Daguan River in Kunming
Overview of Daguan River
Daguan River is located on the western side of Kunming’s main urban area. It begins on the southern side of Daguan Road (大观路) in the east and extends to Jinhuapu (近华浦) in the west, flowing from the northeast to the southwest into the Caohai (草海), a part of Lake Dianchi (滇池). The river is 2,800 meters long, 20 meters wide, and has an average depth of 2 meters. Historically, during the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, it was a natural watercourse that flowed into the Caohai.
The Caohai (草海)
In the Ming Dynasty, the Caohai was known as the “West Lake” (西湖) or alternatively as Caohai Lake (草海子) and Green Grass Lake (青草湖). The Yunnan Tongzhi (《云南通志》) from the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty records: “The West Lake is located west of the prefecture, surrounded by water reeds, with a circumference of four li. It is the upper stream of Dianchi Lake, where people often sail boats. The locals call it Caohai Lake.” It also mentions a place called “Water Cloud Village” (水云乡), where the Marquis of Xiping, Mu Ying (沐英), built a villa called “West Garden” (西园) during the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty.
Sailing from the Xiaoxi Gate (小西门) of Kunming to Jinhuapu, across the Caohai, to enjoy the “Moonlight on Dianchi” (滇池夜月) has been a popular activity for centuries.
Xu Xiake’s Description of the Caohai
In 1638, during the Ming Dynasty, the famous geographer and explorer Xu Xiake (徐霞客) recorded his journey in the Travel Notes of Mount Taihua (《游太华山记》). He wrote, “Two li southwest of the provincial capital, we boarded a boat. Both sides of the river are flat fields, and after ten li, the fields end, and reeds fill the marshland. We sail through the deep green waters without realizing that this is the vast flow of Dianchi Lake. This is the Caohai. The water passage through the reeds is narrow, and in the distance, the Western Hills (西山) rise up against the sky, where the Arhat Temple (罗汉寺) is located.”
At that time, the river was not yet called Daguan River (大观河), and the Daguan Tower (大观楼) had not been built. Xu Xiake’s route from Kunming to the Caohai followed what is now the Daguan River.
Development during the Qing Dynasty
In the early Qing Dynasty, Wu Sangui (吴三桂), the Prince of Pingxi, dredged the river to transport grain from places such as Jincheng (晋城), Kunyang (昆阳), and Chenggong (呈贡) into the city. This river was then known as the “Grain Transport River” (运粮河).
According to Shu Zao’s (舒藻) Record of the Construction of Daguan Tower (《创建大观楼碑记》): “During the Qing Dynasty, Wu Sangui, the Prince of Pingxi, dredged a river from Jinhuapu towards Huicheng (会城), a distance of about ten li, called the Grain Transport River. He also built a granary port called Zhuangtang (篆塘) outside the Xiaoxi Gate, where grain ships from Dianchi Lake would transport rice to the warehouses, making it very convenient.”
Zhuangtang became a key grain port, where merchants and travelers would converge. The Granary Wharf (粮港码头) in Zhuangtang was vital for both grain and fish trade, as it also served as a hub for fishermen from the Caohai.
The Construction of Daguan Tower
In 1690, under the administration of the Yunnan Provincial Governor Wang Jiwen (王继文) and Minister Shi Wencheng (石文晟), Daguan Tower was constructed at Jinhuapu. With its completion, the Grain Transport River began to be referred to as Daguan River. This river became both a route for grain transportation and a scenic waterway, offering boat rides to the Daguan Tower for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
The Decline of the Old Zhuangtang Port
In the Republic of China era, a new arched bridge was built over the Zhuangtang River (篆塘河), known as the “New Bridge” (新桥), or Zhuangtang Bridge (篆塘桥). As the water level of Dianchi Lake gradually dropped, the old Zhuangtang port was filled in and developed into residential areas. However, in 1917, a new Zhuangtang Port was opened on the western side of the old one, and this new port, now Zhuangtang Park (篆塘公园), remained a key part of Kunming’s river infrastructure.
Modern Development and Restoration Efforts
In 1957, as the water levels of Dianchi continued to fall, a new Zhuangtang Port was built further west. This port covered an area of 31,300 square meters, with space for 40-ton ships to dock. It became an essential part of Kunming’s transport network, serving as a modern shipping hub.
Over the years, Daguan River and Zhuangtang underwent several restoration and dredging efforts. In 1973, a large-scale restoration project cleaned the river and Zhuangtang, and the Zhuangtang Wharf was repurposed. In 1987, Zhuangtang Park opened to the public, providing a green urban space with tea houses, bridges, and gardens, making it a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city.
Zhuangtang Park (篆塘公园)
Zhuangtang Park, located at the intersection of Daguan Road (大观路) and Xichang Road (西昌路), is a small green oasis in the city. The park features a variety of scenic elements, including a pond with a winding bridge and platforms for viewing the water. The park is designed in a blend of Chinese and Western styles, with small pavilions, flower beds, and tea rooms hidden among the greenery.
The park underwent a significant renovation in 2002, expanding the green space and adding new plants, such as bougainvillea, osmanthus, and camphor trees. The landscaping of the park now covers 70% of the area, with flowerbeds, lawns, and carefully curated trees, including gingko, cypress, and magnolia.
Zhuangtang Legal and Cultural Park (篆塘法制、廉政文化园)
In 2009, Zhuangtang Park was transformed into Zhuangtang Legal and Cultural Park, themed around the concepts of “rule of law, integrity, peace, and harmony.” The park now includes more than 40 informational boards on topics such as law, corruption prevention, and public safety, making it not only a scenic destination but also an educational hub for the local community.
Legacy of Daguan River and Zhuangtang
The Daguan River and Zhuangtang are deeply intertwined with the history of Kunming. They tell the story of Dianchi Lake’s development, the rise and fall of Caohai fisheries, and the transformation of Kunming into a modern city. The Daguan River, once a vital artery for grain and fish, is now a scenic and cultural treasure. Efforts to preserve its history and culture continue to shape the identity of Kunming as a historic and cultural city.
