If you’ve ever thought of the mountains as high and lofty in their grandeur, the Kunming Dragon Gate is here to cement that impression in your mind. It’s an exquisitely carved stone edifice that’s set into the side of the mountain, and represents mankind’s attempt to respond to the natural magnificence that is found all around him. Located in the Western Hills of Kunming, the saying goes that ‘If you do not visit Western Hills, you have not visited Kunming; if you do not visit the Dragon Gate you have not visit the Western Hills.’ Truly, with its weathered but still intricate and majestic stone carvings, and colourful pagoda-like roof, the Gate embodies the high ambitions of the Chinese people and their harmony with nature. The idea of the ‘dragon gate’ has a mythic quality to it as well, given the legendary and proud nature of the dragon figure. Shrouded in mystery, the entire atmosphere of the Gate and the mountain has an otherworldly quality to it. If you stand on the edge of the cliff while holding the railing and look downwards to appreciate the faraway sight of Dianchi Lake, you can almost fancy yourself a powerful figure in Chinese myth looking down on creation.