Xishan Scenic Area is located on the west bank of Dianchi Lake, in the western suburbs of Kunming City, Yunnan Province. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction integrating natural landscapes and cultural history. The scenic area covers a total area of approximately 889 hectares, composed of peaks such as Huating Mountain, Taihua Mountain, and Luohan Mountain, with the highest peak at an altitude of 2,506 meters. With lush forests and a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake, it has long been renowned as the "Finest Scenic Spot in Central Yunnan." It boasts numerous cultural relics such as the Longmen Grottoes, Huating Temple, and Taihua Temple, as well as rich plant resources, making it a popular destination for Kunming residents and tourists to climb high, enjoy distant views, and experience the blend of nature and history.
Historical Culture
The history of Xishan can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, when it became a sacred site for Buddhist activities during the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom periods. Huating Temple was first built in the Yuan Dynasty (1320), originally named "Yuanjue Temple," and was expanded during the Ming and Qing dynasties to become one of the largest Zen monasteries in Yunnan. Taihua Temple was founded in the Ming Dynasty (1390), named after its location against Taihua Mountain, and houses cultural relics such as stone inscriptions related to the legend of Kongque Dan (Peacock Gall) from the Qing Dynasty.
The most famous cultural landscape in Xishan is the Longmen Grottoes, excavated during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty (1783) and completed after 72 years of construction. It is the southernmost treasure trove of ancient grotto art in China. Built along steep cliffs, the grottoes include core areas such as Datian Pavilion and Ciyun Cave, featuring carvings of Buddhist statues, Taoist deities, and various auspicious patterns, showcasing the superb stone carving craftsmanship of Yunnan in the Qing Dynasty.
Main Attractions
Longmen Grottoes
Located on the cliffs of Luohan Mountain in Xishan, this is the core attraction of the scenic area. Excavated in 1783 and covering approximately 2,000 square meters, it consists of Ciyun Cave, Yunhua Cave, Datian Pavilion, and other areas. Datian Pavilion enshrines deities such as Kuixing (God of Examinations) and Wenchang Emperor, with cliff carvings of "Kuixing Pointing at the Dipper" and "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea." The "Longmen" stone archway is a classic photo spot, offering a magnificent view of Dianchi Lake.
Huating Temple
One of the largest Han Buddhist monasteries in Yunnan, covering an area of 12,400 square meters. The Grand Hall of the monastery houses statues of the Three Buddhas and five hundred arhats, with architectural styles blending Ming and Qing characteristics. Ancient cypresses surround the temple, creating a serene environment.
Taihua Temple
Known for its lush flowers and trees, the temple covers an area of approximately 6,000 square meters, with rare plants such as Song Dynasty ancient plum trees and Ming Dynasty camellias. The "One Blue Expanse" Pavilion in the temple is an excellent vantage point to admire the scenery of Dianchi Lake, offering a distant view of Kunming City and the integrated landscape of the lake and sky.
Nie Er's Tomb
The final resting place of people's musician Nie Er, the tomb area covers 1,200 square meters and consists of a tomb path, statue, and mausoleum. The 2.4-meter-tall bronze statue of Nie Er faces Dianchi Lake, and the platform in front of the tomb can accommodate hundreds of people for homage. It is a patriotic education base.
Food
Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles
A classic Kunming dish composed of chicken soup, raw meat slices, and rice noodles. Set meals of crossing-the-bridge rice noodles in restaurants around the scenic area cost approximately 20-40 yuan, with rich broth and abundant ingredients. Spices like chili and coriander can be added according to taste.
Steam-Pot Chicken
A chicken dish steamed in a Jianshui steam pot, with tender meat and sweet soup. A small portion of steam-pot chicken in nearby restaurants costs about 50-80 yuan, rich in protein and suitable for pairing with rice.
Xishan Baozi (Steamed Buns)
A characteristic bun commonly found in snack stalls within the scenic area, stuffed with beef, pork, or red bean paste. Each bun costs 2-3 yuan, with soft dough and ample filling, convenient for carrying and eating.
