Why is West Hill so special?

Western Hills boasts an excellent environment with flourishing flowers and dense forest, providing tourists an excellent environment to enjoy the tranquility and marvelous scenery. They have also been given another name – ‘Sleeping Beauty Hills’ for the hills because its skyline looks like a beautiful young lady laying beside Dianchi Lake with her face upward and her hair trailling into water.

In the Western Hills, Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, and Sanqing Pavillion are shaded by flourishing woods and tall bamboo bushes. The exquisite Gragon Gate Grotto is built along the precipice cliff. The grand and magnificent beauty of lakes and mountains, and the rich cultural deposits make the Western Hills charming and mysterious.

Introduction

Western Hills Overview

Western Hills is called 西山(Xishan) in Chinese, and it’s a scenic forest park located in the west suburb of Kunming, 15km to the city center, with the beautiful Dian Lake sitting on the east of it. Western Hill has always been reputed as the “top scenery in central Yunnan”. The whole scenic spot is made of several mountains, including Biji Mountain, Huating Mountain, Taihua Mountain, Luohan Mountain, etc. and they are reach out for over 40km, and the highest altitude is 2500m. Western Hill is a large forest park, and also a national scenic spot which perfectly combines the natural scenery with the cultural relics. Historic sites are surrounded by quiet and peaceful green forests, including the most famous Dragon Gate, and Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, San Qing Pavilion, etc. It’s a perfect place for walking and relaxing.

Main Attractions in Western Hills

In Western Hills, there are wonderful scenic spots such as Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, Sanqing Pavilion, and Dragon Gate. The undulating hills, verdant trees and melodious bird singing together with the magnificent ancient building make you feel peaceful in the modern city.

At the altitude of 2025 meters, Huating Temple was first built in 14 century. It had been destroyed and rebuilt several times most recently in 1923. As one of the largest Buddhist temples in Yunnan Province, the buildings inside the temple are imposing and spectacular.

● Taihua Temple(太华寺）

Taihua Temple gained its name for it is located on Taihua Hill. Originally built in the Yuan Dynasty (1206 – 1368), the temple is the oldest one in Western Hills. Daxiong Baodian Hall, Piaomiao Pavilion, Sizhao Hall are in the temple. The temple is famous for the beautiful rare flowers on the grounds. It is also a good place to watch the grand spectacle of the rising sun.
● Sanqing Pavillion(三清阁）

Sanqing Pavilion is built on the cliff at Luohan Hill. Being over 300 meters (approximately 984 feet) above Dianchi Lake, the pavilion looks like a ‘castle in the air’. This temple has a Taoist influence, and ‘Sanqing’ in Taoism refers to the loftiest stature. The pavilion is a good place where you can not only visit the temples, but also enjoy a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake.

There is a saying – ‘If you do not visit Western Hills, you haven’t visited Kunming; if you do not come to Dragon Gate, you haven’t been to Western Hills.’ Being the outstanding scenic place in Western Hills, Dragon Gate is a big exquisite stone carved edifice. The stone paths, stone rooms, stone grottos, and stone Buddhist figures are all carved with excellent craftsmanship on a large natural rock. Like Sanqing Pavilion, Dragon Gate was also built on cliff. You can stand on the edge of the cliff holding the railing, looking downward to experience the steepness of the hill and enjoy the spectacle of Dianchi Lake.

Best time to travel Western Hills

The best time is from March to October -spring, summer and autumn is the suitable time to visit Western Hill and Dragon Gate.

How to Get There

Western Hill is located at the west suburb Kunming City, and it’s very convenient to get there from the city center. There are many public buses driving from the city center to Western Hill, and public bus will take about 1.5 hours to get there. A better way is taking taxi or private car to there, and it will need about half hour.

How to Get Around West Hills

Cable Car: in Haigeng Park which is next to Yunnan Nationalities Village, tourists can take the “Dian Lake – Dragon Gate” cable car to get to the lower cableway station of Dragon Gate (Park Service Center is here), and this is ¥35/person. This will take about half hour and tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Dian Lake on the cable car. Then tourists can take cable car from there to get to the entrance of Dragon Gate – the upper cableway station, this is ¥25/person; or tourists can take battery car to the entrance, this will take ¥8/person. Travelers who love hiking can also walk to the entrance, and it’s only about 2km.
Travel Bus: after arriving at the parking lot of Western Hill, tourists can take the travel bus commuting between the entrance of Western Hill to the lower cableway station, and the ticket for the travel bus is ¥25/person, and the travel bus will make stops at Huating Temple and Taihua Temple. After getting to the lower cableway station, tourists can choose to take cable car, or battery car or walk to the Dragon Gate entrance.

Travel Route: tourists can take cable car or travel bus to the Park Service Center (the lower cableway station), then take cable car to the upper cableway station, and walk down the mountain and visit the Dragon Gate and San Qing Pavilion on the way. After arriving at the Dragon Gate Entrance, take battery car to the Park Service Center, then take travel bus to get back and visit Taihua Temple and Huating Temple on the way. This is the most popular and relaxing way. For hike lovers, they can walk most of the journey.

Useful Tips

1. Ticket

There is no ticket for Western Hill, however, the attractions on the Western hill are charged. The ticket for Dragon Gate scenic spot is ¥40/person, and this includes Dragon Gate Grottoes and San Qing Pavilion. The joint ticket for Taihua Temple and Huating Temple is ¥20/person. Cable ticket from Dian Lake to lower cableway station of Dragon Gate is ¥35/person; cable ticket from lower cableway station to upper cable way station of Dragon Gate is ¥25/person; battery car ticket on the mountain is ¥8/person.

