Skip to main content
Western Hills (Xishan Forest Park)

Western Hills (Xishan Forest Park) Tourism

Western Hills (Xishan Forest Park) Tourism

Type of destination: National Forest Park
Ideal visit duration: Half a day to 1 day
Western Hills, known locally as Xishan Forest Park, is located in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. Stretching along the western shore of the famous Dian Lake, this scenic area presents a natural paradise dotted with temples, grottoes, and beautiful forested paths. At a height of approximately 2,500 meters above sea level, it offers stunning panoramic views of the lake and Kunming City. Visitors can explore the Dragon Gate, a series of grottoes and sculptures carved into the cliff face between 1781 and 1835 by a Taoist monk and his co-workers, which is now a key highlight of the park. Cable cars and walking trails are available for ascending the hills, making the visit a pleasant mix of convenience and adventure. Travelers may also enjoy the tranquility of Taihua Temple, one of the oldest in Kunhang, and Huating Temple, an important site for local Buddhists. With its vibrant natural scenery, cultural heritage, and fresh air, Western Hills offers a serene escape for both nature lovers and those interested in China's rich history and religious culture.
Top 5 Reviews on Western Hills (Xishan Forest Park)
Mogeltoft
Wrote on 24th Jun, 2024
Half-Day Excursion with Views and Exercise
What do you do in Kunming once you've already seen the Yunnan Stone Forest? Well, you could take Metro Line 3 to Western Hill and enjoy a few good hours of nature and culture, views and insights. If..
CYKL
Wrote on 17th Jan, 2024
Would go again to try to reach the top.
Took a guided day trip from Kunming city center. Arrived by coach, followed by a tram (like thosein zoos), and then a 2-person chairlift, and then hiked down along the side of the mountain. Very narro..
jacobmN3048LF
Wrote on 27th Jul, 2022
Half Day vs Whole Day offer a substantially different experience
When you arrive, you will get a booklet of tickets intended to cover the entire park. You can think of the park as being broken into three parts: 1) Temples 1: a winding road leading up to the cabl..
lu3213
Wrote on 28th Jul, 2021
Highly recommend, beautiful
Great place. Took a taxi, and then they have you purchase tickets for the the cable car or bus. We took a bus to the first section, then where everyone else went on the cable car we preferred to walk ..
IvanPavlovinKUNMING
Wrote on 20th Mar, 2020
got quite disappointed
Went there with a friend on many friends advices. Too expsenvise for what it is... some geological particularities. Lots of chinese coming here though.
Historical Places (2)
Villages (3)
Mountains (2)
Waterfalls (1)
Lakes (1)

Other Places to Visit in Kunming

View all Places to Visit in Kunming

Explore Places to Visit Near Western Hills (Xishan Forest Park) by Type

Other Suggested Reads for Western Hills (Xishan Forest Park)