Western

The "Sleeping Beauty" of the Plateau

1.Located on the western bank of Dianchi: Lake, approximately 15 kilometers from downtown Kunming, the Western Hills (Xishan) Forest Park is a majestic range that resembles a giant "Sleeping Beauty" lying beside the shimmering water. Her face, hair, and chest are formed by the undulating peaks of the Luohan Mountain range, with her long hair cascading into the lake,. The crown jewel of this scenic area is the Dragon Gate (Longmen), a spectacular collection of Taoist grottoes carved into the vertical cliffs. Hailed as the "Number One Scene in Central Yunnan" and the "Most Exquisite Taoist Grottoes in China," this site offers an unmatched combination of perilous cliffside paths, intricate stone carvings, and panoramic views of the vast 500-li Dianchi Lake,.

A Masterpiece Carved in Stone

2.The Dragon Gate: Grottoes are not merely a scenic spot but a testament to human perseverance and artistic mastery. The project began in the Ming Dynasty (1522) with the "Cave Room" carved by Taoist Zhao Lian. However, the most significant expansion occurred during the Qing Dynasty, when Taoist Wu Laiqing and subsequent craftsmen spent 72 years—from 1781 to 1853—chiseling through the solid rock of the sheer cliff.

• 3.Engineering Marvel: The entire complex, including the Phoenix Rock, Ciyun Cave, Yunhua Cave, and the Datian Pavilion, was carved out of the natural cliff face. The stone paths, rooms, and statues were created without modern machinery, relying solely on hammers, chisels, and the dedication of the artisans,.
• 4.The Dragon Gate Arch: The highlight is the Datian Pavilion (Pavilion Reaching Heaven) and the stone archway known as the Dragon Gate. Standing here offers a breathtaking, bird's-eye view of Kunming and the "sparkling pearl" of Dianchi Lake below.

Legends of Luck and Tragedy

Culturally, the Dragon Gate is steeped in local folklore.

• 5.Rising in Worth: There is a famous saying, "Once you ascend the Dragon Gate, your worth increases a hundredfold." This alludes to the Chinese legend of the carp jumping over the Dragon Gate to become a dragon, symbolizing success and high achievement, particularly in examinations,.
• 6.The Broken Pen: A local legend tells of the stonemason who carved the statue of Kui Xing (the god of examinations). After years of work, he accidentally broke the tip of the deity's brush pen. Heartbroken by this single flaw in his masterpiece, he jumped off the cliff, adding a layer of tragic romance to the site's history.

A Spiritual and Scenic Journey

7.Visiting Western Hills Dragon: Gate is a journey through vertical landscapes and spiritual sanctuaries.

• 8.Sanqing Pavilion: This complex of temples, known as the "Nine Tiers and Eleven Pavilions," clings to the cliffside like an aerial palace, surrounded by ancient cypress and pine trees.
• 9.Huating and Taihua Temples: Lower down the mountain, these Yuan Dynasty temples are hidden in dense forests, famous for their camellias, magnolias, and grand architecture that blends royal style with garden aesthetics.
• 10.Nie Er's Grave: The park also houses the tomb of Nie Er, the composer of China's national anthem, adding a note of modern revolutionary history to the ancient site,.