Western Mountain Forest Reserve
We woke up and started our day with a filling French breakfast - French toast with maple syrup, a fresh-squeezed orange juice, a hot chocolate and a fruit salad. Not the typical Chinese breakfast but we needed to splurge on something familiar.
The 'Stone Forest' was 3 to 4 hours by bus from our hostel, so we skipped the UNESCO recognised area. Instead, we headed to the Western Mountain Forest Reserve on the outskirts of Kunming. A quick walk to the newly opened Kunming metro line 3 followed by a few stops to its terminal and we were at the ticket office of the Western Forest.
Ascending the Western Hills
We paid 88 yuan each for the all-inclusive package including the round-trip shuttle bus, the electric car, the entry to the park, one-way cable-car ride and some good free hiking in the reserve. The first shuttle bus brought us to the main entrance stopping on its way to the different temples. Visitors could hop on and off as they wished. We stayed put in the bus as we wanted to spend more time exploring the mountain. Next was a quick ride by an electric car and we were ready to ascend the mountain.
The Dragon Gate
We ventured into the mountains and explored the various grottos and tunnels carved out of the mountain face. Along the pathway, we passed temples and shrines dating back to the 11th century. In front of us, tourists were taking countless of selfies. We knew we reached the Dragon Gate - the main event of the Western Hills. We waited a few minutes in the hope to get the spot for ourselves. It almost worked out.
We climbed the seemingly never-ending stairs to reach the top, the Lingxu Pavillon which offers a sweeping view of the Kunming metropolis and the Dianchi Lake (the sixth largest lake in China). The panoramic view was impressive. Sooner or later, we had to return to the bustling and somehow chaotic Kunming city. The cable car brought us back to the main entrance as we appreciated, one last time, the charming scenery of Dian Lake.
Kunming Flowers and Birds Market
Slightly templed-out, we hopped into the tube to the Kunming Flowers and Birds market (昆明花鸟市场). Central and close to The Monument to the People's Heroes, the market is today a tourist spot. The unconventional market will sell you cute little puppy dogs, various birds, creepy and crawly insects or jewellery but surprisingly very few flowers. Kro tried out some Chinese calligraphy.
All those weird snacks didn't spoil our appetite, and we elected to try the Kunming Steam-pot chicken. The cooking pot with a hollow tube in the centre brings together tender chicken, delicious soup, original flavours and rich nutrition. Not the best meal we had in China. Maybe we picked the wrong restaurant...
Exploring Western Mountain Forest Reserve
- All-inclusive package costs 88 yuan (includes shuttle bus, cable car, entry, and hiking)
- Take Metro Line 3 to the terminal - quick and easy access from downtown Kunming
- Dragon Gate is the highlight - arrive early to avoid selfie crowds
- Allow 4-5 hours for the full experience including temples, grottos, and viewpoints
- Lots of stairs to climb - wear comfortable shoes and bring water
- Temples and shrines date back to the 11th century - respect religious sites
- Kunming Flowers and Birds Market (昆明花鸟市场) is free to explore - near Monument to People's Heroes
Note:
Pin These Moments
🐉 Dragon Gate
Exploring the intricate grottos and tunnels carved into the mountain face at Western Hills
🏔️ Sweeping Views
Breathtaking panorama of Kunming and Dianchi Lake from the top of Western Mountain
🎨 Cultural Immersion
Trying Chinese calligraphy at the eclectic Kunming Flowers and Birds Market
Have you visited the Western Hills near Kunming? Did you make it to the Dragon Gate? What did you think of the Steam-pot chicken? Share your Kunming adventures below!