A forest park about 15 kilometers west of Kunming city center and at the western shore of Dianchi Lake, the Western Hills is a top attraction not to be missed when traveling to Kunming in Yunnan, boasting the perfect blend of stunning natural beauty and profound cultural heritage. Since looking like a reclining beauty from afar, the Western Hills is also known as the Sleeping Beauty Mountain. It is home to several peaks, and the highest peak here stands about 2,507.5 meters above sea level, offering magnificent panoramic views of Kunming City and Dianchi Lake.
More than picturesque landscapes, the Xishan Forest Park had long been a haunt for scholars and poets of different dynasties and was left with rich historical and cultural heritage. Top historical sites and landmarks here include the exquisite stone carvings of the Dragon Gate Grottoes, the majestic architecture of Huating Temple, and valuable cultural relics in Taihua Temple.
Fast Facts of the Western Hills
- Chinese name: 西山 Xīshān
- Location: Near 1318 Dianchi Road in Xishan District, adjacent to the Dianchi Lake.
- Altitude: About 1900-2350 meters above sea level
- Opening hours: 8:30-17:00 from Monday to Friday, 8:00-17:30 on Saturday and Sunday
- Visiting time needed: 3-4 hours
- Ticket: CNY 65 for Xishan Cable Way, ticket of Dragon Gate and sightseeing car.
- Best time to visit: Suit to visit all year round, March to October is highly recommended.
- Popular activities: Savor a bird’s-eye view of Kunming City and Dianchi Lake, hiking, enjoy exquisite grotto carvings of Dragon Gate.
- Suited to: Nature and outdoor activity lovers, history and culture buffs, and photography enthusiasts.
What to See at Western Hills Forest Park
Dragon Gate
Located atop the cliffs of Luohan Peak, Dragon Gate is the top highlight of Western Hill Forest Park and also one of the most famous attractions in Kunming that is adjacent to the western shore of Dianchi Lake. With its construction taking 72 years, Dragon Gate is especially known for its outstanding stone carving art, boasting the largest and most exquisite Taoist grotto in Yunnan.
The Dragon Gate Grottoes span about 66.5 meters along a steep cliff from the south of the Sanqing Pavilion to the Datian Pavilion and are connected by cliffside walkways. Visitors can appreciate vivid carvings of 22 Taoist deities, 28 auspicious birds and animals, as well as intricately designed altars, vases, incense burners, etc. while marveling at the treacherous terrain and breathtaking scenery.
To get to the Dragon Gate, it’s highly recommended to take the cable car which will take you to the entrance directly and offer a stunning panoramic view of Dianchi Lake and the entire Western Hill Forest Park. Alternatively, you can also ascend by hiking or taking an electric shuttle.
Huating Temple
Huating Temple is an over-600-year-old Buddhist temple that was initially constructed during the Yuan Dynasty and further restored in different dynasties to preserve its grandeur. Sitting at an altitude of about 2,050 meters, the temple’s Wanghai Tower offers a great spot for sunrise views over Dianchi Lake. The many time-honored grand architecture and lush forests and bamboo groves surrounding the temple make it one of the most celebrated Buddhist sanctuaries in Kunming.
Taihua Temple
Taihua Temple, formerly named Foyan Temple, is located on Taihua Mountain, the highest peak in the Western Hill Forest Park with an elevation of about 2,500 meters. The temple was originally constructed during the Yuan Dynasty and was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty. Now, it attracts many tourists not only with its numerous ancient relics and inscriptions but also the bird’s-eye views of Dianchi Lake and the stunning landscapes of dense forests surrounding it. Taking a leisure stroll around the temple, you can appreciate its impressive symmetrical layout and encounter many ancient trees and vibrant seasonal flowers.
Sanqing Pavilion
Sanqing Pavilion is a famous Taoist site at the end of the scenic road in the Western Hill Forest Park. With distinctive Taoist structures surrounded by lush landscapes of Luohan Mountain, the Sanqing Pavilion once served as a summer retreat for a prince in the Yuan Dynasty. The site is home to thirteen Taoist temples and pavilions, most of which date back to the Qing Dynasty and were built against the mountainside in a “hanging temple” style.
Recommended Kunming Tours including Western Hills:
- 3 Days Kunming Tour with Stone Forest & Local Essence
- 4 Days Kunming & Dongchuan Red Land Tour
- 6 Days Yunnan Tour to Lijiang, Shangri-La, Kunming
Transportation: How to Get to Western Hills
By public transportation
Multiple bus routes stop at or near Western Hill Scenic Area. For example, from Kunming Railway Station, you can take Bus No. 101 then transfer to Bus No. 18, or take Bus No.61 then transfer to C8 to reach Xishan. Other bus routes that provide direct or nearby access to the scenic area include routes 6, F6, 94, 51, 44, 84, 237, 238, and A1.
You can also take Kunming Metro Line 3, after getting off at the terminal station, take other buses or walk to reach the main entrance of the park.
By taxi
The Western Hills is about 15 kilometers from Kunming city center, a taxi ride will take about 30 mins and cost about CNY 35-45.
Related reading: How to Get to & Travel around Kunming
Best Time to Visit Xishan Forest Park
Western Hills is suitable to visit all year round, and March to October is recognized as the best time to travel weather-wise in this highland region. In this period, the pleasant weather and vibrant scenery make it ideal for enjoying outdoor activities.
On lunar March 3rd, the traditional festive time in the Western Hills, locals will gather in Western Hills for climbing and folk singing and dancing. Don’t miss it if you want to look into local folk culture while enjoying its natural and historical wonders.
Western Hills Travel Routes
Below are recommended travel routes to explore the Western Hills, you can choose any route based on your fitness and preferences.
- Route 1: Ride the cable car from the north entrance (Nie Er Tomb) — reach the back entrance of Dragon Gate — explore Dragon Gate Grottoes from south to northeast — get back to the north entrance by walk or shuttle bus.
- Route 2: Take the battery cart from north entrance of Western Hills — Dragon Gate Xiaoniu Spring — Huifeng Platform of Dragon Gate – explore Dragon Gate Grottoes from south to northeast — get back to the north entrance by walk or shuttle bus.
- Route 3: Enter Western Hills from the south entrance — explore Dragon Gate — take the shuttle bus from the front entrance of Dragon Gate to north entrance of Western Hills.
Attractions Nearby the Western Hills
- Yunnan Ethnic Village: A cultural theme park about 9.5 kilometers from Western Hills; offers customs of diverse ethnic groups in Yunnan.
- Dianchi Lake: Just adjacent to the park; the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan; offers great boating, fishing and sightseeing opportunities.
- Green Lake Park: About 15 kilometers from the park; a popular leisure haunt with beautiful natural views and elegant gardens and pavilions.