2. Best seasons

The best seasons to visit Western Hill are spring, summer and autumn (from March to October). The scenery in winter is not good as the other seasons. During March to October, the Western Hill is covered with green trees and colorful flowers, and the scenery at this time is very beautiful and tranquil.

3. Walking Notice

There are many stairs in Dragon Gate Scenic Spot, so it’s suggested to wear comfortable shoes to walk.

Recommended West Hills Tours

Top 3 West Hills tours chosen by most customers to explore West Hills in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us. We provide some tour routes for tourists to choose.

1 Day Kunming City Highlights Tour with Yunnan Ethnic Villages and Western Hills

11 Days Western Yunnan and Myanmar Border Cycling Tour

Introduction

The ultimate destination, literally on the edge of the cliff. Right below it is the Datian Pavilion one of the many stone grottoes carved into the hillside. These tunnels and caves can be quite cool, so you will understand why this area was a summer palace for royalty. If it’s not too crowded, spend a few minutes watching the joss sticks burning and the tourists reaching up to touch the arch for luck.

Dragon Gate Legend

As a Chinese idiom says, ‘Once you ascend Longmen (Dragon Gate), you would receive a sudden boost in your prestige’. Dragon Gate is a certain gorge on a river flanked by precipices and with a natural dam. If carps swimming upstream could jump over the dam, they would become dragons. The houses of powerful dignitaries were often compared to dragon gates; if a man could manage to be a guest in these houses, his future would be ensured.)

Attractions of Dragon Gate

The ultimate destination, literally on the edge of the cliff. Right below it is the Datian Pavilion, one of the many stone grottoes carved into the hillside. These tunnels and caves can be quite cool, so you will understand why this area was a summer palace for royalty. If it’s not too crowded, spend a few minutes watching the joss sticks burning and the tourists reaching up to touch the arch for luck.

Lingxu Pavillion: Once you exit Dragon Gate and head upwards (again), take the stone stairs and path to the Lingxu Pavillon even farther up the mountain. From there, you have the best views – and fewer tourists since it’s a bit of a grunt.

Nearby Attractions

Western Hill

Western Hills is called Xishan in Chinese, and it’s a scenic forest park located in the west suburb of Kunming, 15km to the city center, with the beautiful Dian Lake sitting on the east of it. Western Hill has always been reputed as the “top scenery in central Yunnan”. The whole scenic spot is made of several mountains, including Biji Mountain, Huating Mountain, Taihua Mountain, Luohan Mountain, etc. and they are reach out for over 40km, and the highest altitude is 2500m. Western Hill is a large forest park, and also a national scenic spot which perfectly combines the natural scenery with the cultural relics. Historic sites are surrounded by quiet and peaceful green forests, including the most famous Dragon Gate, and Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, San Qing Pavilion, etc. It’s a perfect place for walking and relaxing.

Taihua Temple(太华寺）

Taihua Temple gained its name for it is located on Taihua Hill. Originally built in the Yuan Dynasty (1206 – 1368), the temple is the oldest one in Western Hills. Daxiong Baodian Hall, Piaomiao Pavilion, Sizhao Hall are in the temple. The temple is famous for the beautiful rare flowers on the grounds. It is also a good place to watch the grand spectacle of the rising sun.

Sanqing Pavillion(三清阁）

Sanqing Pavilion is built on the cliff at Luohan Hill. Being over 300 meters (approximately 984 feet) above Dianchi Lake, the pavilion looks like a ‘castle in the air’. This temple has a Taoist influence, and ‘Sanqing’ in Taoism refers to the loftiest stature. The pavilion is a good place where you can not only visit the temples, but also enjoy a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake.

Huating Temple 

Huating Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Yunnan Province. It had been destroyed and rebuilt several times most recently in 1923. Daxiong Baodian Hall, Tianwang Hall and Kwan-yin Hall are some of the features in the temple. In the temple you can see three golden Buddha figures with kindly expressions, 500 life-like arhats which are vivid just like real people, and golden figures of Laughing Buddha. Besides, there are abundant colored clay figures depicting vividly various images of mythical animals.

Best time to travel to Dragon Gate

The best time is from March to October, spring, summer and autumn is the suitable time to visit Dragon Gate.

How to get to there?

By Bus

There are many bus line can reach the Western Hill Forest Park. Tourists can take bus No.6, 94 to Su Family Village, or take bus No.33, 94 to Gaoxiao Village.

By Taxi

From Kunming Railway station, it will take about half an hour to Western Hill, 60 RMB or so. From Changshui Airport, it will take about 1.5 hours, 120 RMB or so. From downtown of Kunming, it will take about 40 Mins, 30 RMB or so. And, from Yunnan Ethnic Village to Dragon Gate, there is cable car between Haigeng and the Western Hill, 50 RMB for round way, 30 RMB for one way.

How to Get Around?

Chinese Name: 昆明市西山龙门索道
English Name: Dragon Gate Cableway of Western Hills in Kunming

The Dianchi West Mountain Cableway uses advanced cable car equipment produced in France and Italy, with half of its length spanning across the surface of Dianchi Lake. It is a rare cableway that crosses both water and mountains. Riding the cableway is one of the popular activities for most tourists in Kunming.

