Dragon Gate Cableway of Western Hills in Kunming

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Chinese Name: 昆明市西山龙门索道
English Name: Dragon Gate Cableway of Western Hills in Kunming

The Dianchi West Mountain Cableway uses advanced cable car equipment produced in France and Italy, with half of its length spanning across the surface of Dianchi Lake. It is a rare cableway that crosses both water and mountains. Riding the cableway is one of the popular activities for most tourists in Kunming.

You can take the cableway at No. 16 Hubin Road (near Longwang Temple). The ride feels like stepping into a marvelous viewing corridor, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Dianchi Lake. Along the way, you can capture expansive views of the lake. Beneath your feet is Dianchi Lake, while above you are the majestic Western Mountains, making the cableway a convenient way for tourists to explore the scenic areas of Dianchi Lake and the Western Mountains.

Hilights

Scenic Views

• The cableway provides breathtaking panoramic views of Dianchi Lake, Kunming city, and the surrounding landscapes. The lush greenery of the Western Hills and the expansive lake create a picturesque backdrop.

Historic and Cultural Significance

• The Western Hills are home to several historic and cultural sites, including ancient temples and the famous Dragon Gate (Longmen), which is carved into the cliffs. The cableway offers a convenient way to access these significant landmarks.

Elevated Experience

• The cableway ascends the Western Hills, offering a unique aerial perspective of the terrain. As you rise above the landscape, you’ll enjoy views of the rugged hills, dense forests, and charming old temples.

Convenience

• The Dragon Gate Cableway is a comfortable and efficient way to reach the top of the Western Hills, avoiding the strenuous climb and allowing visitors to enjoy the journey as part of the experience.

Natural Beauty

• The route passes through lush forests and over scenic valleys, providing an immersive experience in nature. The changing views as you ascend add to the overall enjoyment.

Photography Opportunities

• The cableway offers numerous opportunities for capturing stunning photographs of the landscape, the lake, and the architectural features of the Dragon Gate.

Related Attractions

• Dianchi Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province and is known as the “Pearl of the Plateau.” In the past, the areas surrounding the lake often experienced flooding. As early as 1262, the Songhua Dam was built on the Panlong River, and in 1268, the Haikou River was excavated to increase the outflow of Dianchi Lake, alleviating flooding in the surrounding areas. After 1955, a total of over ten medium and large-sized reservoirs were built on the upstream rivers of the lake, and dozens of power drainage stations were constructed along the lake, helping to alleviate flood disasters and ensuring irrigation for farmland as well as water for urban industrial and residential use. The lake is home to various fish species, including carp, crucian carp, and money fish.
• Longwang Temple (Temple of Dragon King), located in the western part of Haigeng Park in the Dianchi Lake tourist resort area in Kunming, facing the famous Xishan Longmen across the lake. The Longwang Temple was once an important site for fishermen and indigenous residents around Dianchi Lake to pray for wind and rain, wishing for plentiful harvests and national peace. Inside the temple, deities such as the Central Lord Huanglong Wang, Liuwang (the son-in-law of the Dragon King), Dragon Princess, Wanjian God, Maritime General, and both Civil and Military Wealth Gods, along with Shrimp Soldiers and Crab Generals, were once worshipped.
• Xishan (Western Mountains) is located 15 kilometers west of Kunming City in Yunnan Province. It consists of Huating Mountain, Taihua Mountain, Luohan Mountain, and others. The mountain range stretches over 40 kilometers, with elevations ranging from 1,900 meters to 2,350 meters. According to legend, a phoenix once rested here, and those who saw it did not recognize it, calling it Biji (literally “Green Chicken”), which is why it is also known as Biji Mountain. Additionally, because its shape resembles that of a reclining Buddha, it is referred to as卧佛山 (Wofoshan or Reclining Buddha Mountain).Xishan features dense forests and flourishing flowers and grass, offering a tranquil and beautiful environment with excellent scenery. In ancient times, it was praised as “the finest scenic spot in central Yunnan.”

How to Arrive There

By Bus & Subway

Option 1 (Recommendation)

Total duration: 1 hour 14 minutes, 15.29 kilometers
Bus No. 73, 17 stops, Walk 2.32 kilometers, Board at Jinmafang

Option 2

Total duration: 55 minutes,14.43 kilometers
Metro Line 5 Route transfer to 94 East Line or Route 94
20 stops, Walk 1.25 kilometers, Board at Wuyi Road

By Driving

Option 1 (Recommended)

Total duration: 33 minutes, approximately 13.6 kilometers

Option 2

Total duration: 36 minutes, approximately 16.7 kilometers

Option 3

Total duration: 36 minutes, Approximately 21.2 kilometers