Altitude Adjustment: All the golf courses on this tour are at high altitudes. Be prepared for your ball to travel further than at sea level. It’s a good idea to arrive at the course early to get a feel for how your ball is flying on the practice range.
Hydration: At higher altitudes, dehydration can occur quickly. Drink water frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty, to maintain energy levels and prevent altitude sickness.
Layered Clothing: Temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day, especially in the mountains. Wear layers that you can easily remove or add as needed. A windbreaker and a hat are recommended for early morning or late afternoon rounds.
Sun Protection: The sun’s intensity is stronger at higher altitudes, so apply sunscreen generously, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and consider UV-protective clothing.
Equipment: Bring a rangefinder or GPS device to help with distance control, as your normal yardages will likely be off due to the altitude. Also, pack extra balls, as the courses can be challenging, with natural obstacles like lakes and forests.
Fitness: Walking these courses can be demanding due to the terrain and altitude. If you’re not used to walking 18 holes at high elevation, consider renting a golf cart to conserve energy.
Practice: Spend some time at each course’s practice facility before your round to adjust to the unique playing conditions, especially the speed of the greens and the effects of the thin air on your shots.
Tee Times: Try to book early morning tee times to avoid any potential afternoon rain showers, which are common in mountainous regions, especially during the summer months.
Local Cuisine: After your rounds, enjoy local dishes that are rich in carbohydrates and protein to help replenish your energy. Golfers often appreciate Yunnan’s lighter, flavorful cuisine, which includes dishes like rice noodles and local vegetables.
Chinese Name: 昆明西部智选假日酒店
English Name: Holiday Inn Express Kunming West
Holiday Inn Express Kunming West is situated in the bustling transportation hub of Kunming’s Xishan District, conveniently located near several popular shopping centers. The hotel boasts 308 stylish rooms, each equipped with multi-functional furniture designed to enhance comfort and privacy during guests’ stays.
Chinese Name:昆明彩云里·凯世精品酒店
As the first Cachet Boutique hotel in Yunnan, Kunming Cachet Boutique Artime shelters itself away from the crowded downtown area. Located at Artime Centre, a once factory, known as the Kunming Rubber Factory, which had erected on Shulin Street for decades. Today, this area sees a more modern and rejuvenated building complex that offers art gallery, boutique hotel and spacious and decorative restaurants, making it one of the hot spots for foodies and artists and such. Featuring modern artistic design, Cachet Boutique Hotel aims to bring ultimate experience for guests to explore a unique and vibrant atmosphere.
Transportation:
Kunming Changshui International Airport: 29.7km
Kunming Nan Train Station: 27.4km
Kunming Train Station: 3.5km
Sightseeing Spots:
Green Lake Park: 4.9km
Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Memorial Arch: 1.2km
Western Hills boasts an excellent environment with flourishing flowers and dense forest, providing tourists an excellent environment to enjoy the tranquility and marvelous scenery. They have also been given another name – ‘Sleeping Beauty Hills’ for the hills because its skyline looks like a beautiful young lady laying beside Dianchi Lake with her face upward and her hair trailling into water.
In the Western Hills, Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, and Sanqing Pavillion are shaded by flourishing woods and tall bamboo bushes. The exquisite Gragon Gate Grotto is built along the precipice cliff. The grand and magnificent beauty of lakes and mountains, and the rich cultural deposits make the Western Hills charming and mysterious.
Introduction
Western Hills Overview
Western Hills is called 西山(Xishan) in Chinese, and it’s a scenic forest park located in the west suburb of Kunming, 15km to the city center, with the beautiful Dian Lake sitting on the east of it. Western Hill has always been reputed as the “top scenery in central Yunnan”. The whole scenic spot is made of several mountains, including Biji Mountain, Huating Mountain, Taihua Mountain, Luohan Mountain, etc. and they are reach out for over 40km, and the highest altitude is 2500m. Western Hill is a large forest park, and also a national scenic spot which perfectly combines the natural scenery with the cultural relics. Historic sites are surrounded by quiet and peaceful green forests, including the most famous Dragon Gate, and Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, San Qing Pavilion, etc. It’s a perfect place for walking and relaxing.
Main Attractions in Western Hills
In Western Hills, there are wonderful scenic spots such as Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, Sanqing Pavilion, and Dragon Gate. The undulating hills, verdant trees and melodious bird singing together with the magnificent ancient building make you feel peaceful in the modern city.
At the altitude of 2025 meters, Huating Temple was first built in 14 century. It had been destroyed and rebuilt several times most recently in 1923. As one of the largest Buddhist temples in Yunnan Province, the buildings inside the temple are imposing and spectacular.
● Taihua Temple(太华寺)
Taihua Temple gained its name for it is located on Taihua Hill. Originally built in the Yuan Dynasty (1206 – 1368), the temple is the oldest one in Western Hills. Daxiong Baodian Hall, Piaomiao Pavilion, Sizhao Hall are in the temple. The temple is famous for the beautiful rare flowers on the grounds. It is also a good place to watch the grand spectacle of the rising sun. ● Sanqing Pavillion(三清阁)
Sanqing Pavilion is built on the cliff at Luohan Hill. Being over 300 meters (approximately 984 feet) above Dianchi Lake, the pavilion looks like a ‘castle in the air’. This temple has a Taoist influence, and ‘Sanqing’ in Taoism refers to the loftiest stature. The pavilion is a good place where you can not only visit the temples, but also enjoy a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake.
There is a saying – ‘If you do not visit Western Hills, you haven’t visited Kunming; if you do not come to Dragon Gate, you haven’t been to Western Hills.’ Being the outstanding scenic place in Western Hills, Dragon Gate is a big exquisite stone carved edifice. The stone paths, stone rooms, stone grottos, and stone Buddhist figures are all carved with excellent craftsmanship on a large natural rock. Like Sanqing Pavilion, Dragon Gate was also built on cliff. You can stand on the edge of the cliff holding the railing, looking downward to experience the steepness of the hill and enjoy the spectacle of Dianchi Lake.
Best time to travel Western Hills
The best time is from March to October -spring, summer and autumn is the suitable time to visit Western Hill and Dragon Gate.
How to Get There
Western Hill is located at the west suburb Kunming City, and it’s very convenient to get there from the city center. There are many public buses driving from the city center to Western Hill, and public bus will take about 1.5 hours to get there. A better way is taking taxi or private car to there, and it will need about half hour.
How to Get Around West Hills
Cable Car: in Haigeng Park which is next to Yunnan Nationalities Village, tourists can take the “Dian Lake – Dragon Gate” cable car to get to the lower cableway station of Dragon Gate (Park Service Center is here), and this is ¥35/person. This will take about half hour and tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Dian Lake on the cable car. Then tourists can take cable car from there to get to the entrance of Dragon Gate – the upper cableway station, this is ¥25/person; or tourists can take battery car to the entrance, this will take ¥8/person. Travelers who love hiking can also walk to the entrance, and it’s only about 2km. Travel Bus: after arriving at the parking lot of Western Hill, tourists can take the travel bus commuting between the entrance of Western Hill to the lower cableway station, and the ticket for the travel bus is ¥25/person, and the travel bus will make stops at Huating Temple and Taihua Temple. After getting to the lower cableway station, tourists can choose to take cable car, or battery car or walk to the Dragon Gate entrance.
Travel Route: tourists can take cable car or travel bus to the Park Service Center (the lower cableway station), then take cable car to the upper cableway station, and walk down the mountain and visit the Dragon Gate and San Qing Pavilion on the way. After arriving at the Dragon Gate Entrance, take battery car to the Park Service Center, then take travel bus to get back and visit Taihua Temple and Huating Temple on the way. This is the most popular and relaxing way. For hike lovers, they can walk most of the journey.
