How to Get to Western Hill from Kunming City

Being around 15 kilometers from downtown Kunming（昆明）, the Western Hill Scenic Area（西山风景区）, is a mountainous forest park with beautiful scenery and chirping birds. Huating Temple（华亭寺）, Taihua Temple（太华寺）, and other historical sites are distributed in the forest. Its altitude ranges from 1,900 meters to 2,350 meters. It was also said, that there was once a phoenix-like bird resting here, however nobody recognized it. Therefore, the mountain is also called Biji（碧鸡）(Golden Chicken) Mountain. On the other hand, due to the fact that this mountain has a shape of Buddha, it is also called Sleeping Buddha Mountain（卧佛山）. Besides, when you look from the distant southeastern Kunming, the Western Hill will have the shape of a Sleeping Beauty（睡美人）.

A legend tells that a mythical phoenix-like bird once perched here, which is why the mountain is also known as Biji Mountain (碧鸡山) or Golden Chicken Mountain. From a distance, the mountain even resembles a Sleeping Beauty (睡美人), which gives it yet another famous name, Sleeping Buddha Mountain (卧佛山).

Transportation Options to Western Hill (Xishan)

1. By Metro (Fastest and Most Convenient)

Metro Line 3 is the best way to reach Western Hill quickly and easily. Here’s how:

• Route: Metro Line 3 (East Coach Station → Xishan Park)

• Key Stations:

  • City center stations like Dongfeng Square (东风广场), Wuyi Road (五一路), Panjiawan (潘家湾), Xishan Park Station (西山公园)

  • Directly to Xishan Park Station (西山公园), exit A

• Fare: CNY 2–6, depending on the distance.

• Travel Time: Around 30–40 minutes from the city center (e.g., Dongfeng Square).

• Operating Hours:

  • Outbound (To Xishan Park): First train at 06:20 AM, last train at 10:45 PM.

  • Return (From Xishan Park): First train at 06:20 AM, last train at 10:20 PM.

• Exit Details: Exit A leads to Chama Huajie Street (茶马花街) and the scenic area entrance. It’s a 1–5 minute walk to the entrance where you can either start hiking or take the scenic shuttle bus.

2. By Bus (Budget-Friendly, Ideal for Slow Exploration)

For a more leisurely journey, take a bus. The following routes will take you to Gaoqiao Station (高峣), which is the main entrance of Western Hill.

Direct Buses to Gaoqiao (Main Entrance)

• Bus No. 6 & Auxiliary No. 6:

  • From Nanning Street (南屏街), Xiaoximen (小西门), Panjiawan (潘家湾), and Mianshan Bus Terminal (眠山车场) → Gaoqiao Station (西山景区大巴起点)

• Bus No. 94:

  • From Haigeng Dam (海埂大坝) and along Dianchi Road (滇池路) → Gaoqiao Station (高峣)

• Bus No. 33:

  • From Western Bus Station (西部汽车站) → Gaoqiao Village Station (高峣村站)

• Fare: CNY 2 (Pay with Kunming Bus Card, Alipay, or UnionPay).

• Duration: 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Direct Buses to Longmen (Core Scenic Area)

• K31, 44, 185 buses:

  • From Baofeng Station (宝丰站) → Longmen Station (龙门景区)

3. By Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Fastest, Ideal for Groups or Time-Sensitive Travelers)

• Departure Points: You can hail a taxi from the city center (e.g., Nanning Street - 南屏街, Kunming Station - 昆明站, Cuihu - 翠湖).

• Destination: Chama Huajie Street (茶马花街), Xishan Visitor Center (西山游客中心), or Longmen Scenic Area (龙门景区).

• Cost: Approximately CNY 30–50, depending on the traffic conditions.

• Duration: 25–35 minutes, though it may take longer during peak traffic times (7:30–9:00 AM and 5:30–7:00 PM).

• Apps: You can use Didi, Gaode, or Caocao ride-hailing services for convenience.

4. By Bicycle / Electric Bike (Leisurely Ride with Scenic Views of Dianchi Lake)

Cycling to Western Hill is a relaxing and scenic option. Here’s how to do it:

Shared Bicycle / Electric Bike (Recommended)

• Route:

  • City → Dianchi Road (滇池路) → Haigeng Dam (海埂大坝) → Dianchi Greenway (滇池绿道) → Foot of Western Hill (Gaoqiao / Chama Huajie Street).

• Distance: Around 15–20 km from the city center (e.g., Nanning Street).

• Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours for a leisurely ride.

• Tips: The views along the ride are fantastic, offering great photo opportunities of Dianchi Lake (滇池) and Sleeping Beauty Mountain (睡美人山). Be mindful of sections of the greenway where electric bikes are prohibited, and don’t forget sunscreen and water.

Professional Cycling (Mountain Bike)

• Route: Ride along Xishan Road (西山公路), a quiet road with moderate slopes, taking you directly to the scenic area entrance.

5. By Car (Flexible, Ideal for Families or Those with Luggage)

For those with more time or traveling with family, driving provides flexibility.

Route Options

• Classic Route:

  • Second Ring Expressway (二环快速) → Hangrui Expressway (杭瑞高速 G56) → Gaoqiao Exit (高峣出口) → Xishan Road (西山公路) → Scenic Area.

• Scenic Route:

  • Dianchi Road (滇池路) → Lakeview Road (环湖路) → Gaoqiao → Xishan.

• Navigation: Use the search term Xishan Forest Park (西山森林公园), Chama Huajie Street, or Xishan Visitor Center (西山游客中心) for directions.

Parking

• Chama Huajie Parking Lot: CNY 10 per visit, located near the metro exit with plenty of parking spaces.

• Longmen Scenic Area Parking: CNY 15 per visit. During peak seasons, arrive before 9:00 AM to secure a spot.

• Gaoqiao Parking Lot: CNY 10 per day, located near the main bus station.

Note: Private cars are not allowed inside the scenic area. You'll need to park in one of the designated parking lots at the foot of the mountain.

6. Special Transportation: Dianchi Lake Cable Car (Great Scenic Experience)

For a unique experience, take the Dianchi Lake Cable Car (滇池跨湖索道) for amazing aerial views of Dianchi Lake (滇池) and Western Hill (西山).

• Starting Points: Haigeng Dam (海埂大坝) or Yunnan Ethnic Village Cable Car Station (云南民族村索道站).

• Ending Point: Longmen Scenic Area (龙门景区).

• Fare: CNY 60 one-way, CNY 100 for a round-trip ticket.

• Duration: Approximately 20 minutes for a fantastic bird's-eye view of the area.

• Ideal For: Visitors who don't want to hike, photography enthusiasts, families, and seniors.

Quick Comparison of Transportation Options

Helpful Tips

Best Time to Start: Between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM to avoid the peak crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures while hiking.

In-park Transport:

Park Shuttle Bus: From Chama Huajie Street (茶马花街) to Longmen, CNY 10 one-way.

Sightseeing Electric Car: Stops at multiple points along the scenic route, CNY 10 per segment.

Longmen Cable Car: CNY 40 one-way (currently undergoing renovations; please check on-site).

Return Options:

Metro: Last train departs 10:20 PM from Xishan Park Station.

Bus: Last bus leaves Gaoqiao Station around 9:00 PM.

Taxi/Ride-hailing: Easily available at the scenic area entrance, CNY 30 for the return trip.