Grandview Park, alos named as Daguan Park in Chinese, is located at the terminus of Daguan Road and is 6 km from the city center, near Dianchi Lake and facing Taihua Mountain which is on the other side of Dianchi Lake.
The Park Scenic Area includes the three-storied Grand View Pavilion, which provides a spectacular view across sparkling Dianchi Lake to the distant Western Hills, and some winding corridors, bonsais, rockeries, trees and porches, willowed causeways, arch bridges, and archways centering around.
The pavilion was built in 1890. The roofs of the pavilion were painted golden, and the pavilion appears elegant in between the verdant trees. The pavilion faces north and south, with the south gate (the facade) facing water (Dianchi Lake); on both sides of the south gate were the couplet written by Sun Ranweng (1684-1763, a poor scholar in Qing Dynasty); this couplet of 180 Chinese characters is believed to be the longest antithetical couplet in the world and one of the most valued cultural treasures in Yunnan. The first part (on the right) of the couplet describes the beautiful and magnificent natural views around Kunming, e.g. the local mountains and extolling nature in an optimistic mood. The second part (on the left) reviews the 2,000 years' history of Yunnan, commemorating its rulers and warriors, battles and victories and indicating that no matter how successful or frustrated you are, all will be in nothingness in the end. The words are carefully chosen. The language is beautiful and elegant.
Inside the pavilion on the third floor, looking into the distance, you will have a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake and the Western Hills.