Useful Tips
1. Ticket
There is no ticket for Western Hill, however, the attractions on the Western hill are charged. The ticket for Dragon Gate scenic spot is ¥40/person, and this includes Dragon Gate Grottoes and San Qing Pavilion. The joint ticket for Taihua Temple and Huating Temple is ¥20/person. Cable ticket from Dian Lake to lower cableway station of Dragon Gate is ¥35/person; cable ticket from lower cableway station to upper cable way station of Dragon Gate is ¥25/person; battery car ticket on the mountain is ¥8/person.
2. Best seasons
The best seasons to visit Western Hill are spring, summer and autumn (from March to October). The scenery in winter is not good as the other seasons. During March to October, the Western Hill is covered with green trees and colorful flowers, and the scenery at this time is very beautiful and tranquil.
3. Walking Notice
There are many stairs in Dragon Gate Scenic Spot, so it’s suggested to wear comfortable shoes to walk.
Recommended West Hills Tours
Top 3 West Hills tours chosen by most customers to explore West Hills in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us. We provide some tour routes for tourists to choose.
Embraced by several peaks and alluring waters, Dianchi Lake is just like a sparkling jewel embedded in Kunming. The lake is crescent-shaped, stretching 24 miles (39 kilometers) from north to south and more than 8 miles (13.5 kilometers) from west to east. Occupying an area of 116 square miles (300 square kilometers), Dianchi Lake is the largest lake in China. More than 20 rivers converge into it.
The Dianchi Scenic Area is quite mesmerizing, where natural scenery and human landscape blend perfectly. It can be divided into two districts, namely West district and East district. What makes Dianchi Lake distinctive is that the color of its water changes with the clouds and sunshine of the day. Around Dianchi Lake also lie many places of interest, such as West Hill, Daguan Park, Yunnan Ethnic Village and so on. These featured attractions are all ideal getaways for visitors to get close to nature to relax.
Introduction
the History of Dianchi Lake
The Chinese character for the lake is a phonosemantic compound of the radical 氵 (“water”) and the character 真, whose current pronunciation is zhēn but whose Old Chinese pronunciation has been reconstructed as tin.
Dianchi Lake was the site of the capital of the independent kingdom of the Cuan (爨) during the first millennium AD. At that time, it was known as Kunchuan (昆川).
Biodiversity of Dianchi Lake
Together with other Yunnan lakes (Fuxian, Qilu, Yangzong, Xingyun, and Yilong), Dian Lake is recognized as an ecoregion. Among three major Yunnan lakes with a high number of endemics, the two other being Fuxian and Erhai, the most drastic loss of biodiversity has been seen in Dian. Of the 25 native fish species and subspecies in Dian Lake, 10 are endemic to the basin: Acheilognathus elongatus, Anabarilius alburnops, Anabarilius polylepis, Cyprinus micristius micristius, Liobagrus kingi, Pseudobagrus medianalis, Silurus mento, Sinocyclocheilus grahami, Sphaerophysa dianchiensis and Xenocypris yunnanensis. Today the only endemic fish known to survive in the lake itself is Anabarilius alburnops, but it is endangered. The remaining have not been recorded there since the 1990s or earlier, and most of these are likely extinct. Two other species, Schizothorax grahami and Yunnanilus nigromaculatus, are endemic to the general region, but have also disappeared from Dian Lake itself. Among the non-endemic natives, only gold fish and Asian swamp eel still live in Dian Lake. In contrast to the status of the natives, the lake is now home to more than 25 introduced fish species.
The Yunnan lake newt (Cynops wolterstorffi) was endemic to the lake, but it has not been seen since 1979 and is considered extinct. Many native hydrophytes have also disappeared from the lake.
Pollution Management of the Dianchi Lake
The pollution and the management of it is the eternal but sad topic of the province and government. Although the country and some global administrations like the World Bank have invested lots of money to help the progress of pollution management and have made some environmental improvement at Dianchi Lake, it can not completely solve the problems of pollution. Dianchi is still one of the most serious polluted lakes in the world, guests may find the water is of extremely green color in the lake.
Best Time To Visit Dianchi Lake
For the comfortable weather in Kunming, it is suitable to have trip here all the year round. What special in winter is that sea gulls will come to winter here and most of the local people will enjoy their time with sea gulls, such as taking photoes and feeding sea gulls.
How to Get here?
By Bus
Take Bus 24, 44, 73, 94, 135, 172 or 233, and get off at Haigeng Gongyuan (Haigeng Park) Station.
By Taxi
Take a taxi to the Haigeng Park (near Dianchi Lake)costs about RMB25 yuan, it is about 12 kilometers from the Nanping Pedestrian Street of Kunming.
Passenger car
There is special line for traveling to Dianchi, you can take that car in the city center.
Private Tour (Top Recommended)
If you want to get rid of hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers sightseeing, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Dianchi Lake with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on sightseeing.
Nearby Attractions
Tourists can not only visit Dianchi Lake, but also can visit some famous attractions near it, such as West Hill Forest Park, National Sport Training Centers, Yunnan National Museum, Yunnan Minorities Village, Daguan Park and other attractions, they are very close to the lake. Yunnan Ethnic Villages ( 云南民族村)
The Yunnan Ethnic Village acts as a good shortcut to understand the social customs of the ethnic groups in Yunnan. It has a natural sun-bathing area where you can escape from the heat of summer. Twenty-five ethnic nationalities have their respective villages and conduct many activities to present their unique folkways and beautiful clothes. Also you can enjoy the water screen movie and an elephant performance, have a taste of the local dishes and buy pretty handicrafts.
Daguan Park (大观园)
Daguan Park is vibrant with rock gardens, pavilions, bridges and murmuring water. It is famous for the longest couplets in China on the Daguan Pavilion (dà guān lóu 大观楼). The Daguan Pavilion was built in the year 1828. It commands a lovely view. The couplet written in the Qing (qīng 清) Dynasty (1644-1911), contains 180 characters brimming with literary grace. During festival evenings, gatherings take place here
Baiyukou Park(白鱼口公园)
Baiyukou Park is on the west bank of Dianchi Lake. Here a small hill looks like a white fish opening its mouth to Dianchi Lake. Near the Irregular shore line, beautiful gardens are hidden among green trees. In spring, the cherry trees are in blossom, adding luster to this serene place. Overlooking Dianchi Lake, you can see white sails of boats on the glistening lake and gulls skimming over the waves.
Haigeng Bank (海埂)
Haigeng Bank is about four kilometers (2.5 miles) long while ranging in width from forty meters (131 feet) to three hundred meters (984 feet). The bank, like a floating jade belt, is in fact a watershed of the Dianchi Lake. Slender willow twigs sweep the lake in the gentle breeze. In the south is a wonderful natural swimming pool which is always crammed with people in midsummer.
Kwan-yin Hill(观音山)
Kwan-yin Hill is bordered by the vast lake and has an altitude of 2,040 meters (6,693 feet). Lofty peaks on this hill seem to thrust themselves straight towards the sky. A Kwan-yin Temple built here in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) was once a popular resort of Buddhism. Remaining are a seven-tier brick pagoda, houses, and a gate to the Kwan-yin Temple.How to get there: A Taxi ride to the northern section of the lake near Daguan Tower lakeside from the city center should cost you a mere Y15. You can also take bus 24 , 44 and get off at Haigeng Bank.
Recommended Dianchi Lake Tours:
Top 3 Dianchi Lake tours chosen by most customers to explore Dianchi Lake in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us. We provide some tour routes for tourists to choose.
1.Recommended travel itinerary in Kunming including the Dianchi Lake: Visitors can firstly go to the West Hill Forest Park for a visit, then take the cable car from Longmen (the gate of the dragon) to Dianchi lake (Ticket price at RMB30).