Wild Mushroom Hot Pot
A seasonal dish available from summer to autumn, made by stewing wild mushrooms such as termite mushrooms and matsutake. The hot pot base costs approximately 100-150 yuan per pot and needs to be boiled for 15-20 minutes to ensure the mushrooms are fully cooked. It is rich in umami and nutrients.
Admission
The scenic area is free to enter.
Separate fee for Longmen Grottoes: 30 yuan/person.
Longmen Cable Car (one way): 25 yuan/person.
For the latest updates or online ticket purchases, search for the official WeChat public account "昆明西山风景区".
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open 24 hours;
Longmen Grottoes: 8:00-18:00 (last entry at 17:30);
Huating Temple and Taihua Temple: 8:30-17:30.
Tour Routes
Classic One-Day Tour Route:
1. Enter from the North Gate → Take the scenic area sightseeing bus (one way 15 yuan) to the Longmen Grottoes entrance → Visit Ciyun Cave → Yunhua Cave → Datian Pavilion → Take photos at the "Longmen" stone archway → Walk down the mountain to Nie Er's Tomb → Visit the Nie Er Memorial Hall.
2. Enter from the South Gate → Hike up the mountain (about 2 hours) → First visit Taihua Temple → Walk along the trail to Huating Temple → Taste vegetarian food → Continue to the summit at Xiaoshilin Viewing Platform → Overlook the panoramic view of Dianchi Lake.
Leisure Route: Take the cable car (one way 50 yuan, round trip 70 yuan) from the Dianchi Lake shore to Xishan Forest Park → Stroll through Yulan Garden → Visit Sheng'an Temple → Rest and enjoy the scenery at the "One Blue Expanse" Pavilion in Taihua Temple.
Transportation
- Public Bus: Take city buses No. 6, No. 51, or No. 94 directly to Xishan Park Station, fare 2 yuan; tourist shuttle buses are available on holidays, fare 5 yuan.
- Metro: Take Line 3 to Xishan Park Station, exit from Gate A, and transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus (5 yuan/person) to the main gate.
- Self-Driving: Navigate to "Xishan Scenic Area," with parking lots at both the North and South Gates. Parking fee for small vehicles is 5-10 yuan/day.
- Cable Car: Take the cross-lake cable car from Haigeng Dam on Dianchi Lake (one way 120 yuan, round trip 200 yuan) directly to the Xishan Scenic Area, with a full journey of about 30 minutes, offering an aerial view of Dianchi Lake.
Must-See Attractions
- Longmen Grottoes: One of the most famous grottoes in southern China, with exquisite cliff carvings. Climbing to Datian Pavilion offers a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake and Kunming City. Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours.
- Huating Temple: A renowned Zen monastery in Yunnan, with grand architecture and uniquely shaped arhat statues, suitable for tourists interested in history and culture. Suggested visit time: 1 hour.
- Taihua Temple Viewing Platform: The best spot to overlook Dianchi Lake, especially after rain when the "Dianchi Clear Mist" scenery is stunning. Suggested photo stop: 30 minutes.
Tour Tips
- Best Seasons: March-May (cherry blossoms in bloom) and September-November (fresh autumn weather). Avoid the rainy season (June-August) when mountain paths are slippery.
- Wear comfortable sports shoes. Some sections of the hiking trail are steep, and a full hike takes about 3-4 hours; hiking poles are recommended.
- Visit Longmen Grottoes in the morning (soft lighting for photography), spend the afternoon experiencing the Zen atmosphere at Taihua Temple and Huating Temple, and watch the sunset over Dianchi Lake near Nie Er's Tomb in the evening.
- There are few vendors in the scenic area, so bring your own drinking water and snacks. Temperature differences at the mountain top are significant; carry a light jacket.
Notes
- Some sections of the Longmen Grottoes are narrow and steep; pay attention to safety and do not climb beyond guardrails.
- Keep quiet in temples and seek permission from staff before photographing Buddha statues.
- Protect plants—Xishan is an ecological reserve. Do not pick wildflowers or damage ancient trees.
- Follow safety regulations when taking the cable car. In case of strong winds, operations may be suspended temporarily; check scenic area announcements in advance.