Kunming West Hill (Xishan Forest Park)
Kunming West Hill (Xishan Forest Park)
4.5
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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CYKL
Germany301 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
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 narrow but felt safe. Very good views. Lots of photo spots and they have their staff taking photos of you and you can buy them for 20 chinese yuan.
Written January 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark6,232 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
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 you also want some exercise (about 10,000 steps), do as we did:
At the ticket office, buy 1 entrance ticket + 1 one-way "green car" bus ticket (you can also buy a ticket for the cable car, but that defeats the purpose of exercise).
The green car bus takes you 4 km up to the cable car station, but instead of taking the cable car, continue on foot along the paved road.
When you see the sign for Longmen Grottoes, follow the steep stairs—passing several temples—to reach the Dragon Gate viewpoint and then the Longmen Grottoes. It's a bit strenuous, but even older people manage it.
Afterward, walk back the same way you came—without taking the bus. The last 4 km, which you rode on the bus, you can now walk downhill at a comfortable pace.
In the start and finish area, there are plenty of stalls where you can buy food and drinks.
Well, you could take Metro Line 3 to Western Hill and enjoy a few good hours of nature and culture, views and insights.
If you also want some exercise (about 10,000 steps), do as we did:
At the ticket office, buy 1 entrance ticket + 1 one-way "green car" bus ticket (you can also buy a ticket for the cable car, but that defeats the purpose of exercise).
The green car bus takes you 4 km up to the cable car station, but instead of taking the cable car, continue on foot along the paved road.
When you see the sign for Longmen Grottoes, follow the steep stairs—passing several temples—to reach the Dragon Gate viewpoint and then the Longmen Grottoes. It's a bit strenuous, but even older people manage it.
Afterward, walk back the same way you came—without taking the bus. The last 4 km, which you rode on the bus, you can now walk downhill at a comfortable pace.
In the start and finish area, there are plenty of stalls where you can buy food and drinks.
Written June 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HKDave
Hong Kong, China339 contributions
Dec 2010
Our visit to the West Hills was the best day we had in Kunming. We took two local buses (1RMB each per person) from near Cloudland YH to the base of the hills and we then hired a minibus (30RMB for 7 people) from the bus stop to get us to the ropeway station. We then took the ropeway to the top of the hill and walked up to the summit for fantastic views over Kunming and the lake (approximately 40RMB each, children under 1.4m half price). The views from the ropeway were also very good and there is a photo opportunity near to the top of the ropeway. There are hawkers selling water, drinks, noodles, biscuits, etc at numerous points along the paths in the hills but none of them were pushy. There are also plenty of public toilets at the various points along the road, some in better states of cleanliness than others (0.3RMB to 0.5RMB per person). We didn’t go to Dragon Gate (40RMB per person) but instead headed up to the pagoda at the top of the hill. This gave fantastic panoramic views over Kunming and the lake to the mountains and hills surrounding the city. We then walked back down through winding paths through the trees and roads to the bus stop (about 6km – 2.5 hours).
If you like hiking and/or countryside rather than the city I would recommend making time in your itinerary for a visit to West Hills. There are also plenty of opportunities to visit various temples on the hill although we didn't stop at any.
If you like hiking and/or countryside rather than the city I would recommend making time in your itinerary for a visit to West Hills. There are also plenty of opportunities to visit various temples on the hill although we didn't stop at any.
Written January 13, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
waffler_au
Melbourne, Australia134 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
it's possible to see all three attractions in one day with time to spare using puvlic transport/foot.
being able to speak Chinese helps a lot with figuring out public transport maps which are available from most hotels, you can also use the baidu.com map function which is very useful for figuring which bus line to catch.