2.There is no entrance fee charged at the Dianchi Lake, the entrance fee for Haigeng Park is RMB8 yuan. If guest do not want to take boat during the visit, a half day is enough for a visit to Dianchi Lake. If you want to explore the lake further, you can rent a bicycle and spend two days to cycle around the Dianchi, it is about 200 km.
Why is Yunnan Ethnic Villages so special?
This theme park displays the colorful folklore and architecture of 25 ethnic groups residing in Yunnan Province. The theme park offers shows and performances, folklore and wax museums, as well as replica buildings found in the villages of each ethnic group.Villages of over 25 minorities including the Yi, Dai, Miao, Jingpo, Wa, Hani, Naxi, Dulong and others have been built here. Through various displays and re-creations of the original villages, the Yunnan Ethnic Village displays the diverse local ethnic culture. Villages of different styles are well arranged and show visitors their unique charm. Displaying a variety of buildings, lifestyles, and religious beliefs in the region, the village is a microcosm of Yunnan’s colorful and diverse ethnic culture.
At the main gate hangs a plaque inscribed with five Chinese characters, Yun Nan Min Zu Cun, saying Yunnan Nationalities Village. A logo of a flying golden phoenix is right below the plaque, symbolizing good wishes to the village. On the lawn near the gate is a group of white elephant statues, as it is a custom here to welcome distinguished guests with elephants.
Located by the Dianchi Lake and at the foot of the Western Hill, the Village is a major part of Kunming Dianchi National Tourist and Holiday Zone. Opened to the public on February 18, 1992, the community is 8 km away from the city of Kunming proper and covers an area of 1,340 mus. The whole community contains 26 villages, and so far the Dai Village, the Bai Village, the Yi Village, the Naxi Village, the Wa Village, the Jinuo Village, the Lahu Village, the Bulang Village and 4 other villages have been completed.
The village is not only celebrating ethnic minorities, but it is also designed to give the world a snapshot view of both the natural scenery and cultural importance of Yunnan including: precipitous hills and beautiful lakes, parks, woods, old and modern treasures. Now the community has become a must-see for domestic and overseas visitors to Yunnan.
the Main Villages in Yunnan Ethnic Villages
• Dai Village
After entering, the first site coming into view is the Dai Village. Occupying 4.4 acres (1.8 hectares), the village is surrounded with water on three sides. Bamboo houses built on stilts are shaded with trees and flowers. A meandering path paved with red sandstones leads to a sacred Burmese-style temple. The lofty white tower, exquisite pavilions and bridges are very impressive. As a nationality loving singing and dancing, Dai People are proud of their peacock dance and music played on cucurbit flutes, which perfectly match each other.
• Bai Village
The typical Bai Village is composed of some traditional Bai residential houses with rooms on three sides and a wall (with the door) on the southern side. Tourists should never miss the occasions of Bawang dances and March Street (a festival normally celebrated from March 10th to 21st of lunar calendar in Dali)
• Yi Village
In the west of Harmony Square is the Yi Nationality village. It covers more than 8.4 acres (3.4 hectares). Since Yi People show respect to tigers, you can see a tiger rockery as well as a wall engraved with three tigers. A giant totem column is erected in the center of the magnificent Solar Calendar Square. Carved on the column are patterns of the sun, fire, tigers and the Eight Trigrams of ancient China. Around the column, there are ten black and white stone spheres facing different directions, symbolizing that life originates from the sun and the moon. The twelve lifelike carvings of Chinese zodiac animals on the peripheral add a lot of fun to the village. The distilleries, bullrings, and Mo Qiu, which is similar to a seesaw, represent authentic Yi culture.
• Naxi Village
Naxi Village is located to the east of Bai Village. Tourists can appreciate Naxi folk culture (called Dongba Culture), especially the local Dongjing music, the so-called sound of nature.
• Mosuo Village
Next to Naxi Village is Mosuo Village, which still maintains the matriarchy clans and the customs. What are special in Mosuo Village are the exquisite wood houses, delicious food, beautiful girls and last but not the least, the mysterious custom of walking marriage. Mosuo people’s marriage culture is quite uncommon. They prefer a visiting relationship between lovers—an arrangement they sometimes refer to in their language as sisi (zou hun in Chinese, meaning walking back and forth; or azhu zou hun, meaning friend marriage. Azhu means friend in Mosuo language). A Mosuo woman is free to receive male visitors after the coming-of-age ceremony at 12. A lover may stay overnight in her room but will return to his own mother’s home. Children born from such a relationship live with their mother. In Mosuo society, lovers can end their relationship at any time. For example, a woman may refuse her lover by simply no longer opening the door. Their marriage relationship is not a formal one.
• Achang Village
With a courtyard building as the main body, and the village gate, workshop is corresponding, such as a grey tile brick wall and stone column is characteristic. Achang people are hospitable and respect the old and cherish the young. There are guest to nap, the host entertain the guest with good tea and serve better wine; When propose a toast or pour tea, avoid to accept without comity. There is custom that the host will try to persuade guest to drink and eat, whether people who can drink liquor or tea, it is taboo that guest does not accept; When guest is persuaded by the host during dinner-time, no matter you are full or hungry, you’d better receive what the host give with bowl holding in both hands. Receiving with both hands or get up to salute is regarded as a great respect.
• Zhuang Village
Zhuang compatriots of Yunnan province mainly gathered in Wenshan prefecture, they live in Ganlan or Malan local-style dwelling houses, good at planting and diligent about farming, and they have customs of sun-worship, “Three Eternity Emperor” worship, ancestor-worship, and the custom of the master of elder is the leader. They regard highly of bronze drum, love silver ware, can sing and dance. They are hospitable and love to eat five-color glutinous rice, rice wine, and roasted tea. They have a national consciousness of self-esteem and self-confidence, their excellent traditional cultures are still intact that remain the ancient ethnic traditional culture essence of Baiyue minority.
• Tibetan Village
Covers an area of 21 mu, the village has top residences and carving type flat local-style dwelling houses building. Sacred Tibetan Buddhist temple, magnificent welcome white pagoda, the “white yak” sculpture is symbol of auspicious peace and unique style of Tibetan architecture mutual set off, bring out the best in each other. During the festival, singing folk songs, dancing Guozhuang dance and Xianzi dance, riders are even competing for archery.
What to do in Yunnan Ethnic Village
1. Watching Ethnic Singing and Dancing Performances
The ethnic singing and dancing performances and the folk performances are from 9:00 to 17:00, mainly in the Dancing Hall and Tuanjie Square. The Asian Elephants performances are specially recommended.
Shows Timetable
Colorful Clouds
Jingpo Village
09:30-10:00, 11:30-12:00, 16:10-16:40
Daogan Square
10:10-10:40, 11:20-11:50, 17:00-17:30
Wa Village
10:50-11:20, 12:00-12:30, 16:20-16:50
Yi Village
10:40-11:10, 14:00-14:30, 16:10-16:40
Jino Village & Lahu Village
11:40-12:10, 14:10-14:40
Mosuo Village
13:20-13:50, 16:30-17:00
Bai Village
10:30-11:00, 12:40-13:10, 17:00-17:30
The Call of the Plateau
Dianchi Stage
13:20-14:10
CNY 150 for a normal ticket and CNY 260 for a VIP ticket
Elephant Show
Elephant Show Square
Ride elephant and take pictures:
10:30-11:00, 14:30-15:00, 15:30-16:00
Elephant show:
11:00-11:30, 15:00-15:30, 16:00-16:30
Note: The time schedule is subject to changes due to weather conditions and other factors.
2. Celebrating Festivals of Minority Ethnic Groups
1. Torch Festival of Yi- falls from June 24 to June 26 in Chinese lunar calendar (usually late June in western calendar).
