Western Hills Escarpment Rock Climbing

The Western Hills and, specifically, the temples around Dragon Gate are big tourist attractions about 15 km southwest of downtown Kunming. Consult any guidebook or hotel staff for the best way to get there. Access to Escarpment climbing is the same as that taken by tourists to Dragon Gate.

Upon reaching the entrance gate to Dragon Gate, you are now at the northern end of the Escarpment. The approach trail for climbers skirts the base of the cliffs. In 2005, access to this trail was as follows: About 50 m before the entrance gate, on the east (lake) side of the road, is a stone stairway that goes all the way down to Dian Lake at Dragon Gate Village. There is a large sign carved in stone near the top of the stairs indicating the “1000 Steps” to the village. Descend these stairs a short distance, for 3 levels, as they head in a southerly direction. After the third level the stairs abruptly switchback and turn north. At this switchback there is a cement wall with a warning sign painted on it. Go around the wall to the left and continue south on a trail along the base of the escarpment to the climbing.

WARNING: Much of the approach between the stone stairway and the Giant Book area is below the tourist trails on the ledges to Dragon Gate. As you can see from the garbage along the trail, a considerable amount of trash is pitched off. Don’t linger along this part of the approach and keep an eye skyward. Helmets are a wise consideration.