You can take the cableway at No. 16 Hubin Road (near Longwang Temple). The ride feels like stepping into a marvelous viewing corridor, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Dianchi Lake. Along the way, you can capture expansive views of the lake. Beneath your feet is Dianchi Lake, while above you are the majestic Western Mountains, making the cableway a convenient way for tourists to explore the scenic areas of Dianchi Lake and the Western Mountains.

Hilights

Scenic Views

• The cableway provides breathtaking panoramic views of Dianchi Lake, Kunming city, and the surrounding landscapes. The lush greenery of the Western Hills and the expansive lake create a picturesque backdrop.

Historic and Cultural Significance

• The Western Hills are home to several historic and cultural sites, including ancient temples and the famous Dragon Gate (Longmen), which is carved into the cliffs. The cableway offers a convenient way to access these significant landmarks.

Elevated Experience

• The cableway ascends the Western Hills, offering a unique aerial perspective of the terrain. As you rise above the landscape, you’ll enjoy views of the rugged hills, dense forests, and charming old temples.

Convenience

• The Dragon Gate Cableway is a comfortable and efficient way to reach the top of the Western Hills, avoiding the strenuous climb and allowing visitors to enjoy the journey as part of the experience.

Natural Beauty

• The route passes through lush forests and over scenic valleys, providing an immersive experience in nature. The changing views as you ascend add to the overall enjoyment.

Photography Opportunities

• The cableway offers numerous opportunities for capturing stunning photographs of the landscape, the lake, and the architectural features of the Dragon Gate.

Related Attractions

• Dianchi Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province and is known as the “Pearl of the Plateau.” In the past, the areas surrounding the lake often experienced flooding. As early as 1262, the Songhua Dam was built on the Panlong River, and in 1268, the Haikou River was excavated to increase the outflow of Dianchi Lake, alleviating flooding in the surrounding areas. After 1955, a total of over ten medium and large-sized reservoirs were built on the upstream rivers of the lake, and dozens of power drainage stations were constructed along the lake, helping to alleviate flood disasters and ensuring irrigation for farmland as well as water for urban industrial and residential use. The lake is home to various fish species, including carp, crucian carp, and money fish.
• Longwang Temple (Temple of Dragon King), located in the western part of Haigeng Park in the Dianchi Lake tourist resort area in Kunming, facing the famous Xishan Longmen across the lake. The Longwang Temple was once an important site for fishermen and indigenous residents around Dianchi Lake to pray for wind and rain, wishing for plentiful harvests and national peace. Inside the temple, deities such as the Central Lord Huanglong Wang, Liuwang (the son-in-law of the Dragon King), Dragon Princess, Wanjian God, Maritime General, and both Civil and Military Wealth Gods, along with Shrimp Soldiers and Crab Generals, were once worshipped.
• Xishan (Western Mountains) is located 15 kilometers west of Kunming City in Yunnan Province. It consists of Huating Mountain, Taihua Mountain, Luohan Mountain, and others. The mountain range stretches over 40 kilometers, with elevations ranging from 1,900 meters to 2,350 meters. According to legend, a phoenix once rested here, and those who saw it did not recognize it, calling it Biji (literally “Green Chicken”), which is why it is also known as Biji Mountain. Additionally, because its shape resembles that of a reclining Buddha, it is referred to as卧佛山 (Wofoshan or Reclining Buddha Mountain).Xishan features dense forests and flourishing flowers and grass, offering a tranquil and beautiful environment with excellent scenery. In ancient times, it was praised as “the finest scenic spot in central Yunnan.”

How to Arrive There

By Bus & Subway

Option 1 (Recommendation)

Total duration: 1 hour 14 minutes, 15.29 kilometers
Bus No. 73, 17 stops, Walk 2.32 kilometers, Board at Jinmafang

Option 2

Total duration: 55 minutes,14.43 kilometers
Metro Line 5 Route transfer to 94 East Line or Route 94
20 stops, Walk 1.25 kilometers, Board at Wuyi Road

By Driving

Option 1 (Recommended)

Total duration: 33 minutes, approximately 13.6 kilometers

Option 2

Total duration: 36 minutes, approximately 16.7 kilometers

Option 3

Total duration: 36 minutes, Approximately 21.2 kilometers

Overview

Lingxuge Pavilion (凌虚阁) is situated at the highest point of The Western Hills Park (西山风景区) in Kunming (昆明). From the South Entrance of The Western Hills, a short hike along a small trail takes about 10 minutes to reach Lingxuge Pavilion. This location offers the best panoramic night view of Kunming city.

The Western Hills Park is located on the western side of Dianchi Lake (滇池) in Kunming, adjacent to Haigeng Park (海埂公园) and the Yunnan Ethnic Village (云南民族村). It is a 4A scenic area, renowned for its breathtaking views. Climbing the Western Hills allows visitors to overlook the expansive Dianchi Lake and the city of Kunming. Various Buddhist and Taoist structures can be found scattered throughout the mountains. Despite its proximity to the city, the Western Hills feature rugged terrain, with several narrow paths and cliffside trails that leave a lasting impression.

One of the star attractions of the Western Hills is the Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟). The phrase “登上龙门，身价百倍” captures the essence of this site, where visitors often experience a sense of elevation, both literally and metaphorically.

Hiking to Lingxuge Pavilion

Lingxuge Pavilion is the highest scenic spot in The Western Hills. Entering the park from the South Gate involves descending from a high point to reach Lingxuge, making it an easier route than taking the cable car. This pleasant descent allows hikers to enjoy the beautiful surroundings while making their way to this remarkable pavilion.

