The craggy forested range of Xi Shan (西山, Xīshān), a mountain park on the western side of Dian Lake, makes for a great day trip from Kunming. The prime attraction is the Dragon Gate (龙门, Lóngmén, ¥30), a collection of pavilions, temples and grottoes scattered along the mountaintop.
Tourist buses (¥12.5 each way) leave the terminus of metro Line 3 and go 6km up the mountain. You can also walk the 6km, where the highlight is the Longmen Grottoes, which were carved into the cliffside between 1781 and 1835 and offer dramatic views over Dian Lake on a clear day. Upwards from the grottoes is the Lingxu Pavilion (凌虚阁, Língxū Gé), one of the topmost viewpoints on Xi Shan, which rewards hikers with breathtaking views.