The escarpment, with Silent Buttress in the center...
Description
This is the biggest climbing area in Western Hills and lies about 200 m in elevation above Lake Dian. The routes established so far cover just a small fraction of the potential terrain on the escarpment.
Getting There
Access to Escarpment climbing is the same as that taken by tourists to Dragon Gate, which lies about 15 km southwest of downtown Kunming. The most convenient mode of transport is by minibus from the Liang Jia He bus stop, across the street from the Number 5 Bus Terminal on West Renmin Road. Mid-sized buses leave continuously from Liang Jia He starting at about 9:00 AM and go all the way to the end of the road for 5-6 yuan (do not get off at the Gao Qiao station at the entrance to Western Hills Park; go all the way to Long Men). From the end of the road, walk the 1.5 km road or ride the sightseeing cars (3 yuan) to the entrance gate to Dragon Gate. The Western Hills and the temples around Dragon Gate are big tourist attractions. Consult any guidebook or hotel staff for an explanation of the best way to get there.
Upon reaching the entrance gate to Dragon Gate, you are now at the northern end of the Escarpment. The access trail for climbers skirts the base of the cliffs. 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.
The last busses returning to Kunming from Dragon Gate leave around 6:00 PM, sometimes later if it’s a busy weekend or holiday. If you’re late, or have the time, descend the 1000 steps to Dragon Gate Village (about 3 km) and catch one of the numerous buses back to Kunming for 3 or 4 yuan. Be sure to take the Hai Kou buses, which drop you back at Liang Jia He on West Renmin Road.
Western Hills Escarpment
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