Xishan Forest Park, Western Hills Forest Park (Xishan Senlin Gongyuan) [西山森林公园]

  • Address:
  • Getting there: 6, 51
  • Contact: 0871-842 6668  
  • Opening hours: 8:00 am – 6:00pm
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Description

This small mountain range contains the four peaks of Biji, Luohan, Huating, and Taiping. Nicknamed 'Sleeping Beauty', the range stretches approximately 10 km, and reaches an altitude of 2,500 meters (8200 ft). Amidst its ancient trees, winding roads, and steep mountains are several temples including Huating Temple (built during Yuan Dynasty), Tanhua Temple (built during the Ming Dynasty), and Sanqing Pavilion (built during the Qing Dynasty). It is a paradise for hikers, bird lovers, and enthusiasts of Chinese culture. The hills are also the home of the Longmen Grottoes (Dragon Gate). From there visitors can take in some stunning views of Dianchi Lake. The grottoes are a treasure house of stone inscriptions.

Reviews (1)

1
Mark
Oct 21, 2010 04:10

There are two cable cars to get you up XiShan.

The first one is from the level of the lake up to where things start to get interesting. It will save you hours of walking and playing with traffic on the highway. The cars are closed and you get some great views. From the top of the first cable car ride you walk up through a village area. There are gift and snack shops. The snacks are not too expensive.

From the village you enter the park. There are many routes up and around the mountain.
Including a second cable lift, these are open ski lifts. Fantastic views again.

Even on holiday weekends it is not too crowded, as it is not a place suited to tour groups. If it is wet I recommend using shoes with some grip, as the stone steps have become smooth with wear.

The LongMen path is cut into the cliff face and is worth the walk.

None of the routes are strenuous, and anybody of reasonable fitness can manage.
But remember you will be over 2000m altitude. If you have just come from lower altitudes and not acclimatised you will need to puff and pant a bit.

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