Lingxuge Pavilion of Kunming Western Hills (South Gate)(昆明西山公园南门凌虚阁)
Softel Hotel
Wanda Tower
Changchongshan Mountain

Chama Huajie Street is located on the western shore of Dianchi Lake (滇池) in Kunming City, serving as a key passage through the Longmen (龙门) core scenic area of the Kunming Western Hills National Scenic Area (昆明西山国家级风景名胜区), which is a 4A-level scenic spot. This area is designated for financial and business purposes, covering a net land area of 24.28 acres and a total construction area of 13,856.2 square meters. The layout consists of a main tourist cultural pedestrian street, two alleys, three covered walkways, and two squares, incorporating 14 buildings featuring the historical architecture of old Kunming from the Republic of China era, seamlessly integrated with modern commercial elements. The project aims to enhance the basic supporting services for the Western Hills tourist area while catering to urban leisure consumption, creating a unique urban reception area for Kunming.

Location and Transportation

Chama Huajie Street is situated at the essential entrance to the Western Hills scenic area, making it a critical access point to and from the main urban area of Kunming.

Road Transportation

The area has well-developed road connections, adjacent to the Gaoya Interchange (高峣立交), Biji Pass Interchange (碧鸡关立交), and Biji Pass Tunnel (碧鸡关隧道). Several major roads surround it, including Xingaohai Road (新高海路), Lao Gaohai Road (老高海路), Shian Highway (石安公路), Kun’an Expressway (昆安高速), Kunchu Expressway (昆楚高速), and National Highway 320 (320国道).

Public Transport

Buses 6, 17, 18, 51, and 94 provide direct access to the area. Additionally, the extension of Kunming Metro Line 3 (昆明地铁3号线) is approximately 50 meters away, serving as the terminus.

Surrounding Facilities

• East Side: Armed Police Hospital (武警医院), Provincial Party School (省委党校), Ziyuan (紫园), farm-style restaurants (农家乐), and small inns (小旅店).
• West Side: Farm-style restaurants and small inns.
• South and North Sides: No service facilities.

Project Overview

Chama Huajie Street is an important component of the enhancement and renovation of the Western Hills scenic area, and it is essential for applying for the national 5A-level scenic area certification. It is one of the 200 key projects in Kunming and 60 key industrial projects.

Chama Huajie Street is located at the entrance of the Western Hills scenic area, with a planned land area of 24.28 acres and a total construction area of 13,856.2 square meters. The completed street combines high-quality tourism, commercial, and cultural shopping into one, featuring a main pedestrian street, two alleys, three covered walkways, and two squares, blending the architectural styles of old Kunming from the Republic of China with modern commercial elements.

Design and Aesthetic

The project is designed by renowned local architect Zhai Hui (翟辉), the director of the Planning and Design Institute of Kunming University of Science and Technology (昆明理工大学). The design went through several modifications before being finalized. The layout incorporates 14 buildings, ranging from two to four stories, reflecting the Republic of China architectural style, alongside modern commercial developments.

The aim is to fill the gaps in basic tourism services at the Western Hills scenic area while fulfilling urban leisure consumption needs, creating a uniquely characteristic urban reception area in Kunming. This area will focus on dining, leisure, retail, cultural arts, and wellness, allowing visitors and residents to experience a blend of traditional Yunnan culture and modern commercial charm. Upon completion, it will be the only access point for visitors entering the Western Hills scenic area.

Historical Significance

The Western Hills has long been a pride of Kunming residents, known for its rich historical background and dense vegetation, making it an ideal weekend retreat. Particularly since the construction of the Metro Line 3, the restriction of vehicles in the scenic area has posed a challenge for parking. However, the completion of this project will effectively resolve parking difficulties for tourists visiting the Western Hills scenic area.

The current state of the Chama Huajie Street project site serves as the main entrance and parking area for the Western Hills scenic area, where pedestrians and vehicles mix. The site is bordered by Bihai Road (碧海路) to the north, and the newly constructed main vehicular access road to the Western Hills, Longmen Road (龙门路), to the south. The western side connects to the planned scenic area parking garage, and the eastern side is adjacent to the entrance archway of the Western Hills.

Traffic and Layout Considerations

Due to the existing elevation differences and traffic conditions, the project will be designed to optimize space for public use (including dining, shops, public restrooms, and recreational areas). The entire area is located at the main entrance to the Western Hills scenic area. The planning accounts for elevation differences and traffic conditions, dividing the area into eastern and western sections, with the east planned for restaurants and artist studios, as well as street-side commercial spaces.

The newly planned vehicular access to the scenic area will entirely consider Longmen Road, while the internal layout will prioritize pedestrian pathways that also serve as emergency exits. In addition to the planned parking area to the west, parking for Chama Huajie Street will be designed to utilize the elevation difference, placed underground on the second level, effectively separating pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Moreover, the under-construction terminus of Metro Line 3 connects directly with the Chama Huajie Street project, a rare instance of a metro line providing direct access to a scenic area in the country. Officials have stated that if construction proceeds smoothly, starting in 2017, visitors from outside the area will be able to take the metro directly from the airport to the entrance of the Western Hills scenic area, passing through the completed Chama Huajie Street to enter the scenic area.