Take any bus which goes to the Ethnic Minority Village and you can walk 10-15mins down the road from there to get to Dianchi Lake. You can take a photo with Xishan in the background and the rock which says Dianchi, just fight the other tourists hanging around there, the concept of queueing isn't real popular here.
then just follow the lake around towards the mountain. There are a few options for getting across the lake. Cable car, bus or foot. There isn't actually any footpath, so you have to be careful walking across. Just follow the locals.
once you cross to the other side you will see the other cable car station. You can either take the cable car up Xishan or do the thousand step walk. The walk is kinda unmarked. Walk through that carpark which turns into a mini park next to the cable car station until you see the flight of steps heading up on your right. Go up, cross the highway depending where you exit this park you may need to keep walking uphill for 30 seconds along the highway) you'll see another set of steps to your right with a highway bridge overhead. That's the start of the path leading to Dragon Gate/Xishan.
Dragon Gate is worth the entrance fee, there's quite a lot to see inside as you climb uphill, also good view of lake and Kunming from the top. You can then either walk through the mini stone forest to get to Xishan or take a cable car transfer. Xishan is nice to walk but all the attractions there have separate entrance fees, mostly temples, if you haven't already seen enough temples on the rest of your Chinese trip.
follow the trail downhill (again, no footpath, just be careful walking on the road, but all the locals do it and its even signposted for walking so don't worry.) Alternatively, there is a bus shuttle you can pay for. At the end there is a public bus which can take you back to the Minority Village.
being able to speak Chinese helps a lot with figuring out public transport maps which are available from most hotels, you can also use the baidu.com map function which is very useful for figuring which bus line to catch.
Take any bus which goes to the Ethnic Minority Village and you can walk 10-15mins down the road from there to get to Dianchi Lake. You can take a photo with Xishan in the background and the rock which says Dianchi, just fight the other tourists hanging around there, the concept of queueing isn't real popular here.
then just follow the lake around towards the mountain. There are a few options for getting across the lake. Cable car, bus or foot. There isn't actually any footpath, so you have to be careful walking across. Just follow the locals.
once you cross to the other side you will see the other cable car station. You can either take the cable car up Xishan or do the thousand step walk. The walk is kinda unmarked. Walk through that carpark which turns into a mini park next to the cable car station until you see the flight of steps heading up on your right. Go up, cross the highway depending where you exit this park you may need to keep walking uphill for 30 seconds along the highway) you'll see another set of steps to your right with a highway bridge overhead. That's the start of the path leading to Dragon Gate/Xishan.
Dragon Gate is worth the entrance fee, there's quite a lot to see inside as you climb uphill, also good view of lake and Kunming from the top. You can then either walk through the mini stone forest to get to Xishan or take a cable car transfer. Xishan is nice to walk but all the attractions there have separate entrance fees, mostly temples, if you haven't already seen enough temples on the rest of your Chinese trip.
follow the trail downhill (again, no footpath, just be careful walking on the road, but all the locals do it and its even signposted for walking so don't worry.) Alternatively, there is a bus shuttle you can pay for. At the end there is a public bus which can take you back to the Minority Village.
Written June 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mokkey8
Hong Kong, China462 contributions
Jan 2014 • Friends
As a city, there's not much to see or do. In addition, there's a lot of construction going on so there's constant noise and the air quality is not great.
That being said, Xishan Forest, Haigeng Park and the trip up to the Dragon Gate is worth a visit, providing a good view of the city as well as providing some clean air to your lungs.
I stayed close to Kunming Railway Station so took Bus #44 to Haigeng Park (went early so the park was empty). Took a free van from the park to the other side where you purchase tickets across Dianchi Lake (RMB 40 single / RMB 70 return trip).
This takes you up to Xishan Forest where you get off and have a choice of walking right to visit some temples (I didn't as I was short of time) or turn left where you purchase tickets to enter the 'forest' and up to the Dragon's Gate. There are various tickets but RMB 100 covers entrance and all electric carts, forest cable car (different from the one across the lake) and a coach back to town.
Overall, a bit disappointing as I was expecting this to be more of an experience - however, typical of Chinese attractions where it's more of a money-spinner. The Dragon's Gate is literally a stone frame with a small shrine. Not amazing but still nice views.
