Timeline
08:00
Western Mountains Forest Reserve / Xishan Scenic Area
Enter the reserve. Take the cable car from behind the Kunming Nationalities Village for a smooth start, or trek up from the Metro Line 3 station if you prefer to stretch your legs. Arriving at 08:00 ensures you get in before the main crowds arrive.
08:45
Western Mountains Forest Reserve / Xishan Scenic Area
Walk among the ancient trees and gurgling brooks. The forest reserve is vast, so follow the streams to find the quietest spots. The altitude of 2,500 m keeps the temperature pleasant even in April.
10:00
Western Mountains Forest Reserve / Xishan Scenic Area
Have a simple lunch or snack inside the reserve. Since there are no listed food or drink shops in the immediate vicinity, bring your own provisions or check for local vendors near the Huating or Taihua Mountain areas before entering.
10:40
End your visit with a walk to Xinhe Riverside Ecological Wetland. It is a short 59-minute walk northeast from the reserve. This area offers a different perspective of the landscape, with open skies and water views to contrast the dense forest.
Local tip
The reserve is free to enter, but you will pay a fee to access the Dragon Gate. The cable car is ¥40 one-way or ¥70 round-trip. If you are on a budget, you can trek down from the mountain to save money.
Check before you go
- Opening hours are 08:00-17:30 on weekends and 08:30-17:00 on weekdays. In April, aim for the 08:00 opening.
- The walk to Xinhe Riverside Ecological Wetland is 59 minutes from the reserve. Ensure you have comfortable shoes.
- Check the route for the cable car from behind the Kunming Nationalities Village if you choose that option.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Kunming (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).