Introduction

Tanhua Temple, also called Taohu Nunnery, is located at the foot of Jinma Mountain in the eastern suburb of Kunming City. With an area of 8 hectares, it originally was a thatched shack of Shi Shiqiao, a scholar of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). During the reign of Emperor Chongzhen(1628-1644), his grandson, Shi Tai, donated the estate for the shack whereon Tanhua Temple was built. And it rebuilt after the earthquake during the reign of Emperor Daoguang. There was an epiphyllum tree in the backyard, which came from India according to legend, which is called “tanhua” in Chinese and honored as “Buddha’s Flower”, hence the name “Tanhua Temple”.

Attractions in Tanhua Temple

Tanhua Temple is known for its luxuriant trees and showy flowers. At the beginning of the republic of China, the abbot Yingkong was good at gardening and famous in Yunnan. He made the trees and flowers in Tanhua Temple green and bloom in every four season. The plants such as peony, cymbidium, orchid, Myanmar osmanthus and Malus halliana were very famous at that time. Now, it still attracts a lot of tourists both at home and abroad every year.

Epiphyllum Tree

In the backyard there was an epiphyllum tree, which is called tanhua in Chinese, hence the name. The temple went through many renovations during the Qing Dynasty. It is well-known for its flowers and plants. It has been a scenic spot for more than three hundred years, and an epitome of Kunming, the Flower City of the Southern Frontier. The epiphyllum tree was planted in the side court of the depository of Buddhist Scriptures. There is a stone tablet on which four characters are carved “The Epiphyllum Brings Luck”. After the erection of the temple, the original epiphyllum withered and died. The epiphyllum now standing taller than the eaves of the templeeavefrom the root of the original one at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, and is about three hundred years old. It bursts into flowers in mid-summer. The big loquat tree in the backyard is said to have been planted in the early Ming Dynasty. In the South Garden there are flowers and rockeries with winding paths among the flowers and the zigzagging corridor surround the Lotus Pond, where you can watch fish. The East Garden is shaded by tall cedars and cypresses and include seven smaller gardens and a Children’s Playground.

Peony Flower

Whether the Spring Festival comes early or late, the peonies in Tanhua Temple can bloom perfectly during the holiday while the natural flowering period is usually in March and April. Thanks to the specific cultivation techniques which makes the natural growth law of peony broken. It is easier said than done. In the greenhouse of over 6,000 square meters in the park, different batches peonies are placed in line. The peony flower seedlings were like firewood sticks 2 months ago, however, they became luxuriant after more than 50 days. Besides complicated processes, the degree, the light, and the watering are significant factors influencing the time and quality of flowering as well.

Gardens and Pavillions

Tanhua Temple is divided into three parts, including the front garden, middle garden and back garden. The front garden is mainly base on the Sanjin Courts. There are pavilions, artificial hill, trees and flowers in it. The flowers and rockeries with winding paths among the flowers and the zigzagging corridor surround the Lotus Pond, where you can watch fish. Middle garden is bigger than the front garden. It is shaded by tall cedars and cypresses and includes seven smaller gardens and a Children’s Playground. In the back garden, there is a Ruiying Tower with a high of 48 meters, which offer for visitors to look far into the distance to enjoy the beautiful sight of whole garden.

Nearby Atrraction

Golden Temple

Golden Temple is the biggest and heaviest as well as the best preserved copper temple in China. It is a key national cultural and historical relics. The whole temple reflects the excellent metallurgical and casting technology more than 300 years ago in Yunnan.

Kunming City Museum

The Kunming City Museum is a historical museum and one of the popular tourist attractions in Kunming City, which is encompassed by the Yunnan Province in China. The museum is quite comprehensive for a local museum; all in all, it occupies an area of 5,000 square meters.

Kunming Zoo

Kunming Zoo, also called Yuantong Mountain Zoo, located in the Yuantong Mountain, northern section of Qingnian Road, northeast of Kunming city. Founded in 1953, with about 200 kinds of Yunnan specialty animals and rare animals in the world, Kunming zoo is one of the national top ten zoos and seven major zoos in China. As one of the eight scenes of Kunming, Yuantong Mountain is a willow leaf that is long and narrow. It covers a total area of 26 hectares and presents the most abundant and the most visited park in Kunming. The annual visitor even has reached 3 million people. The most attractive things are flower boom, animal and temple. Yuantong flower boom is regard as the most especial activity and is listed as one of the famous spots to appreciate sakura in China.

How to Get there？

By Bus

You can take bus No.132、z108、z99 to Taihua Temple Station.

By Taxi

It takes you about 20 minutes to Tanhua Temple from downtown of Kunming.

Sanqing Pavilion (三清阁) is perched on the cliff of Luohan Hill, soaring over 300 meters (approximately 984 feet) above Dianchi Lake. Its breathtaking height and unique architectural style give it the appearance of a “castle in the air.” This temple, deeply influenced by Taoism, symbolizes the loftiest stature associated with ‘Sanqing.’ It serves as a remarkable location for temple visits and offers stunning panoramic views of Dianchi Lake.

Kunming Sanqing Pavilion is located in Luohan Mountain (罗汉山) to the south of Taihua Mountain (太华山). Originally a summer resort for King Yuanliang (元梁王), it was reconstructed as Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁) in the early Ming Dynasty. Subsequent constructions included Sanqing Pavilion, Zhenwu Palace (真武殿), Saint Parents Palace (圣父母殿), Datian Pavilion (大天阁), and others, collectively known as “Sanqing Pavilion.” Today, it is a scenic highlight within Longmen Scenic Area (龙门景区).

