Xishan Scenic Area is located in the western suburbs of Kunming City, Yunnan Province, on the west bank of Dianchi Lake. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction that integrates natural landscapes with cultural history. The scenic area covers a total area of about 889 hectares and is composed of mountain 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 panoramic views of Dianchi Lake, it is known as the "Finest Scenery of Central Yunnan." It boasts numerous cultural relics and historic sites, including the Longmen Grottoes, Huating Temple, and Taihua Temple, as well as rich plant resources. It is a favored destination for Kunming residents and tourists to climb high and gaze far, experiencing the blend of nature and history.
Historical Culture
The history of Xishan can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. During the periods of Nanzhao and the Dali Kingdom, it had already become a Buddhist activity center. Huating Temple was first built in the Yuan Dynasty (1320), originally named "Yuanjue Temple," and after expansion during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it became one of the largest Zen Buddhist monasteries in Yunnan. Taihua Temple was first built in the Ming Dynasty (1390) and was named after its location at the back of Taihua Mountain. The temple preserves cultural relics such as inscriptions related to the legend of peacock gallstones from the Qing Dynasty.
The most famous cultural landscape of Xishan is the Longmen Grottoes, carved during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty (1783). It took 72 years to complete and is the southernmost ancient grotto art treasure house in China. The grottoes were built along cliffs and precipices and include core areas such as Datian Pavilion and Ciyun Cave. They feature carvings of Buddha statues, Taoist deities, and various auspicious patterns, demonstrating the superb level of Yunnan stone carving art in the Qing Dynasty.
Main Attractions
Longmen
Located on the cliff of Luohan Mountain in Xishan, it is the core attraction of the scenic area. First carved in 1783, it covers a total area of about 2,000 square meters and consists of Ciyun Cave, Yunhua Cave, Datian Pavilion, and others. Datian Pavilion enshrines statues of Kuixing, Emperor Wenchang, and other deities. The cliff walls are engraved with reliefs such as "Kuixing Pointing to the Dipper" and "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea." Its "Longmen" stone archway is a classic photo spot, offering magnificent views of Dianchi Lake.
Huating Temple
One of the largest Chinese Buddhist temples in Yunnan, covering an area of 12,400 square meters. The Mahavira Hall enshrines the Buddhas of the Three Times and 500 arhat statues. The architectural style blends Ming and Qing characteristics, and the temple is surrounded by towering ancient cypresses, creating a quiet and serene environment.
Taihua Temple
Known for its lush flowers and trees, the temple covers an area of about 6,000 square meters. The courtyard is planted with rare flowers and trees such as Song Dynasty ancient plum trees and Ming Dynasty camellias. The "One Vast Expanse" Pavilion inside the temple is an excellent spot for viewing the scenery of Dianchi Lake. From the pavilion, visitors can gaze far into the distance at the panorama of Kunming's urban area and the seamless view of Dianchi Lake's water and sky.
Nie Er Tomb
The resting place of the people's musician Nie Er. The tomb area covers 1,200 square meters and consists of the tomb path, statue, and tomb. The bronze statue of Nie Er is 2.4 meters tall and faces Dianchi Lake. The platform in front of the tomb can accommodate hundreds of people for paying respects and is a patriotic education base.
Tour Routes：
Classic one-day tour route:
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 → check in at the "Longmen" stone archway → walk downhill to Nie Er Tomb → visit the Nie Er Memorial Hall.
Enter from the South Gate → hike up the mountain (about 2 hours) → first visit Taihua Temple → follow the trail to Huating Temple → taste vegetarian food → continue to the summit to 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 shore of Dianchi Lake directly to Xishan Forest Park → stroll through Yulan Garden → visit Sheng'an Temple → rest and enjoy the scenery at the "One Vast Expanse" Pavilion in Taihua Temple.
Travel Suggestions：
Best seasons: March to May (spring cherry blossoms in full bloom) and September to November (clear autumn skies). Avoid the rainy season (June to August) when mountain paths are slippery.
Wear comfortable sports shoes. Some sections of the hiking trail are steep. A full hike takes about 3 to 4 hours. Trekking poles may be carried.
Visit the Longmen Grottoes in the morning (soft light is suitable for photos), go to Taihua Temple and Huating Temple in the afternoon to experience the Zen atmosphere, and watch the sunset over Dianchi Lake near Nie Er Tomb in the evening.
There are few sales points in the scenic area. It is recommended to bring drinking water and small snacks. The temperature difference at the summit is large, so a light jacket may be brought.
Notes：
Some sections of the Longmen Grottoes are narrow and steep, so pay attention to safety. Climbing outside the guardrails is prohibited.
Please do not make loud noises inside the temples. Taking photos of Buddha statues requires permission from staff.
Protect the plants. Xishan is an ecological reserve. Please do not pick wildflowers or damage ancient trees.
Follow safety regulations when riding the cable car. In case of strong winds, it may be temporarily suspended. It is recommended to check scenic area announcements in advance.
Transportation：
Bus: Take buses No. 6, 51, or 94 from the city to Xishan Park Station, fare 2 yuan; on holidays, tourist special line buses are available, fare 5 yuan.
Metro: Take Line 3 to Xishan Park Station, exit from Exit A and transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus (5 yuan per person) to the scenic area gate.
Self-driving: Navigate to "Xishan Scenic Area." There are parking lots at both the North Gate and South Gate. Parking fee for small cars is 5-10 yuan per day.
Cable car: Take the cross-lake cable car from Haigeng Dam of Dianchi Lake (one way 120 yuan, round trip 200 yuan) directly to Xishan Scenic Area. The entire journey takes about 30 minutes, offering aerial views of Dianchi Lake.
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open all day; the Longmen Grottoes are open from 8:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:30); Huating Temple and Taihua Temple are open from 8:30 to 17:30.
Tickets：
The scenic area is free and open to the public.
Longmen Grottoes are charged separately: 30 yuan per person.
Longmen Cableway (one way): 25 yuan per person.