Halfway up the Western Hills, on a quiet bend of the temple path, stands the tomb of Nie Er — the Kunming-born composer of the Chinese national anthem. The grave is laid out in the shape of a piano keyboard, with a stylised statue of the composer in front. Twenty-four white stone steps lead up to it from the path, one for each year of his life.
Most visitors pass through the site on the way up to the Dragon Gate; few foreigners pay particular attention. For Chinese visitors it is one of the more emotional stops on the Xishan climb, and you will often see families taking photos beside the statue. The view from the surrounding terrace is also superb in its own right.