This mountain is a bit mysterious — strangers who hike here might form bonds, but couples who come are bound to break up.

Going on an outing together is usually a joyful thing for couples, but what if you accidentally visit a place that could lead to a breakup? Would you still dare to go there in the throes of love? In Taiwan, legend has it that Lü Dongbin, frustrated after being rejected by He Xiangu of the Eight Immortals, grew jealous of worldly couples in love. If couples went to pray there, they would be split up. As a result, places like Muzha Zhinan Temple, which primarily worships Lü Dongbin, are considered off-limits for couples. Meanwhile, on the mainland, Xishan Mountain, located 15 kilometers west of Kunming City, is even dubbed the “Breakup Mountain.” Legend says that when unfamiliar men and women climb Xishan, they will end up together, but if couples climb it, they will break up.

In truth, Xishan is a highly charming attraction in Kunming. It consists of Huating Mountain, Taihua Mountain, Luohan Mountain, and others. Legend has it that in ancient times, a phoenix once perched here, but those who saw it couldn’t recognize it and called it the “Green Chicken,” hence Xishan was also known as Green Chicken Mountain. Later, because it lies to the west of Dianchi Lake, it became known as “Xishan” (West Mountain). With dense forests, abundant flowers, and serene, picturesque scenery, Xishan was hailed in ancient times as the “Finest Scenery in Central Yunnan.” So how did such a beautiful place become a forbidden spot for couples? Here are some prevailing theories:

A long, long time ago, Xishan was still Xishan, and Dianchi Lake was still Dianchi Lake, but back then the lake’s waters were very clear, and it was said that spirits dwelled beneath. Legend had it that if one jumped from Xishan into Dianchi, they would reach the abode of the gods and live happily forever. Many couples, unable to be together due to life’s pressures, made a pact to jump into Dianchi from Xishan. Over the years, many have gone up — sometimes the man jumped, sometimes the woman, sometimes neither — and in every case, the couple ended up parting ways after descending the mountain.

Finally, there was a couple so deeply in love that they resolutely climbed to the Dragon Gate of Xishan and jumped. But instead of falling into Dianchi, they were lifted by floating clouds into the heavens, where they became the guardians of the Dragon Gate. They lived a blissful immortal life together, yet harbored resentment toward those with unfaithful loves who desecrated the sanctity of the Dragon Gate. To prevent such tragedies, they forbade anyone from jumping off the Dragon Gate from then on. If a couple visiting Xishan is found by the gate guardians to be unfaithful in their love, they will be made to break up. And if a trip to Xishan ends in a breakup, maybe — just maybe — it’s not a bad thing. Perhaps the Dragon Gate guardians are simply helping you cut ties with someone who wasn’t meant to be.