2. Water Splashing Festival of Dai- falls in mid-April and lasts for 3-7 days
3. Hunting Festival (Lieshen Festival) of Yi- falls in February 1 to February 3 in Chinese lunar calendar (usually early March in western calenda)
4. Sanyuejie Festival of Bai- falls in March 15 in Chinese lunar calendar (usually in mid-April in western calendar)
5. Mizhi Festival of Yi- usually falls in November and women are not allowed to attend.
6. March 3 in Chinese lunar calendar- falls in late March or early April in western calendar; it is a day for spring outing of Kunming people.
3. Familiar Ethnic Culture
Yunnan Ethnic Village has managed to represent and exhibit the history, the cultures, the customs and the natural village houses of the 26 nationalities in this province. With the inclusion of precipitous hills, beautiful lakes and an integration of the customs, cultures, music, songs, dances, religious and architecture of the 26 nationalities, the village community has helped to show the world the true nature of Yunnan, a mysterious yet modern garden of ethnic cultures.
How to Get There?
• From Changshui International Airport to Village of Ethnic Culture
Kunming Changshui Airport is about 25 km from downtown, it takes about 100 RMB to Kunming city. And it is inconvenient to take public bus from the airport to the village because of transfering, so we recommend people to go to Village of Ethnic Culture from the airport by taxi which costs at least 100 RMB.
• From Kunming City to Yunnan Ethnic Village
By bus: You can take public bus No.24, 44, and 73 to Yunnan Village of Ethnic Culture bus stop. By taxi: Taking taxi from downtown to Yunnan Village of Ethnic Culture takes about 30 minutes.
Transportation Facilities within the Tourist Site
Quadricycle with 2 or 4 seats
CNY 100/vehicle (three hours)
Balance bike
CNY 80/hour
Electro car with 2 seats
CNY 80/hour
Sightseeing mini-train
CNY 30 per person
Sightseeing boat
CNY 20 per person
13-seat battery car
CNY 500/car (two hours)
7-seat battery car
CNY 300/car (two hours)
Nearby Attractions
Except Yunnan Ethnic Village, you also can enjoy other chanrming attractions near Yunnan Ethnic Village.
Golden Temple was built in Ming dynasty and was reconstructed by Wu Sangui in the 10th year of the Kangxi Period (1671 A .D.) made by brass which is the mixture of copper and zinc. That’s why it is named as “the golden temple”. It is totally weighted250 tons and 6.7 meters high; it isthe biggest and heaviest as well as the best preserved copper templein China. It is a key national cultural and historical relics. The whole temple reflects the excellent metallurgical and casting technology more than 300 years ago in Yunnan.
Western Hills boasts an excellent environment with flourishing flowers and dense forest, providing tourists an excellent environment to enjoy the tranquility and marvelous scenery. They have also been given another name – ‘Sleeping Beauty Hills’ for the hills because its skyline looks like a beautiful young lady laying beside Dianchi Lake with her face upward and her hair trailling into water.
The Kingdom of the Little People is a theme park located near Kunming, Yunnan that features comic performances by people with dwarfism. Supporters of the park claim that it provides employment to people who would otherwise be unable to find work, but it has been criticized for treating dwarfism as a humorous condition.
Recommended Yunnan Ethnic Village Tours
Top 3 Yunnan Ethnic Village chosen by most customers to explore Yunnan Ethnic Village in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us. We provide some tour routes for tourists to choose.
1. Each village has performances from 09:00 to 17:00, usually taking place in the Dance Hall or in the Plaza of Ethnic Unity.
2. Asian Elephant Show Time: 10:30-11:30; 13:30-14:30; 15:30-16:30.
3. CNY 40 for one-way cableway to West Hill Forest Park, CNY 70 for round cableway.
Introduction
Yunnan Nationalities Museum is located on the east bank of Dianchi Lake next to Yunnan Nationalities Village in Kunming City, China. Completed in 1995, it is a comprehensive ethnology museum. Covering an area of over 200 mu, the museum has a building area of 130,000 square meters. It consists of various exhibition halls, office building, report hall, storage and workshops. The ecological environment, religious customs, culture and arts and ethnic relics of the ethnic groups of Yunnan are collected in it.
The structure of Yunnan Nationalities Museum
The whole architecture looks like a courtyard with winding corridors featuring the local and minority nationalities’ styles.
Including 17 nationalities, Yunnan Nationalities Museum assembled 23 assistant research fellows and 28 lecturers. It consists of 5 sections: Administration Department, Exhibition Department, Cultural Relics Department, Research Department, Scientific Education Department, Development Department. The whole collection of the museum reached to over20,000. The museum has a exhibitions focusing on specific subjects.
In addition, the museum is not only a hall for showing the nationalities cultures, but also a beautiful scenic spot and ideal conference center. It has multi-function conference hall which is equipped with simultaneous interpretation system. Book store, handicraft shop, tea house and Artist studios or galleries are available for entertainment. Wish you a good time in Yunnan Nationalities Museum. It extends warm welcome to the visitors from all over the world.
Exhibition of Yunnan Nationalities Museum
Basic Exhibition
1.Ethnic Costumes and Its Processing Skill: The exhibition is composed of two parts: “Traditional costumes” and “Costume processing skills”. Taking a main route of the history of costume development, the part of “Traditional costumes” presents the ethnic costumes made with various materials, rich styles, exquisite skills and of cultural meaning in different periods. The part of “Costume processing skills” presents the cloth including Dai brocade and Zhuang brocade, cloth processing tools, including spinning wheels, spinning tools, waist looms, horizontal looms, costume techniques and processes such as Tie-dye of Bai people, Batik of Miao people; various decorative ornaments and their processing tools, which display excellent skills level and unique aesthetic interests of Yunnan ethnic groups.
2.Ethnic Writing Characters and Ancient Books: The exhibition is composed of three parts:“Primitive Recording”, “Ethnic Ancient Books”, “Working Achievement”. The part of “Primitive Recording” displays those primitive information exchange ways before the invention o writing characters, such as wood carving and rode-tie, knitting, character patterns, objects endorsement, cliff painting. The part of “Ethnic Ancient Books” presents extensively ethnic writing characters and ancient books of various recording types, including inscriptions cliff, signature, stamps, ancient archives. The part of “Working Achievement” focus on the field work collecting, research and exhibition, interpretation and publishing works to show the fruits of ethnic ancient books and facing opportunities and challenge.
3.Traditional Producing and Life Skill: The exhibition is composed of “Traditional Producing Skill” and “Traditional Life Skill”. “Traditional Producing Skill” including two units of “Collecting, Fishing and Hunting Skill” and “Traditional Agriculture Skill”, presents Yunnan ethnic producing skill such as collecting, fishing, hunting, slash-and-burn cultivation, sowing and irrigation, hoe farming and plough farming, harvest and threshing. “Traditional Life Skill”, including three parts: “Folk dwelling house architecture”, “life utensils” and “life skill”, displays typical ethnic dwelling house in Yunnan, utensils for daily life and skills such as pottery-making, paper processing, sugar and oil press, rice processing, etc.
Temporary Exhibition
1.Culture on Fabrics – Canadian Aboriginal Textile Art
2.Zheng He, the Great Navigator, Diplomat and Envoy of Peace
3.Living by the Same River: The Greater Mekong Documentary Photography Exhibition
Domestic Exhibition Tour
1.A Fairyland of Seven Colors – Yunnan Ethnic Folk
2.The Charm of Yunnan – Yunnan Ethnic Folk Customs Exhibition
3.The South of Colourful Clouds – Yunnan Ethnic Folk Customs Exhibition
Exhibition Abroad
1.China’s Ethnic Clothing & Accessories Exhibition (2003, China-France Culture Year)
2.Lotus and Dragon – China’s Ethnic Clothing & Accessories Exhibition (2004, Finland)
3.Splendid China – China’s Ethnic Clothing and Handicrafts Exhibition (2007, Russia’s Year of China)
Departments of Yunnan Nationalities Museum
Executive Office:
Responsible for secretarial, personnel, financial and foreign affairs, coordination between departments and public relations
Administrator: Du Yunhong, Associate Research Fellow of Museology.
