Western Mountains Forest Reserve / Xishan Scenic Area

西山森林公园 Xīshān Sēnlín Gōngyuán

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 in the midst of 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.

• outdoors
• history

Address

Xishan District (西山区)

Getting there

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

Hours

Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00, Sat Sun 08:00-17:30

Price

Entry to the park is free but there is a fee to enter the Dragon Gate (see below)

Website

kmxishan.com (opens in a new tab)