Dragon Gate on Western Hills

Introduction to Dragon Gate on Western Hills (昆明西山龙门风景区)

Dragon Gate on Xishan (Western Hills) is a part of the Western Hills Forest Reserve in Kunming. The path which leads to the Dragon Gate is cut into the surface of the mountain which gives an amazing view of Dianchi Lake and Kunming. If you find the 1 hour 30 minutes trek up the mountain by foot too tiring you can take a cableway from the Yunnan Nationalities Village. 

Dragon Gate

Dragon Gate scenic area consists of Sanqing Temple and Dragon Gate Grottoes. 
This magnificent combination of grottoes, pavilions, stone ladders and winding tunnels which are carved out of the face of the rock cliffs under Luohan Peak . The work was recorded to have begun in 1781 under the leadership of the Taoist monk Wu Laiqing. After his death the local villagers and others finally completed the area in 1853.

Huating Temple

Huating Temple is a Buddhist temple 2,050 temple above sea level and dates back to the 14th century. The grandeur and scale of the temple is magnificent, the temple is famous for its Great Hall, Heavenly Hall and Guanyin Tower. 

Taihua Temple

Taihua Temple was built in the 14th century and covers a total area of 3,562 square meters. The architecture and design of the temple was inspired by the Beijing royal gardens, Suzhou gardens and distinctive Yunnan ethnic architecture. 

Sanqing Pavilion

Sanqing Pavilion also known as Sanqing Temple is one of the highlights of Western Hills. Built during the Yuan Dynasty for the Lingwang King as a Summer Palace the temple is also named Lingwangge by the locals of Kunming. Today Sanqing Pavilion is a tea house for visitors who need to rest and need a refreshment. 

Location

No.16 Hubin Road, Xishan District, Kunming, Yunnan Province (west of Kunming)

Main Sights

Dragon Gate, Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, Sanqing Pavilion

Travel Information

Admission Fee: 40 yuan for Dragon Gate Grottoes, 20 yuan for Huating Temple & Taihua Temple

Opening Hours: 8:00am~6:00pm

Visiting Time: half a day

Best Time to Visit: March to October

Transportation 

1. Take bus 6, C11, 51 or 94, and get off at Gao Yao Station.

2. Take bus 6, 94 to Su Family Village, or take bus 33, 94 to Gaoxiao Village.

Travel Tips

1. Dragon Gate is a good place to view the whole landscape of Kunming and Dianchi Lake.

2. Had better wear hiking shoes or travel shoes for rugged roads while climb up the hill.

Tour including Visiting Dragon Gate

1 Day Kunming City Tour & Dianchi Lake Tour