Tel: 0871 – 4311389
Fax: 0871 – 4311394
Cultural Relics Department:
Responsible for the storage, maintenance and collection of cultural relics.
Administrator: Jiang Zhen, Associate Research Fellow of Museology
Deputy Administrator: Li Jin, Museologist
Tel: 0871 – 4312097
Exhibition Department:
Responsible for planning and implementation of exhibitions, multimedia research and development of exhibitions, management of pictures and data, etc.
Administrator: Yang Li, Associate Research Fellow of Museology
Deputy Administrator: Li Xiaobin, Associate Research Fellow of Museology
Tel: 0871 – 4312090
Research Department:
Responsible for scientific research, website construction, books and data, video resources, etc.
Administrator: Wang Guoliang, Associate Research Fellow of Museology
Deputy Administrator: Yang Xiaobing, Associate Research Fellow of Museology
Tel: 0871 – 4312091
Scientific Education Department:
Responsible for management of exhibition halls, visitors, volunteers, social education, etc.
Administrator: Hei Shaorong, Associate Research Fellow of Museology
Deputy Administrator: Qiu Wenfa, Associate Research Fellow of Museology
Tel: 0871 – 431138, 0871 – 4311216
Development:
Responsible for development, operation, logistics, water and electricity, environmental sanitation, etc.
Deputy Administrator: Ji Zhimei, Museologist
Deputy Administrator: Luo Zhicheng
Tel: 0871 – 4311215
Security Department:
Responsible for security, fire prevention, monitoring, management of security guards, etc.
Chief: Pu Zongde
Tel: 0871 – 4311317
Education of Yunnan Nationalities Museum
The Yunnan Nationalities Museum, adhering to the core value of museum education and the tenet of serving the general public and building China into a strong nation of socialist culture, has attracted more than 6 million visitors with various exhibitions, extracurricular activities for high school students, thematic lectures, community-based family education sessions, school-museum and inter-museum cooperation, construction of patriotism and popular science bases, public services, thematic education programmes, volunteer team building efforts and museum membership since its establishment. The Chinese and foreign state leaders that have visited our museum include NPC Chairman Qiao Shi (1999), Vice Premier Wu Bangguo (1995), NPC Vice Chairman Bu He (1998), CPPCC Vice Chairman Yang Rudai, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand and Prince Akishino Miyafumihito of Japan. The Yunnan Nationalities Museum, as an important window open to the outside world and a spiritual home of all ethnic groups in Yunnan, is now playing an important role in publicizing the outstanding Chinese cultural heritage and promoting the national unity.
How to Get there?
Yunnan Nationalities Museum is located at 1503 Dianchi Road, Kunming, conveniently accessible via the buses A1, A9, 44, 73, 24, and 135. Please get off at Yunnan Nationalities Village and we are right across the road.
Travel Tips:
1. Yunnan Nationalities Museum offers free admission for the general public since January 1, 2011, and you are warmly welcome to visit us with your family and friends.
2. Admission: If you visit us as an individual visitor, you are supposed to show the reception a valid identity document of yours and get a ticket for a free tour of our Museum. Group visitors are advised to call and make an appointment with us the day before you come.
3. Circuit of Visits: Upon entering our Museum lobby, you can either follow the suggested circuit of visits through all showrooms or choose what to see at your own discretion .
4.Museum Policy:
• Visitors must follow the instructions and guidance of our staff during the visit.
• Visitors must keep the noise level down, respect public facilities and never touch the exhibits.
• Visitors must not litter or smoke on these premises.
• Visitors must never bring state-controlled items or pets into our Museum.
• Visitors must be free from the influence of alcohol and properly dressed, and persons with no or limited capacity for civil conduct must be accompanied by their guardians.
• Picture taking or filming is subject to prior Museum consent.
As Kunming continues to grow and change, green space and public gathering spaces remain in short supply. City planners are looking to address such concerns on the shores of Dianchi Lake (滇池) with a multi-purpose renovation project. Construction will begin April 1 along the entire length of Haigeng Dam (海埂大坝), effectively closing the promenade for the next seven months. The 470 million yuan (US$68 million) undertaking will appear largely cosmetic when finished. However, wholesale changes to the facade will also include improvements to the dam’s overall structural stability as well as the installation of a lake water filtration system. The upgrades are part of a large scheme meant to beautify tourist attractions across the Spring City.
Currently, the Haigeng, or Dianchi, promenade is on average eight meters wide, a space that will be doubled to 16 meters once the makeover is complete. In addition to a vastly expanded walkway, the ‘City Garden’ project calls for extensive park and wetland landscaping, the construction of rest areas, concession stands and modernized lighting, as well as new boat docking facilities.
Pedestrian visitors will no doubt enjoy the enhancements, but the changes they will not be able to see are the most important. The 2,400 meter-long Haigeng Dam was originally built in the 1960s as bulwark between Dianchi Lake and extensive wetlands on its northeastern shore. Once the embankment was finished, the wetlands were drained and filled in with farmland. After 55 years, the dam is in serious need of new support pilings, especially considering it will soon double in size. As the foundation is rebuilt, engineers will also install a filtration system positioned under the dam designed to remove Dianchi’s ever-present but thankfully shrinking sheen of lake-killing algae. The filters are expected to augment other ongoing efforts to clean the lake of its bacterial infestation by seven to ten percent each year.
Located by the Dianchi Lake and at the foot of the Western Hill, the Village is a major part of Kunming Dianchi National Tourist and Holiday Zone. Opened to the public on February 18, 1992, the community is 8 km away from the city of Kunming proper and covers an area of 1,340 mus. The whole community contains 26 villages, and so far the Dai Village, the Bai Village, the Yi Village, the Naxi Village, the Wa Village, the Jinuo Village, the Lahu Village, the Bulang Village and 4 other villages have been completed.
Haigeng Park is mainly a natural scenic spot and a lakeside bathing beach with green willows, sky-piercing eucalyptuses, and blooming flowers. The part and the nearby fishing villages merge harmoniously into one. On bright sunny days, the water stretches out in a boundless expanse; white clouds float lazily across the blue sky while gentle waves are rippling, sails are drifting with the current and sea gulls are skimming over the water.
The Dianchi Scenic Area is quite mesmerizing, where natural scenery and human landscape blend perfectly. It can be divided into two districts, namely West district and East district. What makes Dianchi Lake distinctive is that the color of its water changes with the clouds and sunshine of the day. Around Dianchi Lake also lie many places of interest, such as West Hill, Daguan Park, Yunnan Ethnic Village and so on. These featured attractions are all ideal getaways for visitors to get close to nature to relax.
Western Hills boasts an excellent environment with flourishing flowers and dense forest, providing tourists an excellent environment to enjoy the tranquility and marvelous scenery. They have also been given another name – ‘Sleeping Beauty Hills’ for the hills because its skyline looks like a beautiful young lady laying beside Dianchi Lake with her face upward and her hair trailling into water.
How to get there?
By Bus
Take bus No. 171, 183 and get off Haigeng Dam Station.
By Taxi
It take tourists 30 minutes to Haigeng Dam from Down of Kunming.
Recommended Haigeng Dam Tour Routes
Top 3 Haigeng Dam tours chosen by most customers to explore Haigeng Dam in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us. We provide some tour routes for tourists to choose.
1. Visitors can also go to the West Hill Forest Park for a visit, then take the cable car from Longmen (the gate of the dragon) to Dianchi lake (Ticket price at RMB30).
