The forest reserve on the West Bank of Dianchi Lake consists of the Huating, Taihua and Luohan mountains, which together extend for more than 40km at an average altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level. This is a colossal natural forest reserve in the midst of a lofty mountain range crisscrossed by clear fast-flowing streams. Ancient trees are adorned with thick, lush foliage and birds chirp and flutter in the green treetops.
 
Viewed from the Southeast corner of Kunming, the entire forest reserve looks like a beautiful maiden reclining leisurely by Dianchi Lake, her long hair drifting in the placid water. Hence the nickname of the Western Hill Forest Reserve, Sleeping Beauty.
 
As a Chinese saying goes, "Once you ascend Longmen (Dragon Gate), you would receive a sudden boost in your prestige." Dragon Gate is a certain gorge on a river flanked by precipices and with a natural dam. Legend has it that if carps swimming upstream could jump over the dam, they would become dragons. The houses of powerful dignitaries were often compared to dragon gates. If a man could manage to be a guest in these houses, his future would be assured.