Architectural Features

Sanqing Pavilion is a unique group of Taoist architectural complexes initially built as a summer palace for King Yuanliang during the Yuan Dynasty. In the early Ming Dynasty, it was remodeled into Yuhuang Pavilion, with most existing structures dating back to the Daoguang (道光) and Guangxu (光绪) eras of the Qing Dynasty. The complex comprises thirteen distinct buildings, including:

• Lingguang Palace (灵官殿)
• Sanfeng Hall (三丰殿)
• Lüzu Hall (吕祖殿)
• Yuan Emperor Hall (元帝殿)
• Zhenwu Hall (真武殿)
• Qizhen Hall (七真殿)
• Doumu Pavilion (斗母阁)
• Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁)
• Feiyun Pavilion (飞云阁)
• Baoyi Palace (抱一宫)
• Zhang Xian Hall (张仙殿)
• Laojun Hall (老君殿)

These buildings are arranged in a tiered fashion along the mountainside, creating a striking visual landscape. From a distance, the structure resembles a nest of swallows or honeycombs, appearing to hang delicately.

Location

Sanqing Pavilion is located in the Luohan Mountain area of Kunming, Yunnan (云南昆明). Initially established as a summer retreat for King Yuanliang during the Yuan Dynasty, it was later converted into Yuhuang Pavilion in the early Ming Dynasty. The additional constructions, including Lingguan Hall, Sanqing Hall, and others, have collectively become known as “Sanqing Pavilion.”

Above Sanqing Pavilion, visitors can find the Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟), which are carved into the sheer cliffs of Luohan Cliff (罗汉崖). These grottoes contain 22 Taoist statues, making them the largest Taoist grotto in all of Yunnan.

Historical Development

Sanqing Pavilion was originally built as a summer retreat for King Yuanliang and evolved into a significant Taoist temple. Over time, it developed into a nine-level, eleven-pavilion structure embedded in the cliff. Visitors ascending from Longmen Village (龙门村) encounter over 1,000 stone steps winding through ancient cypress trees and offering breathtaking views.

Due to its precarious position on a sheer cliff, the buildings rely on hand-hewn stone for stability, with lush greenery against the walls. The design of the pavilions evokes the heavenly abodes of Taoist immortals. The architectural ensemble is complemented by unique stones, natural caves, and clear springs. Among these is the “Filial Cow Spring” (孝牛泉), a site of legend where a butcher’s calf grabbed the knife intended for its mother, leading to a heartfelt act of mercy.

A couplet encapsulating the essence of the site states:
“To be here, one must reach the highest point;
To raise one’s head, one must be above the others.”
这无疑是人生应悟的哲理，但此时也是真实的写照。

Transportation

Visitors can reach the entrance of the scenic area by taking bus route 6 from Liangjiahe (梁家河) or bus route 51 from the Juhua Village (菊花村) bus station. Bus 6 runs every 8 minutes from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM, while bus 51 operates every 30 minutes from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

To facilitate tourism in the Xishan Scenic Area, the city’s taxi company has organized a fleet of tour buses that depart from the Central Art Theater (艺术剧院) directly to the Nie Er Cemetery (聂耳墓) within the scenic area, with services every 30 minutes from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Nanyang Overseas Chinese Jigong Anti-Japanese Monument (南洋华侨机工回国抗日纪念碑) is situated in Xishan Park (西山公园) in Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province (云南省). Erected in 1989, this memorial stands 9 meters tall with a 3-meter pedestal. It commemorates the contributions of overseas Chinese workers during the anti-Japanese efforts in World War II.

During the war, over 3,200 young Chinese workers from Malaysia (马来西亚), Singapore (新加坡), and other regions formed the “Nanyang Overseas Chinese Workers Returning to Fight” service team to support their homeland. They played a crucial role in transporting military supplies and maintaining vehicles along the Burma Road (滇缅公路), significantly aiding the war effort. Tragically, more than 1,000 overseas Chinese lost their lives in this struggle. The inscription on the monument reads:

“Over three thousand overseas Chinese workers, with their lives, blood, and sweat, wrote a magnificent chapter in the history of overseas Chinese patriotism. They established an indelible achievement in the history of the Chinese Anti-Japanese War and the global anti-fascist war.”

Construction History

The events leading up to the monument’s creation began after the “July 7 Incident” (七·七事变) at the Marco Polo Bridge in 1937, which marked the start of Japan’s full-scale invasion of China. This invasion galvanized the nation, prompting a wave of solidarity among the Chinese people. Overseas Chinese also united against the aggressor, driven by patriotism and a desire for justice.

In 1939, under the leadership of Tan Kah Kee (陈嘉庚), the chairman of the Overseas Chinese Relief Association, many overseas Chinese responded to his call and returned to China to fight against the Japanese invaders. More than 3,000 dedicated overseas Chinese workers left their families behind and returned to their homeland, forming the “Nanyang Overseas Chinese Workers Team.” They committed themselves to the critical work of resisting Japanese aggression.

At that time, all coastal ports in China had been captured, and the war was at its most challenging phase. Yunnan served as a vital strategic base, acting as both a rear area and a frontline for the war. The only remaining international transportation route, the Burma Road, relied on the support of the world and overseas Chinese. Despite personal dangers, the workers transported military supplies day and night, assembled and repaired vehicles, and trained drivers and mechanics. Unfortunately, during this period, over 1,000 overseas Chinese lost their lives due to battles, accidents, and diseases.