2. There is no entrance fee charged at the Dianchi Lake, the entrance fee for Haigeng Park is RMB8 yuan. If guest do not want to take boat during the visit, a half day is enough for a visit to Dianchi Lake. If you want to explore the lake further, you can rent a bicycle and spend two days to cycle around the Dianchi, it is about 200 km.
Why is Daguan Pavilion Park so special?
In 1682 a monk named Qianyin built a small temple here to teach Buddhist dharma; eight years later, that’s in 1690, the official of Yunnan Province, Wang Jiwen, was so attracted by the beautiful natural views here, began to construct a whole park including halls, pavilions, bonsais, rockeries, trees and terraces. Grand View Tower has been an attraction ever since with the most visited spot being Daguan Park.
Introduction
The History of Daguan Pavilion Park
In 1696, Wang Jiwen, the governor of Yunnan, carried out a largescale construction of a two-story pavilion. Ponds were dug, embankments were constructed, and trees and flowers were planted. With a good view of the waters and hills in the distance, and the sailing boats and trees in mist, the pavilion was titled Daguan (“Grand View”) pavilion. In the later years, the Daguan pavilion had twice been reduced to ruins by warfare and flood. In 1883, Chen Yuying, governor of Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces, ordered Monk Xingtian to take charge of the renovation of the pavilion, and the pavilion has remained intact ever since.
Since the Daguan pavilion was built, men of letters coming from far and near in the country have often gathered here, composing and reciting poems. During the past two to three hundred years, many excellent works and poems have been created. Among them, the Long Couplet written by Sun Rangweng has for many years enjoyed the highest reputation around the world. Daguan Park has become famous due to Sun Rangweng’s Long Couplet.
The Structure of Daguan Park
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 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 2000 years’ history of Yunnan,awakens to that no matter how successful or frustrated you are, all will be in nothingness in the end.
What to See in Daguan Pavilion Park?
East Garden
East garden is located in the east side of Jinhuapu, consist of “Qiushang and cypress garden” two private garden, east and south facing Grand View River going into Dianchi lake Caohai channel. Inside the garden pond there is interweaved lotus, surrounded by willow embankment, bridge across the creek, pavilion and corridor is near the lake, deep and serene scenery.
South Garden
In the southeast of Building Beyond Building, it is separated by Dianchi Lake channel. Garden pond streams are around willow embankment, zigzag bridge arch bridge, the small pavilion arbor, the south garden main building is a two-storey building match well of Chinese and western style “Jinhou Building”. There is equipped with guest room, dining, conference reception and other service facilities.
Miniascape Garden
Grand View Park miniascape garden covers an area of 4500 square meters, is one of the largest miniascape garden in Kunming area. In the garden the trees are luxuriantly green, flowers are bright-colored, landscape set each other off, pavilion corridor is splendor, all kinds of bonsai scattered all over like stars in the sky. Besides the winding white wall, in front of the pavilion corridor are filled with trees, match with rock bonsai. Beautiful old trees are in sight: towering stands, each tree has its own form and each is graceful in its own way. The garden has a lot of the old pile with more than one hundred year of history. A crape myrtle planted during Qing dynasty Qianlong period, so far, more than two hundred years old, it is said that the early 60s, a Chinese-American paid $30000 to buy but failed, now it has become a miniascape garden treasure.
Jinhuapu
Jinhuapu is bounded by water on three sides and it is the main scenic area of Grand View Pavilion Park. Park entrance is facing Jinhuapu double-hipped roof arch gate. The north and east is a large lotus pond. “Grand View Pavilion” is the main building of Jinhuapu, pavilion, hall and other ancient architectural complexes constructed in Qing dynasty Kangxi period, and connected by the corridor, the past two years there are new cultural attractions like “Huaxia Long Couplet Corridor”, “the Grand View Pavilion inscription rubbings exhibition”, “long couplet history cultural center” and other cultural attractions. Here gather together the history humanities landscape of the Grand View Pavilion and it is also the main exhibition area of flowers exhibitions during the spring and autumn.
West Garden
West Park is located in the west side of Jinpuhua, which is new long couplet culture park of 200 mu of land requisition in 1998. There are 30 acres water area, willow embankment arch bridge, green grass, waterside pavilion and stone path, waterside pavilion.
Building outside the Building
It is located in the southeast of Grand View Tower, surrounded by water, willow embankment, facing the Grand View Tower by three pools of Yinyue Lake. Building outside the Building is three-storey, the green colored glaze gable and hip roof looks like gaily-painted pleasure-boat.
What to Do in Daguan Pavilion Park?
1. Appreciating Literary Works
Construction of Daguanlou was completed in the 1690s. Perhaps more famous than the view provided by the pavilion is the poem carved into the gateposts of the south-facing door. It is comprised of a series of rhyming couplets composed by the poet Sun Ranweng (孙髯翁) and is purportedly the longest series of its kind ever composed in China.
The “Long Couplet” (长联) was written during the Qing Dynasty and is considered to be one of Yunnan’s most important pieces of cultural heritage.
The poem is divided into three sections. The first describes the scenery around the pavilion and then moves on to a lengthy explanation of Yunnan’s history before ending with a meditation on the Buddhist concept of nirvana.
2. Visiting Photo Exhibit
The buildings adjoining Daguanlou are often congregating places for people to play Chinese chess, majiang or cards. Currently three of the buildings house a hundred year photo retrospective of Dianchi Lake called “A Clear Dianchi, A Prosperous Kunming” (滇池清,昆明兴). The exhibit of more than 100 landscape photos is free to visitors.
Many of the photographs show scenes of Dianchi Lake in its healthier days — often of people swimming in clear blue water in times before algae-blooms made such recreation impossible. Other photos show massive storm systems boiling over the city or beautiful sunsets over Kunming’s Xishan.
3. Watching Ornamental Plants
Daguan Pavilion Park is a botanical garden rich in ornamental plants. Of its plant varieties of more than 600, more than 200 are indigenous plants. Compared with other parks, its over 800 potted landscapes and 300 breeds of chrysanthemums take the lead in Kunming. Moreover, the about 70,000-square-meter pond with over 10 breeds of water lilies makes it the biggest water lily watching base in Kunming.
4. Having Fun in the Amusement Park
Towering above everything in the park is the 90-meter Ferris wheel. When entering the city from the west, it is Kunming’s first and most unmistakable man-made landmark. Giant, silent and ponderously slow, the wheel takes 30 minutes to complete one revolution. Upon reaching the top, passengers are provided with some of the most spectacular views of Kunming available in the city. Tickets for the ride cost 30 yuan.
Littered around the Ferris wheel are several other rides. Some are well-maintained and routinely in operation. Three roller coasters, small, medium and large, are the biggest attractions and all offer riders the chance to hurtle upside down, even if just for a moment.
Daguan has at least five carousels although only the two-storey one was in operation the day we visited. There are also patriotic bumper cars sporting US flag and Statue of Liberty motifs, as well as several revolving rides.
One ride we saw was so covered in drying laundry and rust that we were unable to tell what it used to be. Admission to the park does not include entry to any of the various attractions or access to the haunted house located underneath the Ferris wheel.
Tickets for the smallest rides are 10 yuan and prices max out at 50 for the largest roller-coaster. Photographs of you enjoying, or not enjoying, your experience are available for 10 yuan.
How to Get there?
The main gate of Daguan Park is located at the terminus of Daguan Road.
By Bus
People can take public bus No.4, 22, 95, 100, 104, 124 and 131 to Daguan Pavilion Park Stop, or take bus No.97, 143, 166 and c8 to Daguan Pavilion South Garden.
By Taxi
A taxi to the park entrance from the Green Lake Area should cost roughly 15 yuan.