Tips:
- Hindsight, I would not have taken the cable car across Dianchi Lake. There are other ways of getting to Xishan Forest and I think I trek up would have been more fun and enjoyable
- For those physically less abled, the cable car across the lake and up to Xishan Forest is probably the easiest way though buy a single ticket as it will allow more flexibility if you decide to come down another way
- I would have purchased the RMB 100 'package' ticket as it covered everything and worked out cheaper overall, especially if you want to come back into town by coach rather than cable car then taxi/bus
That being said, Xishan Forest, Haigeng Park and the trip up to the Dragon Gate is worth a visit, providing a good view of the city as well as providing some clean air to your lungs.
I stayed close to Kunming Railway Station so took Bus #44 to Haigeng Park (went early so the park was empty). Took a free van from the park to the other side where you purchase tickets across Dianchi Lake (RMB 40 single / RMB 70 return trip).
This takes you up to Xishan Forest where you get off and have a choice of walking right to visit some temples (I didn't as I was short of time) or turn left where you purchase tickets to enter the 'forest' and up to the Dragon's Gate. There are various tickets but RMB 100 covers entrance and all electric carts, forest cable car (different from the one across the lake) and a coach back to town.
Overall, a bit disappointing as I was expecting this to be more of an experience - however, typical of Chinese attractions where it's more of a money-spinner. The Dragon's Gate is literally a stone frame with a small shrine. Not amazing but still nice views.
Tips:
- Hindsight, I would not have taken the cable car across Dianchi Lake. There are other ways of getting to Xishan Forest and I think I trek up would have been more fun and enjoyable
- For those physically less abled, the cable car across the lake and up to Xishan Forest is probably the easiest way though buy a single ticket as it will allow more flexibility if you decide to come down another way
- I would have purchased the RMB 100 'package' ticket as it covered everything and worked out cheaper overall, especially if you want to come back into town by coach rather than cable car then taxi/bus
Written February 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DereckDC
Washington DC, DC92 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
This park was definitely a highlight for me. I took line 3 (Pink) of the metro to the Western Hills station, which is at the end of the line. From the city center it cost ¥4. When you exit the station follow the people and you will see the business area right outside the north gate. You’ll be swarmed by local tour guides and drivers right when you exit the station. I would recommend passing on them and heading to the official park staff. You need tickets to enter the Longmen grottos (dragon gate), ski lift, bus transport. I only bought tickets for the ski lift and for the grottos (¥55) since I wanted to walk and get some exercise. If you are rushed for time I would recommend paying the ¥90 per person for all the tickets. This will get you transportation so you don’t have to walk to the grottos. The walk from the north gate to the entrance of the grottos was apparently about 8km it took me around 1-1.5 hours (I’m a fast walker). There are temples along the way (which the bus will stop at). All in all, if you have the time, the energy and you like to walk, I would recommend walking to the grottos from the north gate. It was pleasant and will save you some money.
Written April 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laowai_Phil
Hong Kong, China38 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
Visited April 1. I visited Xishan by Subway Line 3 which was very convenient. Ride it to the very last stop. As you disembark, just follow the local Chinese, there's no chance to get lost! Just 200m from the subway station there is an eating street where you could stop for food now or on the way back down if hungry. Lots of options. The first 2/3 of the way up the mountain (before the ticket entrance) from the Subway station is basically a road. I visited on a Sunday so probably more people than a weekday. Every 1 minute or so a coach would scream past ferrying people between the subway station and the ticket entrance. They go fast so be careful.. When the buses weren't flying past it was quite peaceful and nice to walk this route, though it will add a fair bit of time to the trip (maybe 1.5h?). I elected to take the 'ancient track' between Huating and Taihua as suggested on a below comment. Fully endorse that! Nice to get away from the bigger crowds and...buses! Just past Taihua temple is the ticket entrance (40元 each). I elected to continue walking up to Dragon's Gate, though you could also take an electric car (10元 I think）or cablecar (25元) each way between the ticket entrance and Dragon's Gate. From Dragon's gate I felt I had exercised enough and spent enough time (roughly 3 hours I guess) so took the cablecar down to the ticket entrance and from there the bus back down to the subway station. Very convenient and quick. The cablecar back down had a much better view than going up, as you get a great view over the nearby lake and Kunming city in the background. Overall a really great half-day trip. Spent just under 90元 including the subway fare. Depending on your fitness and how long you want the day to be, you can choose which parts to walk versus pay a little more for transport, so it's very flexible.
