Located in the west of Dianchi Lake, 15 kilometers west of Kunming City, Yunnan Province, Western Hill is composed of Biji Hill, Huating Hill, Taihua Hill, Luohan Hill, Guabang Hill and several other other hills. The mountain range stretches more than 40 kilometers and the highest peak rises to 2,500 meters above sea level. Legend has it that there was a phoenix perching on the hill long ago, hence its name, Biji Hill(Green Bird Hill). Also, when viewed from a distance, the hill resembles a sleeping Buddha-hence the nickname, Sleeping Buddha Hill. It is also known as Sleeping Beauty Hill, as it also resembles a beauty in repose, lying on Dianchi Lake, her hair trailing into the lake. There is a local tradition that involves climbing the Western Hill in March-the beginning of Spring. On this occasion, many people congregate on Western Hill, singing and dancing, sightseeing and barbecuing, all lending the occasion a bustling excitement.
Western Hill is a wonderful place to visit with its inclines and troughs, verdant plants, bubbling springs, twittering birds and aromatic flowers, as well as a few temples such as Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, Sanqing Pavilion, Dragon Gate, and Puxian Temple. Located in the mountains some 2050 meters high above sea level, Huating Temple was built in the fourteenth century and it is the most famous temple in Kunming City. Taihua Temple was built at the beginning of the fourteenth century and boasts many plants, all discharging sweet aromas. Wanghai Tower, which is located in the temple, is the best place from which to view the sunrise on Dianchi Lake.
Western Hill is a wonderful place to visit with its inclines and troughs, verdant plants, bubbling springs, twittering birds and aromatic flowers, as well as a few temples such as Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, Sanqing Pavilion, Dragon Gate, and Puxian Temple. Located in the mountains some 2050 meters high above sea level, Huating Temple was built in the fourteenth century and it is the most famous temple in Kunming City. Taihua Temple was built at the beginning of the fourteenth century and boasts many plants, all discharging sweet aromas. Wanghai Tower, which is located in the temple, is the best place from which to view the sunrise on Dianchi Lake.