Reasons for Construction

The monument was erected to honor the significant contributions made by the overseas Chinese workers who returned to fight in the Chinese Anti-Japanese War and the global anti-fascist war. The Yunnan Provincial People’s Government established the monument in May 1989 to ensure that future generations would remember and pay tribute to their sacrifices.

Main Exhibits

The monument is crafted from Han white jade (汉白玉), with the golden characters “Nanyang Overseas Chinese Workers Anti-Japanese Monument” prominently displayed. The base, made of ink stone (墨石) and Han white jade, is inscribed with the four characters “Chizi Gongxun” (赤子功勋). The upper front of the monument features an honor badge for the Nanyang Overseas Chinese Workers Returning to Fight, with four horizontal lines and four ink stone bases symbolizing the unity of 400 million compatriots in the anti-Japanese struggle.

The monument’s steps are seven levels high, commemorating July 7. Flanking the sides are two flags, with three “July 7” commemorative badges representing the dedication of the more than 3,000 overseas Chinese workers. The overall height of the monument is 9 meters, with a 3-meter pedestal, symbolizing the victory of September 3.

Next to the monument, there is a display room detailing the achievements of the Nanyang Overseas Chinese Workers during the anti-Japanese war. Each year, on the anniversary, visitors from home and abroad, including students and community members, come to pay their respects. The inscription on the monument serves as a powerful summary of the heroic efforts of the overseas Chinese workers:

“Over three thousand overseas Chinese workers, with their lives, blood, and sweat, wrote a magnificent chapter in the history of overseas Chinese patriotism. They established an indelible achievement in the history of the Chinese Anti-Japanese War and the global anti-fascist war.”

In 2005, another monument of the same name was constructed in the Wanding Economic Development Zone (畹町经济开发区) of Ruili City (瑞丽市), Yunnan Province. This monument stands 16 meters tall and features four golden horizontal bands at the top, representing 400 million compatriots during the war. The honor badge of the Nanyang workers is embedded within, symbolizing the united resistance of compatriots from both home and abroad. The three-tiered black base, measuring 6 meters wide and 3 meters high, signifies the victory of September 3.

Behind the monument is a long corridor of relief sculptures that depict the contributions of the Nanyang Overseas Chinese Workers during the war. The right side features the monument’s inscription, while the central reliefs illustrate the following themes: The Call to Arms, The Farewell, The Road Construction, The Iron Flow, The Fire Challenge, and The Victory. On the left side is a list of distinguished names of the Nanyang Overseas Chinese Workers. Below the reliefs is “Hundred Sparrows Painting” (百雀图), symbolizing the beautiful peacock homeland of Dehong (德宏). The six pillars at the front of the relief corridor represent the 60th anniversary of the victory of the anti-Japanese war.

All materials used for the construction and sculpture of the monument are sourced from world-renowned Fujian granite (福建花岗岩). The imposing red structure rises toward the sky, symbolizing the Chinese nation’s triumph over darkness and its journey toward enlightenment.  

The Tomb of NiE is located in a gently sloping area between Taihua Temple (太华寺) and Longmen (龙门) in the Western Hills (西山) of Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province (云南省). It covers an area of approximately 1,200 square meters and was relocated to this site in 1980.

The layout of the tomb is designed to resemble a moon lute, with the platform representing the body of the lute and the tomb positioned at the head. The tomb pit is constructed from stone slabs and has two levels, approximately 1 meter deep. The Tomb of NiE reflects the admiration and remembrance from people of various ethnicities and backgrounds in China and international friends, providing a beautiful space that merges with the surroundings for those who come to pay their respects.

On January 13, 1988, the Tomb of NiE was announced as a key national cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Location Information

• Geographical Location: Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province (云南省)
• Established: 1980
• Area: Approximately 1,200 m²
• Protection Level: Third batch of national key cultural relic protection units
• Approving Authority: State Council of the People’s Republic of China
• Number: 3-0041-1-041

Historical Background

On October 1, 1937, NiE’s ashes were interred at the foot of the Western Hills in Kunming. His mother and family, along with cultural figures such as Chu Tunan (楚图南), Xu Jiarui (徐嘉瑞), Zheng Yizhai (郑一斋), and Lin Zhiyin (林志音), attended the burial ceremony. Xu Jiarui wrote the tomb’s name and inscription titled “The Tomb of the Epoch-Making Musician NiE.”

In February 1954, the Yunnan Provincial Cultural Bureau conducted a renovation of the tomb, adopting an inscription written by Guo Moruo (郭沫若) and changing the wording on the tombstone from “The Tomb of the Epoch-Making Music Composer NiE” to “The Tomb of the People’s Musician NiE.”

In March 1973, the Kunming Municipal Party Committee decided to relocate the tomb to a gently sloping area above the parking lot between Taihua Temple and Longmen. The relocation ceremony took place on May 13, 1980. The tomb underwent renovations and environmental improvements in 1985, 1992, and 2005.

Site Features

The design of the Tomb of NiE resembles a moon lute, with the platform acting as the lute’s body and the tomb positioned at the head. The tomb pit is built with stone slabs and features two levels, about 1 meter deep. The urn containing his ashes is placed on a circular base, with a three-tiered square stone platform underneath. On this platform rests a black stone tombstone. The front of the tombstone reads “The Tomb of the People’s Musician NiE,” while the back bears the epitaph written by Guo Moruo. In front of the tombstone is a high-relief white marble wreath of mountain camellias, inscribed with NiE’s birth and death years. The twenty-four stone steps leading to the tomb symbolize the twenty-four years of NiE’s life.

