Travel Guide West Mount 西山

The western mountains (≈ ¯ - Xi Shan) are located in the southwestern suburbs of Kunming on the shores of Dian Lake. It is a large natural park formed by a set of hills stretching over 40 km. The rise of the western mountains offers superb panoramic views of Dian Lake and Kunming agglomeration, especially from the dragon gate. Either a portico cut into a rock wall leads to a path at the steps excavated in the stone, sometimes so narrow that it is difficult to cross. The construction of the door of the Dragon and the other caves attached to the flanks of a vertical mountain, La Luohan, was undertaken in 1781; the work lasted 72 years. In the steep walls, many rooms, bridges, balustrades, snails and statues were excavated. First, you can reach a few Chinese flags hunted on the mountain side, built during the Ming dynasty and later transformed into Taoist temple, Sanqing. All along this path, we have an extraordinary view on Dian Lake and its aquatic farms extending into the plain below the precipice…The first temple on this path is the Huating Temple (Huating Si), dating from Nanzhao Kingdom (Nanzha Si). The temple has been restored several times and enlarged over time. The garden is beautiful. Higher, always on the same road, stands the temple Taihua (Taihua Si). It is the oldest temple of western mountains (1306). At 2,350 m altitude, Buddhas statues and protective warriors rise majestically.2 km further, you will arrive at the bus stop on a small square. There is a park consisting of a tree grove and the tomb of Nie Er (1912-1936), a famous musician from Yunnan province. He composed the Chinese national anthem. A small museum tells its story through photos. The park has a statue of the artist dressed west. From here you will have the possibility to take the cable car or visit the site on foot. We advise you to lift a lift (the view is beautiful) and walk back on foot. If you choose this option, you will start with the Dragon Gate.