Dragon Gate Village

Description 

The smaller of the Western Hills climbing areas, the two crags are close to the lakeshore near Dragon Gate Village (Long Men Cun).

Getting There 

CAUTION: Be aware that all the access directions below have probably changed somewhat since the big highway was constructed in 2005-2006. The highway is now open so be cautious when following these directions to Dragon gate Village and the two crags – Dove Rock and Owl Rock.

Conveniently, access to the crags near Dragon Gate Village also starts at Liang Jia He bus stop on West Renmin Road (see Western Hills Escarpment access). Instead of taking the bus to Dragon Gate, take the minibus parked nearby headed to Hai Kou, a town on the western shore Dian Lake south of the Western Hills. You will be traveling only as far as Dragon Gate Village (Long Men Cun), a 30-40 minute ride (5 yuan). Hai Kou buses also leave continuously from Liang Jia He starting before 9:00 AM. From Liang Jia He, you will eventually be traveling along the western shore of Dian Lake. Upon entering Dragon Gate Village, there is a major “T” intersection near the cable car terminal. A road heads east from the intersection, across a causeway, and along the north shore of the lake.

Dove Rock (Ge Zi Yan) Access: The old access to Dove Rock between the buildings was closed off during 2004. Physical access to this climbing area is now problematic.

Owl Rock (Mao Tou Yin Yan) Access: This crag lies about ½ km south of Dove Rock. To access Owl Rock, cross over some recently torn down buildings (December 2002) 100 m north of the “T” intersection near the cable car terminal. Ascend any narrow trail through crop fields for about ½ km. You will see the low orange face of Owl Rock above the fields, left of the cable car tower. Basically, make your way to the base of the rock. WARNING: It is best not climb on Owl Rock from December to April. There is an owl nest in the hole at the 7th bolt on Bloody Head, containing a very mad mother owl with sharp claws. Her attack on a climber resulted in the name of the climb.