Attraction & Sightseeing In Kunming
Stone
Forests -- Taihua
Temple -- The Western Hills -- Yuantong
Temple
 The best of
the world famous Stone Forests (Shilin) of Kunming are in Lunan
County, 90km south of Kunming. Due to a process of weathering and
erosion, nature has created an art gallery of stone sculpture
here.
This typical
karst physiognomy takes the form of a forest of stone pillars and
boulders. It is as if the countless stone shapes have sprung from the
ground, assuming different shapes as if vying to surpass each other in
grandeur and sublime beauty.
Some look
like sheets or pillars, others resemble swords raised towards the sky
while others, standing in pairs, suggest scenes of young lovers
overjoyed in reunion or sad at parting or of a mother and child
strolling side by side. Among the sights in the Stone Forest are Lion
Arbor, Sword Peak Pond, Lotus Peak, Moon Lake, Jade Lake, and
Dadie
Waterfall.
How
to get there: The best way to reach the Stone Forest is by
taking a tourist train from Kunming Railway Station. The trip costs
RMB20 one way and RMB30 for a round trip. The train leaves
Kunming at 8:28am (arriving at 9:55am) and departs from the Stone
Forest at 3:20pm (arriving in Kunming at 4:47pm).
You can also take a bus from the railway station. The trip takes about
2 hours if the bus is fully occupied, but the trip may take much
longer if the bus is not full and stops along the way to pick up
passengers. Tickets are RMB20, and round trip tickets are RMB40.
Admission: RMB55.00
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To the Top
 Taihua
Temple, also called Fuyan Temple, is located on the side of the
highest peak of the Xishan Mountain. This is one of the most important
Buddhist venues in Yunnan. Since the construction of the temple over
seven centuries ago, numerous renovations have taken place here.
In front of
the temple stands a huge maidenhair tree with a diameter of over 2
meters. The tree was planted by an emperor during the Ming Dynasty.
After passing through the main hall, visitors may enter the Piaomiao
Tower, where they can get a bird's view of the area below.
How
to get there: The Western Hills Park is located 16km
southwest of Kunming city on the shores of Dianchi Lake. Bus No. 51
and No. 6 both reach the the park. A taxi will cost RMB30 and take 40
minutes from the city center. There is a cable car linking the
Dragon gate and the Yunnan Nationalities Village. Two way tickets cost
RMB50 and a one way ticket costs RMB30.
Opening Hours: 8am-7pm
Costs: RMB20.0
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To the Top
 The
Western Hills, about 15 km from Kunming city, lie along the western
shore of Dianchi Lake. It stretches from north to south for about 40
km. The Hills resemble a reclining maiden lying on the banks of
Dianchi Lake with her long hair flowing down into the lake.
As a result,
the Western Hills have the nickname of the "A Sleeping Beauty
Hills". In actuality, the Western Hills is a forested and lovely
park which is perfect for hiking. Some of the major sites include:
Huating Temple (Huating Si), an ancient Buddhist temple that was
originally a retreat for the local ruler; Taihua Temple (Taihua Si),
with its charming orchard courtyard; Sanqing Pavilion (Sanqingge), a
Daoist temple dedicated to that religion's three major deities; and Dragon
Gate (Longmen), a collection of Daoist caves and sculptures.
We recommend
taking at least half a day to climb the Hills and explore the various
sites along the way.
How
to get there: The Western Hills Park is located 16km
southwest of Kunming city on the shores of Dianchi Lake. Bus No. 51
and No.6 both reach the the park. A taxi costs RMB30 and takes 40
minutes from the city center. There is a cable car linking the Dragon
gate and the Yunnan Nationalities Village. Two way tickets cost RMB50
and a one way ticket costs RMB30.
Opening Hours: 8am-7pm
Costs: RMB20.0
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To the Top
 Yuantong
Temple (Yuantong Si) is the grandest and most active temple in Kunming
with a history of more than 1200 years. Located on the south side of
Yuantong Hill, it is a destination of pilgrimage for pilgrims
worldwide. In 1956, the temple held a tooth of the Buddha here for a
short time.
The
ceremonies at which the tooth relic where received and sent off were
important events in the history of Yuantong Si. The architecture of
the temple buildings is rather typical, but the halls of the temple
are visited in order on a declining slope, not on an ascending slope
as is typical in Chinese Buddhist temples. In the temple are numerous
scenic spots, and a pool reserved for setting captive fish free! (Fangshengchi).
Yuantong Temple is one of the most important sites in the region for
Buddhist ceremonies.
On the 1st
and 15th of each lunar month, people gather here to take part in all
kinds of Buddhist services. There is also a good vegetarian restaurant
on the premises serving lunch and dinner.
How
to get there: Yuantong Temple is conveniently located in
the northern area of the city on Yuantong Jie. The easiest way to
reach the temple is by taxi from the city center, which should cost
RMB10. From the railway station, bus 101 can also take you to the
Yuantong Temple.
Opening Hours: 8am-6pm
Cost: RMB4.0
Sightseeing
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