South of the Clouds (Part 3)

Kunming Xishan Scenic Area

This route is a bit strange... Later, I doubted whether I was lost several times. I started questioning myself: why did I follow those strangers along this small path? And why didn't I just go back to the main road and follow the signposts up the mountain? Or why not just take a bus from the visitor center? But now it's too late to say anything... If I go back, I would have walked too much for nothing, so maybe it's better to grit my teeth and keep going.

First, I walked on the main road uphill for over half an hour. There were tourists like me, and some locals who probably came in the morning for exercise. Suddenly I saw a sign for the Magnolia Garden and followed the arrow down a small path to find it. Then I found the gate locked. A大叔 in the nearby hut said it was temporarily closed. At that moment, the group ahead of me continued down this path without looking back. I looked forward and saw a glimmer of light in the distance—could that be Dianchi Lake? I got excited and resolutely followed them down. They seemed to be a group of friends, both men and women, probably in their fifties or sixties. They chatted as they walked at a very leisurely pace, so I lazily followed behind. When we stepped onto a narrow path, the man in front of me stopped and gestured for me to go ahead. I guessed he meant they were slow and didn't want to hold me up. Okay, so I passed through his companions and became the leader. Then about twenty minutes later, I couldn't see anyone around...

The air was good, the surroundings were nice, and on one side of the path was a valley full of trees and plants I didn't recognize, lush with green.

I continued on, enjoying the breeze, birdsong, and the open tranquility.

Half an hour passed, and still no one appeared in my sight. At this moment, I started to panic... Then I began to hate myself for not analyzing others' advice carefully. I had only brought half a bottle of water that day because the young guy I met yesterday told me there were many places to buy water here. That might have been true before the pandemic, but 2020 had too many changes. I walked so long on the main road uphill without seeing a single water seller. And now I was in the middle of nowhere... That's really a lesson learned!

Where does this path lead?

Finally, someone came!

From the tourists I met, I learned that due to the pandemic, only the Dragon Gate was open at Xishan. This path was one way to reach it.

After continuing for a while, the view began to change.

Tired and thirsty, when would I reach the Dragon Gate? God, let me become a carp!

When I looked up and saw the corner of a house roof, my excitement was beyond words...

I finally made it to the Dragon Gate! Where can I buy water?

I didn't expect such a beautiful café on Xishan! It was spacious with a strong artistic atmosphere, and best of all, there was a large terrace outside.

I had a cup of coffee, rested beautifully, and even flipped through a novel.

Entered the Dragon Gate scenic area.

Took the cable car, viewed Dianchi Lake.

The water of Dianchi seemed quite polluted.

Got off the cable car and headed toward the Dragon Gate.

It felt a bit like Laoshan—cliffs by the water.

Finally reached the legendary Dragon Gate!

A panoramic view of Dianchi Lake stretching for miles.

This is a dutiful cow with a story.

Took the electric cart down the mountain, then visited Nie Er's tomb. Felt sad and regretful for this musician who died young.

Xishan's scenery combines beauty, elegance, grandeur, danger, and wonder—worth a visit!