Xi Shan is a western suburban area of Kunming city, more commonly known as Western Hills. Comprising of Huating Hill, Taihua Hill and Luohan Hill, this forest reserve on the west bank of the Dianchi Lake boasts some of the Province’s most exquisite scenery.
Nature has created some of her finest work in this area. The contours of the hills are said to resemble the outline of a sleeping lady when viewed from a distance - giving rise to the nickname ‘Sleeping Beauty Hills’. In harmony with the surrounding natural beauty, a number of impressive temples and monuments add to the tranquil ambience of Xi Shan.
The grand Huating Temple, built during the Ming Dynasty, stands proudly at the foot of the climb. Farther along the winding uphill stretch, Taihua Temple is set in a beautiful garden of blooming trees such as magnolias and camellias. A cable car and tram carry visitors up the steepest part of the incline to the summit at Dragon Gate.
This series of cliff top grottoes was carved out of the stone by a local Daoist monk and his co-workers between 1781 and 1795. The stone chambers, paths and Buddhist figures have been carved with excellent craftsmanship. It is an impressive sight and offers breathtaking views of Lake Dianchi below.
Getting There & Away
Daily flights from Beijing to Kunming take 2 hours, 30 minutes. From Kunming city center take a taxi to the site, or alternatively bus number 5 from the Kunming Hotel and then change to bus number 6 at Liu Lu Chechang.