Written April 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
atroberts
China61 contributions
This was the best part about my visit to Kunming. I recommend taking the cable car up from the Dragon Gate area. It is a long, leisurely ride up the side of the hills and gives a breathtaking view of the city and the lake. Once at the top, you can walk down the hills and visit various little temples, etc. hewn into the sides of the cliff hundreds of years ago. It is quite lovely. Be warned you have to pay twice, once to go up and again to go down. But it is worth it!
Written January 3, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sissy
Yunnan, China37 contributions
May 2018 • Family
You can take No. 3 metro in Kunming and get off at last station here is where western hill located, then buy a group ticket to Dragon gate where is my favorite.
If you want to hike, climbing the mountain and enjoy fresh air.
Group ticket: 88 RMB / person, including one way rope lift cable car, one way electric bus and shuttle bus.
Especially with a knowledgeable guide, you will know whole Yunnan history, all of them are amazing and interesting, it shocked me when I know all of them. The tour guide with us is Sissy the same name with me, her Phone number is +86 158 870 51889 (Wechat Mo.: 15887051889). She is professional, knowledge, helpful and good English we have a nice day tour there.
After go downhill, there is a snack street we try some local food, it is an impressive tour in Kunming.
If you want to hike, climbing the mountain and enjoy fresh air.
Group ticket: 88 RMB / person, including one way rope lift cable car, one way electric bus and shuttle bus.
Especially with a knowledgeable guide, you will know whole Yunnan history, all of them are amazing and interesting, it shocked me when I know all of them. The tour guide with us is Sissy the same name with me, her Phone number is +86 158 870 51889 (Wechat Mo.: 15887051889). She is professional, knowledge, helpful and good English we have a nice day tour there.
After go downhill, there is a snack street we try some local food, it is an impressive tour in Kunming.
Written August 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Burton2014
Madison, WI26 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
Any online image search on "Yunnan" will be full of photos of the limestone pinnacles of this region, but make it seem inaccessible. This park covers a small portion of the region and makes it accessible with trails and stairs. It is some distance from Kunming, an hour plus by bus each way - and the bus station is already pretty far to the east - so it's pretty much an all-day affair to visit. The core area is relatively small and can be fairly well covered in an hour or less, but it is some distance (3km) from the ticket office - so, to avoid the 2km walk between the ticket office and the pinnacles, I suggest the tram. The admission, especially by Chinese standards, is unusually high, so I opted not to, but that added an unnecessary hour to the visit.
Like many natural areas in China, access to the core pinnacles requires many stairs, but it is indeed a 'park'. Beyond the small core of the park is a huge and most attractive area with well-groomed with trees, flowering shrubs, and grassy areas perfect for family picnics.
Like many natural areas in China, access to the core pinnacles requires many stairs, but it is indeed a 'park'. Beyond the small core of the park is a huge and most attractive area with well-groomed with trees, flowering shrubs, and grassy areas perfect for family picnics.
Written April 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi everyone! I keep seeing there's an option to stay overnight in West Hill and watch the sunrise in the morning, but I find no information on how to book accommodation. I think it's the Taishan Mountain Villa? Would anyone be able to point me in the right direction? Thanks!
Written July 14, 2019
What are the starting points and ending pints of cable car and chairlift in the Park? I heard there is also a train in it? So confusing! Which one is necessary?
Written August 6, 2015
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