Changchongshan Mountain Ecological Park in Kunming
Overview
Changchongshan Mountain Ecological Park (长虫山生态公园) is located at the intersection of Longquan Road (龙泉路) and the northern section of Panlong River (盘龙江) in Wuhua District (五华区), Kunming (昆明). Known also as Snake Mountain (蛇山), it features distinctive topographical characteristics that showcase a rugged individuality. The mountain is largely bare, with few trees, and is covered primarily with grass, alongside stones resembling sheep grazing leisurely under divine care. The arrangement of these stones creates a unique harmony within the natural landscape.
The park lies within the jurisdiction of Hongyun Street Office (红云街道办事处) and Shalang Township Government (沙朗乡政府), bordered by Longquan Road to the east and the northern section of Panlong River to the west, with the West Baisha Reservoir (西白沙河水库) nearby. It serves as another mountain retreat for panoramic views of Kunming city, following the West Mountain Park (西山公园), making it an excellent destination for fitness and outdoor activities. The mountain resembles a giant stone python resting in the northern suburbs of Kunming.
Outdoor Activities
Changchongshan Mountain is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly for hiking and climbing, as it is situated far from the water surface of Dianchi Lake (滇池). The unique lava topography of the mountain attracts many mountaineers. On holidays, colorful camping tents dot the landscape, adding a charming touch to the scene. The steep cliffs on the western side of the mountain provide a spacious area suitable for paragliding activities. Due to the sparse tree coverage, the area offers wide views, making it ideal for various leisurely outdoor sports.
The most beautiful seasons to visit Changchongshan Mountain are spring and summer when the tender green grass and the scattered unique stones create a distinctive landscape.
Address
Panlong District (盘龙区), Kunming City (昆明市)
Type
Mountain
Recommended Visit Duration
1-2 hours
Opening Hours
Open all day
Admission Information
Free entry
Park Details
Changchongshan Mountain Ecological Park and the scenic forest area are situated along Longquan Road and the northern section of the Panlong River, adjacent to the West Baisha Reservoir. The ecological park spans 50 hectares, while the scenic forest covers 190 hectares.
Suggested Itinerary
One-Day Tour in Kunming: Explore Changchongshan Mountain Ecological Park and Kunming Animal Museum
During a one-day trip in Kunming, I planned to visit two must-see attractions: Changchongshan Mountain Ecological Park and the Kunming Animal Museum.
Morning: Changchongshan Mountain Ecological Park ?
Start your day at Changchongshan Mountain Ecological Park, known for its beautiful environment, perfect for hiking.
Tips:
- Admission: Free
- Suggested Duration: Spend around 3 hours enjoying the natural atmosphere.
- Highlights: The sunset view is captivating, and hiking is a great way to exercise while breathing in fresh air.
Afternoon: Kunming Animal Museum ?
After lunch, head to the Kunming Animal Museum, which features a rich collection of exhibits.
Tips:
- Suggested Duration: Allocate about 3 hours; it’s suitable for family visits.
- Highlights: The museum houses nearly 900,000 animal specimens, including dinosaur skeletons and an Asian elephant exhibition, ideal for expanding knowledge.
- Booking: Reservations can be made at the entrance for convenience.
Dining and Accommodation
Lunch: Dianxi Xiaoyuan
For lunch, I chose Dianxi Xiaoyuan, where the stewed chicken with papaya and the boiled carp with sour papaya were delicious and perfect for group dining.
Accommodation: Kunming Mohuage Hotel
I stayed at Kunming Mohuage Hotel, where the ancient-style decor and the ambiance added a unique experience.
Specialty Recommendations
- Kunming Pu’er Tea (昆明普洱茶): A unique large-leaf tea from Yunnan, known for its longevity and distinctive flavor.
- Yunnan Ma Duck (云南麻鸭): Renowned for its quality meat, suitable for various cooking methods.
- Shilin Ginseng Fruit (石林人参果): Known for its good taste and beautiful color, a purely natural specialty.