Travel Tips
1. Visitors are advised to always carry changes of clothing due to the large variations in temperature between day and night.
2. The climate is relatively dry, so drink more water every day.
3 Protecting oneself from strong UV radiation at high altitude.
4. Protecting oneself from altitude sickness. Lessen the effects of altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise and have plenty of rest.
5. Respect local customs , habits, and religious beliefs.
Chinese Name:昆明滇池观鸟 English Name: Dianchi Lake Bird-Watching in Kunming Observing Main Character: Red-billed Gull Best Birdwatching Season: November – March Best Birdwatching Spots: Haigeng Dam, Cuihu Park, Daguan Pavilion Park, and various wetland parks along Dianchi Lake. Local Cuisine: Rice Noodles, Yunnan Cuisine, Mushroom Hot Pot, etc. Best Time to Feed Seagulls: 8-10 AM and 5-6 PM
Overview
Dianchi Lake, located in Kunming, Yunnan Province, is a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts due to its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes. Covering an area of approximately 300 square kilometers, the lake is the largest in Yunnan and is surrounded by beautiful mountains, making it an ideal habitat for various bird species.
Bird Species
Dianchi Lake is home to a wide variety of birds, particularly migratory species. Between November and March, many birds, such as the Red-billed Gull, can be seen congregating around the lake. Other species that are commonly spotted include egrets, herons, and various waterfowl, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Best Viewing Areas
Several prime locations around the lake offer optimal birdwatching opportunities:
Haigeng Dam: This area provides a panoramic view of the lake and is a favored spot for capturing photos of seabirds, especially during the early mornings and late afternoons.
Cuihu Park: Located near the city center, this park features lush greenery and is frequented by many birdwatchers looking to see both resident and migratory birds.
Daguan Pavilion Park: Known for its scenic views, this park not only offers birdwatching opportunities but also allows visitors to enjoy the cultural atmosphere of Kunming.
Wetland Parks along Dianchi Lake: Several wetland parks around the lake provide essential habitats for various bird species, making them ideal for birdwatching.
Introduction
The ultimate destination, literally on the edge of the cliff. Right below it is the Datian Pavilion one of the many stone grottoes carved into the hillside. These tunnels and caves can be quite cool, so you will understand why this area was a summer palace for royalty. If it’s not too crowded, spend a few minutes watching the joss sticks burning and the tourists reaching up to touch the arch for luck.
Dragon Gate Legend
As a Chinese idiom says, ‘Once you ascend Longmen (Dragon Gate), you would receive a sudden boost in your prestige’. Dragon Gate is a certain gorge on a river flanked by precipices and with a natural dam. If carps swimming upstream could jump over the dam, they would become dragons. The houses of powerful dignitaries were often compared to dragon gates; if a man could manage to be a guest in these houses, his future would be ensured.)
Attractions of Dragon Gate
The ultimate destination, literally on the edge of the cliff. Right below it is the Datian Pavilion, one of the many stone grottoes carved into the hillside. These tunnels and caves can be quite cool, so you will understand why this area was a summer palace for royalty. If it’s not too crowded, spend a few minutes watching the joss sticks burning and the tourists reaching up to touch the arch for luck.
Lingxu Pavillion: Once you exit Dragon Gate and head upwards (again), take the stone stairs and path to the Lingxu Pavillon even farther up the mountain. From there, you have the best views – and fewer tourists since it’s a bit of a grunt.
Nearby Attractions
Western Hill
Western Hills is called Xishan in Chinese, and it’s a scenic forest park located in the west suburb of Kunming, 15km to the city center, with the beautiful Dian Lake sitting on the east of it. Western Hill has always been reputed as the “top scenery in central Yunnan”. The whole scenic spot is made of several mountains, including Biji Mountain, Huating Mountain, Taihua Mountain, Luohan Mountain, etc. and they are reach out for over 40km, and the highest altitude is 2500m. Western Hill is a large forest park, and also a national scenic spot which perfectly combines the natural scenery with the cultural relics. Historic sites are surrounded by quiet and peaceful green forests, including the most famous Dragon Gate, and Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, San Qing Pavilion, etc. It’s a perfect place for walking and relaxing.
Taihua Temple(太华寺)
Taihua Temple gained its name for it is located on Taihua Hill. Originally built in the Yuan Dynasty (1206 – 1368), the temple is the oldest one in Western Hills. Daxiong Baodian Hall, Piaomiao Pavilion, Sizhao Hall are in the temple. The temple is famous for the beautiful rare flowers on the grounds. It is also a good place to watch the grand spectacle of the rising sun.
Sanqing Pavillion(三清阁)
Sanqing Pavilion is built on the cliff at Luohan Hill. Being over 300 meters (approximately 984 feet) above Dianchi Lake, the pavilion looks like a ‘castle in the air’. This temple has a Taoist influence, and ‘Sanqing’ in Taoism refers to the loftiest stature. The pavilion is a good place where you can not only visit the temples, but also enjoy a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake.
Huating Temple
Huating Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Yunnan Province. It had been destroyed and rebuilt several times most recently in 1923. Daxiong Baodian Hall, Tianwang Hall and Kwan-yin Hall are some of the features in the temple. In the temple you can see three golden Buddha figures with kindly expressions, 500 life-like arhats which are vivid just like real people, and golden figures of Laughing Buddha. Besides, there are abundant colored clay figures depicting vividly various images of mythical animals.
Best time to travel to Dragon Gate
The best time is from March to October, spring, summer and autumn is the suitable time to visit Dragon Gate.
How to get to there?
By Bus
There are many bus line can reach the Western Hill Forest Park. Tourists can take bus No.6, 94 to Su Family Village, or take bus No.33, 94 to Gaoxiao Village.
By Taxi
From Kunming Railway station, it will take about half an hour to Western Hill, 60 RMB or so. From Changshui Airport, it will take about 1.5 hours, 120 RMB or so. From downtown of Kunming, it will take about 40 Mins, 30 RMB or so. And, from Yunnan Ethnic Village to Dragon Gate, there is cable car between Haigeng and the Western Hill, 50 RMB for round way, 30 RMB for one way.
How to Get Around?
Cable Car: In Haigeng Park which is next to Yunnan Nationalities Village, tourists can take the “Dian Lake – Dragon Gate” cable car to get to the lower cableway station of Dragon Gate (Park Service Center is here), and this is ¥35/person. This will take about half hour and tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Dian Lake on the cable car. Then tourists can take cable car from there to get to the entrance of Dragon Gate – the upper cableway station, this is ¥25/person; or tourists can take battery car to the entrance, this will take ¥8/person. Travelers who love hiking can also walk to the entrance, and it’s only about 2km. Travel Bus: After arriving at the parking lot of Western Hill, tourists can take the travel bus commuting between the entrance of Western Hill to the lower cableway station, and the ticket for the travel bus is ¥25/person, and the travel bus will make stops at Huating Temple and Taihua Temple. After getting to the lower cableway station, tourists can choose to take cable car, or battery car or walk to the Dragon Gate entrance. Travel Route: Tourists can take cable car or travel bus to the Park Service Center (the lower cableway station), then take cable car to the upper cableway station, and walk down the mountain and visit the Dragon Gate and San Qing Pavilion on the way. After arriving at the Dragon Gate Entrance, take battery car to the Park Service Center, then take travel bus to get back and visit Taihua Temple and Huating Temple on the way. This is the most popular and relaxing way. For hike lovers, they can walk most of the journey.
Why is Jinma Biji Archways so special?
The true uniqueness of Jinma Biji Archways lies in one particular magical moment known as “Jinbi Jiaohui”: Gold and turquoise intertwining. Just before the sunset, the golden rays of the sun illuminating the Biji Archway from the west, cast its shadow on the square to the east. And at the same time, the light of the moon, just risen from the east, casts the shadow of Jinma Archway on the paving stones to the west. With the movements of the sun and moon, the shadows of the two archways gradually draw closer to finally connect, a moment known as “Jinbi Jiaohui”.
