[2025 Kunming Attraction] Travel Guide for Taihua Temple (Updated Apr)

#Overseas travel #China #Taehwasa Taehwasa, a quiet temple that you can see when you slowly walk down the west mountain of Kunming City and finish hiking, is a place where many people pass by without noticing it as they go up and down the electric train, so it is a place where you can really feel the comfortable temple feeling because there are not many tourists and it is quiet. Compared to the small number of tourists, the inside of the temple is quite spacious and boasts a nice view. The appearance of the temple reflected in the pond adds to the tranquility of this place, and the flowers and trees planted here and there bring a smile to your quiet walk. It is a good place for taking pictures or resting, so I recommend you visit at least once.

#Overseas travel #China #Taehwasa When touring Xishan, the main tourist attraction in Xishan District, Kunming, China, you usually take an electric car to the top of the mountain. Taking an electric car to go up is not bad, but if you have time, I recommend walking down. When you take an electric car, you just pass by many tourist attractions along the way. Of course, there is a place to get off in the middle, but foreign tourists tend to just pass by. One of them is this Taehwasa, and thanks to the people who just pass by on the electric car, the temple exudes a quiet and serene beauty.

As soon as spring arrives, Kunming's Xishan Park transforms into a dreamy sea of flowers. In this season, magnolias, cherry blossoms, and crabapple blossoms complement each other beautifully. As a seasoned flower enthusiast, I must share a super detailed flower viewing guide with everyone. 📖 ​ 🚗 Transportation Guide​ 📍 By Bus You can take buses No. 6, 51, or 17 to Gao Yao Station. Then transfer to the park's shuttle bus or walk to the cherry blossom viewing area. Traveling by bus is economical and allows you to enjoy the city scenery of Kunming along the way. ​ 📍 By Car Navigate directly to "Kunming Xishan Park." The park has a parking lot. 🅿 However, there are more tourists on weekends and holidays, so it is recommended to depart early to avoid parking difficulties. ​ 📍 By Subway First, take Subway Line 3 and get off at Xishan Park Station. After exiting the subway station, you can choose to take the park's direct shuttle bus for convenient and direct access to the park entrance. You can also walk directly to Biji Guan to see the flowers. 🌸 Viewing Spots​ 📍 Maomaoqing This is the area with the most concentrated cherry blossoms in Xishan Park. Cherry blossoms bloom all over the mountains and plains, and the pink and white flowers are like clouds in the sky. Stroll along the winding mountain paths, with a natural canopy of cherry blossoms overhead. Every photo is a masterpiece. 📸 It's like being in a fairy tale world. ​ 📍 Near Taihua Temple There are also many cherry blossom trees around Taihua Temple. The ancient temple and cherry blossoms complement each other, adding a touch of tranquility and elegance to this beautiful scenery. Feel the gentle breeze under the cherry blossom trees, and the petals falling on your shoulders are extremely pleasant. ​ 📍 Biji Guan The cherry blossoms at Biji Guan have a unique charm. The terrain here is slightly higher, and the cherry blossoms are scattered along the hillside. Looking out from a high place, you can take in the entire expanse of cherry blossoms along with the surrounding green hills and trees. The view is extremely wide, and compared to other popular spots, there are relatively few tourists here, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossom scenery more freely, listen to the sound of falling petals, and enjoy your own flower viewing time. ​ 🎠 Activities in the Park​ Besides enjoying the cherry blossoms, Xishan Park has many other fun activities. You can take the cable car 🚠 and overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire park from the air. The rolling mountains, lush forests, and the dreamy cherry blossom sea are all in view. You can also visit the Dragon Gate Grottoes and appreciate the exquisite carving skills of the ancients. Standing on the Dragon Gate, overlooking Kunming city and Dianchi Lake, the view is super wide. ​ 🍱 Food Nearby​ 📍 Maomaoqing Farmhouse at the foot of Xishan Mountain When you're tired of playing, you can go to the farmhouse to taste authentic Kunming cuisine. The "Lao Nai Yang Yu" (Grandma's Potatoes) are soft, glutinous, and sweet. The Yiliang Roast Duck has crispy skin and tender meat. Paired with special dipping sauce, every bite is bursting with happiness. ​ 📍 Snack Stalls There are also many snack stalls around the park. "Kao Er Kuai" (Grilled Rice Cakes) is a must-try. Soft and glutinous rice cakes with various sauces and side dishes offer a rich taste, and it's super enjoyable to eat while walking. 📍 Chama Hua Street Not far from Xishan Park is Chama Hua Street, which is full of old Kunming charm. Stepping into it, you are greeted by antique streets and a lively atmosphere. There is a wide variety of food here. "Xiao Guo Mi Xian" (Small Pot Rice Noodles) is a must-try delicacy. Smooth and chewy rice noodles are immersed in delicious broth, paired with tender minced meat, refreshing chives, and other ingredients. One bite, and the rich aroma instantly spreads in your mouth. There is also "Guandu Baba" (Guandu Pastry), with rose bean paste, white sugar sesame, and other flavors. The outer skin is soft and glutinous, and the filling is sweet. Every bite is full of the taste of old Kunming. There are also various other snacks on the street, such as fried potatoes and tofu pudding rice noodles. Each one can immerse your taste buds in the unique flavors of Kunming. Enjoy the food while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of old Kunming. ​ 💡 Helpful Tips​ Best Viewing Time Every year from February to March is the peak season for cherry blossoms in Xishan Park. However, the specific time may fluctuate depending on the climate that year. Before you go, you can check the park's official news or real-time updates on social media.

After half a month, I visit the ancient temple again. The magnolias have withered, and greenery fills the branches. No need to feel melancholy, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The morning light slants in, and there are few visitors at Taihua Temple. A cup of clear tea, sitting idly in the courtyard facing the spring cherry blossoms. The fragrance of flowers and the chirping of birds, suddenly the ancient temple's bell rings. It is just as the saying goes: The ancient temple's bell rings, Cherry blossoms lean against the red walls. (In the last picture, did you spot the two little squirrels staring at the camera?)

🌈Attraction Highlights: Head to the mountains to experience the beauty of nature. You don't need much— lush greenery🌿, a few temples, and a gentle breeze are enough. The plants in the forest only need sunshine and rain and nothing else, and they live freely and unrestrainedly~ The air is filled with freshness and hope~💐 Take your time and visit these places along the way: 🎟️Tickets: 🎫Taihua Temple: Free 🎫Yulan Garden: Free 🎫Xu Xiake Memorial Hall: Free 🎫Western Hills Scenic Area: Free 🕐️Opening Hours: 9:30 am–4:30 pm 💗Other Tips: Take your time and visit these places along the way: Western Hills Taihua Temple🍀 Taihua Temple, also known as Foyan Temple, was first built in 1306. There are no luxurious palaces inside the temple. Simplicity, age, and mottled walls are everywhere. Unlike today's trendy temples with bright colors, it is more ancient and simple, full of historical charm. The entire Western Hills scenic area is about 16 km long on foot. If you are a hiking enthusiast, you can also hike to Huating Temple~Yulan Garden~Sheng'an Pavilion and Xu Xiake Memorial Hall~Maojingjing, etc. There are signs along the way, so you don't have to worry about getting lost~ You can also take the scenic bus, which costs 12.5 for a single trip. 💰There is a dining hall in Taihua Temple, where vegetarian meals are 15/person, and lunch starts at 11:30 am. There are also snacks and drinks sold by local residents along the way~ As well as various characteristic fruits and vegetables~ Public Transportation: Take Subway Line 3 to the terminal station, Western Hills Park Station. It's very convenient, with no transfers or driving required.