Xishan Forest Park (West Hill Forest Park, 西山森林公园) in Kunming is a must-visit destination that offers breathtaking views of Dianchi Lake, awe-inspiring cliff carvings, and a rich cultural history rooted in the ancient Dian Kingdom. Perfectly combining natural beauty and historical intrigue, this park is the ideal spot to escape crowds and immerse yourself in Kunming’s heritage. Follow our optimized route to enjoy the best of Xishan without long waits or backtracking.
Explore Xishan Forest Park Like a Local
Recommended Route (No retracing steps, no crowds):
- Start with the Dianchi Lake Cableway: A 25-minute scenic ride to the park entrance.
- Enter the Park and Purchase a Combined Ticket: Includes access to key attractions.
- Climb to the Top of West Hill: A moderate 1-hour hike with spectacular views.
- Visit the Dragon Gate Grottoes: Marvel at the intricate cliffside carvings.
- Descend via West Hill Cableway: A 20-minute open-air ride through lush forests.
- Return by Shuttle Bus: A 20-minute ride back to the Tea Horse Flower Street, where you can savor Yunnan cuisine.
Total Cost: Approx. ¥137 per adult.
Estimated Duration: Around 3 hours.
Why You’ll Love This Route？
- Avoid Crowds: Start at Dianchi Cableway instead of the busy Visitor Center near the metro station, where most tour groups gather.
- Family-Friendly: The uphill hike is manageable, and the downhill cableway avoids steep stairs, making it suitable for all ages.
- Maximized Experience: Enjoy panoramic lake views from the high-altitude cableway, scenic forest rides, and a relaxing shuttle bus return, all while spending wisely.
Ticket Pricing
- Park Entrance Fee: ¥30 (half-price for children over 1.2m).
- Shuttle Bus (Visitor Center ⇄ Park Entrance): ¥12.5 (one way).
- Dianchi Cableway: ¥60 (one way) or ¥100 (round trip).
- Combined Ticket: ¥65 (Park entrance + electric cart + one-way cableway to Dragon Gate Grottoes).
Operating Hours
- Park Closing Time: 5:30 PM.
- Shuttle Bus Service Ends: 6:30 PM.
- Cableway Last Ride: 6:30 PM.