Western Mountains Forest Reserve/Xishan Scenic Area, Xishan District (the easiest way to get here would probably be to catch a metro train to the Western Mountains Forest Reserve Station on Line 3; you can also take a cable car here from behind the Kunming Nationalities Village; the cable car fare is ¥40 for a one-way ride or ¥70 for a round trip; you can trek down from the mountain if you want to save money), M-F 08:30-17:00, Sat-Sun 08:00-17:30. The forest reserve on the west bank of the Dianchi Lake consists of the Huating, Taihua and Luohan Mountains, which extend for more than 40 km at an altitude of 2,500 m. This is a colossal natural forest reserve, its lofty chain of mountains crisscrossed by gurgling brooks and streams. Ancient trees heap up rich piles of foliage, and birds warble and flutter amid fragrant flowers. Viewed from the southeast corner of Kunming, the entire forest reserve looks like a beautiful maiden reclining leisurely by the Dianchi Lake, her long hair quivering in the limpid water. Hence the nickname of the Western Mountains Forest Reserve peak, Sleeping Beauty. Entry to the park is free but there is a fee to enter the Dragon Gate.

Dragon Gate

Dragon Gate is the essence of Western Hill forest park. The scenic spot is located at the end of the whole scenic spot of Western Hill which is sitting next to Dianchi Lake - the largest freshwater in Yunnan and is famed as the “Pearl on the Plateau”. Standing on the Dragon Gate, travelers can overlook the panoramic view of Dian Lake and Kunming City, which is magnificent and gorgeous and attracts many people to Western Hill. There is an old saying about the Dragon Gate – once enter the dragon gate, you will become famous and successful, and it’s a symbol of good luck.

Dragon Gate can be divided into two parts –Dragon Gate Grottoes and San Qing Pavilion.

Dragon Gate Grottoes is located at the end of Dragon Gate's scenic spot. From Jiushibao to Datian Pavilion, the 66.5m Dragon Gate Grottoes are carved on the cliff of Western Hill. The grottoes were carved between 1781-1853, and it includes Jiushibao, Luoxuandao, Ciyun Temple, Yunhua Temple, and Datian Pavilion. As the largest and most beautiful Taoism grottoes in Yunnan, Dragon Grottoes rank as the top attraction in Western Hill, and it’s a must-go in Kunming.

San Qing Pavilion is also located on steep cliffs. Among the green trees, travelers can find a set of pavilions. San Qing Pavilion has 11 wooden architectures in total. According to the legend, it was a summer palace for Prince Liang in Yuan Dynasty, and now it’s a tea house and travelers can take a rest there.

Huating Temple

First built in 1320 AD, Huating Temple was built on the mountainside of Western Hill. Situated in a tranquil environment, Huating Temple is the largest Buddhism temple in Kunming. The Wanghailou in the temple is a great place to view the sunrise on Dian Lake.

Taihua Temple

Located in Taihua Mountain, which is the highest mountain in Western Hill, Taihua Temple was built in Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). It was extended and repaired several times in Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty, however, the main hall of the temple still reserve the architectural style of the Yuan Dynasty. Surrounded by green trees and bamboo forests, the temple shows its tranquil charms together with the quiet and stunning environment.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Reference: Wiki Travel

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