History of The Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archway
Built in China’s Ming Dynasty, it has history of more than 400 years. Right on the central axis of old Kunming city, it is located in the center of downtown Kunming.
The Golden Horse Archway is in the east against the mountain with the same name as the archway; the Green Rooster Archway is in the west against the Green Chicken Mountain. Within a short distance of each other, the two archways are in the traditional archway styles. Together with another Loyalty Archway on the other side, these three archways shape a triangle of archway clusters. With their distinctive characteristics they present a spectacular view in the midst of surrounding downtown modern buildings.
The Name of “Jinma” and “Biji”
No one exactly knows where comes the name for the Jinma Biji archways. Some say the names of Jinma and Biji are named after the two nearby mountains called Jinma and Biji. But some goes much further. They think the Golden Horse and the Jade Rooster are the gods of the Sun and the Moon. What’s their reason? The magic moment when the shades of the Jinma and Biji approach at sunset and the rise of the moon.
Cultural of Jinma Biji Archway
The archways of Golden Horse and Jade Cock were built on an east-west axis, not far from each other. At 5 or 6 p.m. on the day when Autumn Equinox (September 22, 23 or 24 of the Gregorian calendar) and the Mid-Autumn Festival (August 15 of the lunar calendar) of the year of cock (you year. There are 12 symbolic animals associated with a 12-year cycle, often used to donate the year of a person’s birth. One of the animals is cock) happened to be the same day (it happened once every 60 years), when the sun has set and the moon is rising, the shadow of sunshine on Golden Cock becomes longer gradually and the shadow of moonlight on the Jade Cock becomes clearer [Traditional Chinese calendar calculated the passage of years, months, days and hours by combining one Heavenly Stem (tian gan in Chinese. The 10 Heavenly Stems are jia, yi, bing, ding, wu, ji, geng, xin, ren and gui) and one Earthly Branch (di zhi in Chinese. The 12 Earthly Branches are zi, chou, yin, mao, chen, si, wu, wei, shen, you, xu and hai) to form 60 unique pairs in a complete cycle. In the lunar calendar in use today, only years and days are in such cyclic pairings]. Then the shadows of Golden Cock and Jade Cock draw near bit by bit and finally become one shadow. That is the splendid scene of the overlapping shadow of Golden Horse and Jade Cock.
It is said that the phenomenon of the overlapping shadow of Golden Horse and Jade Cock appeared during the reign of Emperor Daoguang (1821-1851). Once during the reign of Emperor Guangxu (1875-1909), the shadows of Golden Horse and Jade Cock nearly overlapped but disappeared when they were only several steps apart because the two archways were not rebuilt strictly according to the original size after being destructed during war. The present archways of Golden Horse and Jade Cock were rebuilt in the 1960s strictly according to the original size. It is hopeful that the spectacle of Overlapping Shadow of Golden Horse and Jade Cock will appear some day in the future.
The archways of Golden Horse and Jade Cock have long been the symbol of Kunming. People refer to Yunnan as the homeland of Golden Horse and Jade Cock, which are the pattern for the city emblem.
Attraction in Jinma Biji Square
There are two huge arches on Jinma Biji square: Golden Horse Arch in the east and Jade Rooster in the west.
The Eastern arch in the direction of Mount Jinma is called Jinma Archway; the Western arch in the direction of Mount Biji is called Biji Archway. Together with the northern “Zhong-Ai Gate”, in memory of Sayyid who was a famous politician in Yuan Dynasty(1271—1368), they are known as the “Pinzi Sanfang”: three gates forming the shape of the Chinese character pin, a triangular layout composed of three rectangular forms. A major landmark in central Kunming, it contrasts with the Nanzhao Kingdom Eastern and Western Pagodas, which still stand in south Kunming, representative of the architecture of a more ancient Kunming civilization.
Nearby Attraction
Jingxing Flowers and Birds Market: Located at Yongdao Street (甬道街), Jingxing Flowers and Birds Market was opened for business in 1983, gathering vendors selling flowers, birds, fish and so on, and finally became the biggest flowers and birds market in Kunming. Local people of the city, especially children getting pocket money during the Spring Festival, like wandering around this oldest flowers and birds market to buy the merchandise they like or shop with eyes only.
Yuantong Temple: It is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Kunming with a history of more than 1200 years. It is also the largest temple in Kunming.
Kunming Zoo: It’s also called Yuantong Mountain Zoo, located in the Yuantong Mountain, northern section of Qingnian Road, northeast of Kunming city. Founded in 1953, with about 200 kinds of Yunnan specialty animals and rare animals in the world, Kunming zoo is one of the national top ten zoos and seven major zoos in China.
How to Get there?
By Bus
Take Bus No.3, 4, 90, 62 to Jinma Archway Station.
By Subway
Take Subway Line 1 or 2, get off at Dongfeng Square Statin and walk for about 15mins to Jinma Biji Archway.
Travel Tips
1. There are several public houses behind Golden Horse and Jade Cock Archways. The most famous one is Hump Bar. The place bustles every night, and it is a very good place to taste the local food.
2. It is a nice place to go since many fashion shops, fancy shops, restaurants, and health clubs, pubs, pleasure grounds, supermarkets and sight-seeing minibuses cluster in the Golden Horse and Jade Cock Pedestrian Street.
Xishan District Travel Guide introduces useful travel information of Xishan District including travel guide, tour itinerary, trip, travel tips, attractions, top things to do, tours, transportation, weather, climate, food, restaurants, accommodation, festivals, nightlife, activities, education, shopping, photos and maps.
Chinese Name: 昆明西部智选假日酒店 English Name: Holiday Inn Express Kunming West Holiday Inn Express Kunming West is situated in the bustling transportation hub of Kunming’s Xishan District, conveniently located near...
Chinese Name:昆明彩云里·凯世精品酒店 As the first Cachet Boutique hotel in Yunnan, Kunming Cachet Boutique Artime shelters itself away from the crowded downtown area. Located at Artime Centre, a once factory,...
Why is West Hill so special? Western Hills boasts an excellent environment with flourishing flowers and dense forest, providing tourists an excellent environment to enjoy the tranquility and marvelous...
Why is Dianchi Lake so special? Embraced by several peaks and alluring waters, Dianchi Lake is just like a sparkling jewel embedded in Kunming. The lake is crescent-shaped, stretching...
Why is Yunnan Ethnic Villages so special? This theme park displays the colorful folklore and architecture of 25 ethnic groups residing in Yunnan Province. The theme park offers shows...
Introduction Yunnan Nationalities Museum is located on the east bank of Dianchi Lake next to Yunnan Nationalities Village in Kunming City, China. Completed in 1995, it is a comprehensive...
The Development of Haigeng Dam As Kunming continues to grow and change, green space and public gathering spaces remain in short supply. City planners are looking to address such...
Why is Daguan Pavilion Park so special? In 1682 a monk named Qianyin built a small temple here to teach Buddhist dharma; eight years later, that’s in 1690, the...
Chinese Name:昆明滇池观鸟 English Name: Dianchi Lake Bird-Watching in Kunming Observing Main Character: Red-billed Gull Best Birdwatching Season: November – March Best Birdwatching Spots: Haigeng Dam, Cuihu Park, Daguan Pavilion...
Introduction The ultimate destination, literally on the edge of the cliff. Right below it is the Datian Pavilion one of the many stone grottoes carved into the hillside. These...
Why is Jinma Biji Archways so special? The true uniqueness of Jinma Biji Archways lies in one particular magical moment known as “Jinbi Jiaohui”: Gold and turquoise intertwining. Just before...