Dragon Gate
A cliff path.
hilloo — CC BY-SA 3.0 · hilloo — CC BY-SA 3.0 · hilloo — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Colin W — CC BY-SA 3.0 · 江上清风1961 — CC BY 3.0 · 储油站 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · 江上清风1961 — CC BY 3.0
A wooded range running about 35 km along the west shore of Dian Lake, some 15 km from central Kunming. Once known as Biji Mountain, it is nicknamed the «Sleeping Beauty» because from a distance its outline looks like a woman lying down, and its highest peak, Luohan, rises to 2,511 m. Its best-known sight is the Dragon Gate, a path of steps, tunnels and small pavilions cut into the cliff right above the lake, with wide views over Dian Lake and the city. Along the way are the old Huating and Taihua temples, the tomb of the composer Nie Er and the «Little Stone Forest»; the hills are a national scenic area. The Dragon Gate area costs about CNY 30, listed at 40 in peak season by some sources, and the Dragon Gate cable car about CNY 25 one way; it is open from 8.30 am to 5 pm, per visitor guides. Clear mornings give the sharpest views of the lake.
A cliff path.
From above.
The ridge line.
Western Hills Forest Park, Xishan District, Kunming
By the park's eco-buses and electric carts and then on foot, or by the Dragon Gate cable car at about CNY 25 one way; allow at least half a day, per visitor guides.