Kunming
Grand View Tower (Daguan Park): free entry, hours and how to get there
A lakeside park by Dianchi Lake, built around a Qing-era tower known for its 180-character couplet by the poet Sun Ranweng. It suits a relaxed hour or two, especially for people who like Chinese gardens and literature.
- Entry
- Free
- Extras
- Climb Daguan Tower US$0.5 (¥2)
- Opening hours
- 07:00–19:00
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- How to book
- At the gate or online
Park entry is free; only climbing Daguan Tower costs CNY 2 (half price ages 60–69; free 70+ and under 1.2 m). The tower climb is suspended 9 Oct–15 Dec 2026 for repairs. The seasonal night event "Daguan Park Wonder Night" is ticketed separately; check that year's announcement.
Prices checked October 2026.
How to get there
- Bus 4, 22, 52 or 262 to Daguanlou (大观楼), for the north main gate.
- Metro Line 3 to Wuyi Road, change to Line 5 toward Baofeng, and get off at Fuhai (福海), Exit B. It is about 1.4 km to the south gate at Yu Garden.
- Bus 166 to Daguanlou South Garden (大观楼南园) for the south gate. If you come by car, use the lots outside the park, since private cars cannot park inside.
Before you go
- The tower climb is suspended from October 9 to December 15, 2026, while stone piers in the lake are repaired, and the waterside platform is partly fenced. Check that it has reopened before making the trip for the tower.
- The long couplet hangs on either side of the tower's south door, so stop to see it even if you cannot climb.
- Daguan is one of the city's gull spots in winter. The roses in Yu Garden peak from late April to mid-May.
- The Dianchi greenway runs about 9 km from here to Haigeng Dam, a good walk or bike ride.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you only have a day or two in Kunming; it is a pleasant park, not a main sight.
Close by, same day
- Haigeng Dam (Dianchi Lake) · Free
Going to several of these?
Tell us which sights and when. We’ll tell you what needs booking ahead and what’s worth skipping, and book the tickets that need a Chinese app.