Level 15 -- Temple of Xian

The level contains 40 pickups and 3 trophies.

Enemies are limited to spiders, fish, and tigers; no gun-wielding enemies appear.

The level is known for its length and required backtracking for some pickups.

One trophy is difficult, requiring players to avoid all damage in a dark area.

A shortcut is available near the beginning that leads to near the end, skipping the Spider Cave. This shortcut requires practice but can save time, especially for speed runs.

To use the shortcut, enable updated graphics. Reach the overhead cave with the first Secret. Position Lara against the wall closest to the waterfall. Jump around the corner, bending the jump to land on a slanting block facing uphill, then slide and grab the edge. Precise positioning is key, using visual cues from screenshots to align Lara correctly. Save the game before attempting the jump.

If the jump fails, reload and slightly adjust Lara's rotation. If Lara lands on the block but faces the wrong way, a Roll command during the jump might help, though holding Right on the D-pad after clearing the cave wall should ensure she lands facing uphill.

Once hanging from the block, shimmy left to a rope bridge. Pull Lara up, then immediately save the game in a new file. Reloading this save will place Lara mid-pull-up, allowing her position to be preserved by holding Action.

While Lara finishes pulling up, hold Jump, Roll, and Right on the D-Pad to queue a backflip with a twist towards the bridge. If Lara falls, release Right too soon; reload the save file to try again.

On the bridge, run to the rock wall and push the switch, then kill the attacking eagle.

Proceed to the other end of the bridge, veering left to avoid an upcoming rolling blade.

In the next room, jump over the stationary rolling blade and land on the far right end of the ledge below it.

From here, you can resume the main walkthrough.