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Visit Qingguanting Park for a peaceful day surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views. Enjoy walking around the park, explore its peaceful lake, or take a boat ride. The park is also great for photography and relaxation, with plenty of natural beauty and tranquil spots.
Zhaotong Qingguanting Park, located in the northwest corner of Zhaotong City, is the closest urban garden to Zhaotong residents, yet its scenery offers unique charm throughout the year. The park's most famous attraction is the Qingguanting Pavilion, built in the center of a pond. Originally named Sanduotang, it was constructed in 1809 by County Magistrate Wang Yudian. The pavilion, a two-story waterside pavilion with an exterior corridor and accessed by a stone bridge, covers an area of 305 square meters. Legend has it that Wang Yudian was a clean official, hence the name Qingguanting.
The current Qingguan Pavilion was rebuilt in 1932. Zhaotong native Rao Qikao composed a couplet that hangs in front of the pavilion: "A drop of water is but a drop of water; an official has left his innocence; this place is untainted by dust, who would dare to step on the soft red?" In 1982, the Zhaotong Municipal Government allocated funds to build Qingguan Pavilion Park. Two hectares of new land were allocated to expand the park's boundaries, a curved pond was dug, pavilions and waterside terraces were built, and various flowers and trees, including peonies, Chinese peonies, Burmese laurel, and Chinese roses, were planted. Additional features within the park include artificial rockeries, a joyful garden, an animal corner, a mandarin duck pavilion, a children's playground, and a bonsai room.
Although the park is not large, it has the charm of Suzhou gardens, with pavilions and towers hidden among the green trees. The newly built bonsai garden and the funhouse mirror garden are gardens within the garden. A two-story tower and the new pavilion on the water complement each other, and two rockery rises by the pool. In March, the peach trees are in full bloom, red clouds are in the air, and willow branches are swaying; in summer, roses emit a refreshing fragrance, and pomegranate flowers emit a scorching red flame. The fragrance of flowers on the shore is intoxicating, and fish and duckweed are playing in the water, which makes people feel relaxed and reluctant to leave.
Qingguanting Park has a subtropical monsoon climate and its scenery has its own characteristics in each season, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
Qingguan Pavilion, artificial rockery, Xinyue Garden, animal corner, mandarin duck pavilion, children's playground, bonsai room, etc.
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
Free and open
Open all day
Qingguanting Park is a popular public park in Zhaotong, Yunnan, known for its scenic beauty and historical importance. The park features traditional Chinese garden designs and has been a cultural hub for locals for many years.
Qingguanting Park is located in Zhaotong, Yunnan Province. It is easily accessible by taxi or private car from the city center. There are no metro services in Zhaotong, but local buses may be available for nearby areas.
The park is open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler, and the park is less crowded.
The entrance fee is around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the park, and there is no online ticketing system available at this time.
There is no need to book tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased on-site when you arrive.
You will need around 1 to 2 hours to fully explore Qingguanting Park, depending on how much time you spend on leisurely walks, taking photos, or enjoying the views.
The lake in the center of the park is a must-see, as well as the traditional Chinese garden designs and the peaceful walking paths. Don’t miss the small boat rides on the lake for a unique perspective of the park.
Guided tours are not commonly available, but there may be local guides who can offer tours in Mandarin. Audio guides are not offered at the park.
The best viewpoints are around the lake and from elevated areas in the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The lake at sunset is also a great photography spot.
Start at the main entrance and take a leisurely stroll around the lake. Explore the gardens, enjoy the traditional architecture, and take your time photographing the scenic views. Don’t forget to enjoy a boat ride on the lake if available.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Qingguanting Park. The park is primarily a daytime attraction.
The park can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are on weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
The park offers basic facilities like toilets, water stations, and rest areas. There are no large food vendors or shops inside the park, but you can find food options nearby in the city center.
The park has some areas that may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors, especially around the lake and uneven paths. However, children and families can enjoy the park as there are paved paths and rest areas for relaxation.
Cash is widely accepted in the park, but mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also commonly available in the surrounding area. It’s a good idea to carry some cash just in case.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly inside the park. However, there are several restaurants and cafes in the nearby Zhaotong city center offering local and regional cuisine.
In the city center, you can find vegetarian and halal food options, particularly in the larger restaurants. Be sure to check the menu for specific dietary needs.
Several hotels and guesthouses are located in Zhaotong, within a short drive from Qingguanting Park. Options range from budget accommodations to more upscale hotels.
Nearby attractions include the local temples, parks, and Fuxian Lake. These can easily be combined in a day trip to explore more of the natural and cultural beauty of the region.
There are no souvenir shops inside the park, but in Zhaotong city, you can find local handicrafts, traditional textiles, and Yunnan tea as souvenirs.
After visiting the park, taxis or private cars are the best option to continue your journey to nearby attractions. Local buses may be available for those looking for more affordable options.