Cultural Relics

Statue of NiE

The statue of NiE is located in front of the tomb. It is a round sculpture made of white marble, standing 3.2 meters tall and weighing 3.7 tons, depicting him in a contemplative pose.

Screen Wall

The screen wall is situated behind the tomb of NiE, measuring 45 meters in length and slightly arched. The center features a high relief representing the heroic struggle of Chinese military and civilians during the war. The upper sides depict the Great Wall stretching across the sky, while the lower left showcases scenes of various Chinese ethnic groups singing the “March of the Volunteers” (《义勇军进行曲》).

Historical and Cultural Significance

Related Figures

• Burial Subject: NiE (聂耳)
• Biography: NiE (February 15, 1912 – July 17, 1935), originally named Nie Shouxin (聂守信), was born in Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province (云南), and his ancestral home is in Yuxi (玉溪). In 1933, he joined the Communist Party of China (中国共产党). In the following three years, NiE composed several progressive songs, including “Spring Dawn at Cuihu” (《翠湖春晓》), “Graduation Song” (《毕业歌》), and “Pioneer” (《开路先锋》), earning him the title of “Pioneer of Chinese Revolutionary Music.” In February 1935, NiE composed the music for “March of the Volunteers” (《义勇军进行曲》) based on lyrics written by Tian Han (田汉) for the film “Children of the Storm” (《风云儿女》). During the lyric-writing process, Tian Han was imprisoned by Kuomintang agents. Hearing this, NiE voluntarily took on the task of composing the music and completed it after witnessing Japanese militarists advocating for “expanding China’s interests” while in Japan. Tragically, he drowned on July 17, 1935, at the age of 23 while swimming at the shore of the sea in Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川县), Japan. In August 1935, his ashes and belongings were escorted back to Shanghai by his friends Zhang Tianxu (张天虚) and Zheng Ziping (郑子平). In 1936, NiE’s elder brother, Nie Xulun (聂叙伦), brought his ashes back to Kunming.

Literary Works

Epitaph of NiE Written by Guo Moruo (郭沫若) “Comrade NiE, the horn of the Chinese revolution, is also the drum of the people’s liberation. The music he composed for ‘March of the Volunteers’ has been selected as the national anthem. Those who hear its sound cannot help but feel a surge of patriotic thoughts, solemn and noble aspirations, and a united spirit. NiE, may your legacy endure forever alongside the nation! Comrade NiE, a member of the Communist Party of China, was born on February 14, 1912, in the beautiful Kunming, and tragically drowned on July 17, 1935, at the beach of Kanagawa, at the tender age of twenty-four. His death in an enemy country is an eternal regret, and the circumstances of his drowning remain unknown!”

Poem about NiE’s Tomb By Huang Zhaobi (黄兆碧) “The tomb stands serene beneath the everlasting sun,
Gentle breezes through the flowers and trees abound.
A lone hero’s spirit wanders without rest,
A young man’s heart, a sword of isolation, profound.
Questions of the cold depths, where tempests have blown,
Singing freely in verses long or short, profound.
Today the national anthem is sung with pride,
A glorious sound that resonates all around.”

Cultural Preservation

On January 13, 1988, the Tomb of NiE was listed as a third batch national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Travel Information

Location

The Tomb of NiE is located in a gently sloping area between Taihua Temple (太华寺) and Longmen (龙门) in the Western Hills of Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province (云南省).

Transportation Information

Bus Routes:

1. Take Metro Line 3 to Xishan Park Station and then transfer to the Western Hills scenic area shuttle bus to the final stop.
2. Take buses 6, 51, or 94 to Gaoyao Station and then transfer to the Western Hills scenic area shuttle bus to the final stop.

Alternatively, take bus 183 in Kunming and get off at the Haigeng Tourist Cableway Station, then walk 4.0 kilometers to the tomb.

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）.

How to Get to Western Hills from Kunming City

1. By Taxi

The taxi fare from city center to the Western Hill is around CNY 50. However, you may use Didi APP (Chinese Uber) to accommodate your different needs.

2. By Bus

Please take bus No.6, No.51, No.94, No.Auxiliary 6 to Gaoqiao Station（高峣）. The bus fare is usually CNY 1 for Ordinary Bus, CNY 2 for Air-Conditioned Bus.

3. By Metro

We highly recommend this method as it is the most convenient one. Please take Metro Line 3 to Xishan Park Station（西山公园）. The metro fare is around CNY 4 for departure station at downtown. Please be noted that the hub to transfer to Metro Line 3 include Kunming East Coach Terminal（昆明东部汽车客运站）for Metro Line 6 (You may take this line to and from the Airport), Dongfeng Square Station（东风广场）for Metro Line 2 (you may take this line to other regions of the city).

4. By Coach

Currently, there are several coach routes departing from the major transportation hub in Kunming. However, their schedule may vary according to actual seat occupancy rate. Therefore, we recommend you to consult the station that you are arriving in advance.

Western Hills is called 西山(Xishan) in Chinese, and is a scenic forest park located in the west suburb of Kunming, 15km to the city center. With the altitude ranging from 1,900-2,350, this mountain spot looks like a charming “sleeping beauty” from afar. Besides, Western Hill has always been reputed as the “top scenery in central Yunnan”, boasting the famous excellent Dragon Gate scenic spot with advantageous place for an overlook at the gem-like Dianchi Lake sitting on the east side and the large Kunming City.

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