Sights in Dali

Dali Ancient City, founded in the 15th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1382 AD), is also known as Yeyu City, Forbidden City, and Zhonghe Town. A moat surrounds the ancient city, and the streets within follow a typical checkerboard pattern. The buildings, all with their green tiled roofs, exude a distinctly quaint air. Wuhua Tower, a landmark of Dali Ancient City, dates back over 1,200 years. Throughout history, the tower burned down and was rebuilt several times, weathering a millennium of vicissitudes. The current tower, rebuilt in 1998, offers panoramic views of the ancient city.

Cangshan Mountain, located west of Erhai Lake, is also known as Dian Cangshan Mountain. Anciently known as Xiong Cangshan Mountain and Dian Cangshan Mountain, it is the main peak at the southern end of the Yunling Mountain Range and is renowned for its clouds, snow, springs, and rocks. Cangshan Mountain comprises 19 peaks: from north to south, they are Yunnong, Canglang, Wutai, Lianhua, Baiyun, Heyun, Sanyang, Lanfeng, Xueren, Yingle, Guanyin, Zhonghe, Longquan, Yuju, Malong, Shengying, Foding, Maer, and Xieyang. Malong Peak, the highest, stands at 4,122 meters. Between each peak, a stream flows eastward into Erhai Lake, forming one of the famous Eighteen Streams of Cangshan Mountain. A section of Cangshan Mountain near Xiaguan has been designated a tourist attraction, including attractions such as the Jade Belt Cloud Tour Road, Gantong Temple, Zhonghe Temple, Qingbi Creek, and Zhenlong Chess Game. However, other areas remain undeveloped and serve as popular longer hikes.

Erhai Lake, formerly known as "Yeyu Water," also known as "Xi'er River" and "Kunmi River," is a plateau lake formed by the collapse of the Xi'er River. Its shape resembles an ear, and from an aerial perspective, it resembles a crescent moon, nestled quietly between the Cangshan Mountains and the Dali Basin. Erhai Lake boasts three islands, four continents, five lakes, and nine meanders. Its crystal-clear waters have earned it the nickname "flawless jade among the mountains." Boat tours of Erhai Lake are available at Erhai Park in Xiaguan Town.

Xizhou is a major Bai ethnic group settlement. Historically, it served as a key military stronghold of the Nanzhao regime and a commercial center of Yunnan. Bordered by Erhai Lake to the east and Cangshan Mountain to the west, Xizhou boasts the largest and finest collection of Bai residential buildings, all featuring the Bai courtyard layout of "three courtyards and one screen wall" and "four side courtyards and five patios." These residences boast carved beams and painted rafters, overlapping brackets, and vibrantly colored decorative art on gatehouses, screen walls, and gables. Famous Xizhou residences include Yang Pinxiang's Residence, the Yan Family Courtyard, and the Hou Family Courtyard, all of which maintain the characteristics of traditional Bai dwellings while incorporating Eastern and Western architectural techniques.

Shuanglang, formerly known as "Shuanlang," is located near Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. It boasts the benefits of fishing and convenient boating, as well as breathtaking views of wind, flowers, snow, and the moon. It's known as "Shuanglang," where the best scenery of Cangshan and Erhai Lakes can be found. Shuanglang boasts the Yuji Island and Nanzhao Style Island scenic areas. Yuji Island boasts well-preserved Bai ethnic minority dwellings, along with attractions such as the Yubo Pavilion, the naval barracks of Du Wenxiu, a peasant rebel in the late Qing Dynasty, the Zhao Clan Ancestral Hall, the Yuji Nunnery where Yang Guixian, wife of Duan Siping, the founding emperor of the Dali Kingdom, practiced as a monk, the National Culture Square, and a thousand-year-old banyan tree. The island also boasts the unique homes of renowned modern dance artist Yang Liping and young painter Zhao Qing. Climbing Nanzhao Style Island offers the spectacular sight of a 17-meter-tall white marble Guanyin worshipping the Maitreya Buddha.

Facing Erhai Lake to the east and Cangshan Mountain to the west, Chongsheng Temple stands as a symbol of Dali's history and a testament to the prevalence of Buddhism there. The temple is renowned for its three pagodas, also known as the "Three Pagodas of Dali," one of China's most renowned Buddhist pagodas. Comprising a large and two smaller pagodas, the three pagodas stand in a tripod-like formation, creating a majestic and impressive sight from afar, making it one of the most scenic spots in the Cangshan and Erhai Lakes.

The Jade Belt Cloud Road, a 2-meter-wide, approximately 18-kilometer-long bluestone path, runs horizontally behind Zhonghe Temple. Starting from Malong Peak in Cangshan Mountain in the south, the road passes through Longxi, Yuju Peak, Luyuxi, Longquan Peak, Zhongxi, Zhonghe Peak, Taoxi, Guanyin Peak, and Meixi, ending at Yingle Peak. From south to north, scenic spots include Qingbi Creek, Seven Dragon Maiden Pool, Fengyan Cave, Zhonghe Temple, Jade Pond, and Huanglong Cave.

Qingbi Creek, a unique valley nestled between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, is considered the most picturesque of the 18 streams in Cangshan Mountain. Also known as the "Qinglongtan," the characters "Yukong" (Yu Kong) are inscribed on the cliffs surrounding the pond, flanked by several fir and pine trees, creating a scene that suggests a dragon is truly hidden within the water.

Gantong Temple, also known as Dangshan Temple, nestles against Cangshan Mountain and faces Erhai Lake. Legend has it that in the 17th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, the abbot of Gantong Temple, Master Wuji, traveled to Nanjing to pay homage to Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang. Zhu Yuanzhang bestowed upon Wuji the name "Fatian," appointed him to a position, and presented him with 18 poems as a farewell. The spot where the monks welcomed Wuji upon his return later became a temple, known as Banshan (located below the present-day Gantong Temple gate). From this point on, Gantong Mountain flourished with temples. A prominent monk in the late Ming Dynasty, Dandan, inscribed a couplet: "Ancient temple, densely forested pines, unparalleled scenic beauty in the southwest; horses neighing, flowers blooming, Cangshan and Erhai Lake are renowned as the most prestigious mountains."

Dali's Tianlongbabu Film and Television City is the largest in western my country, nestled against the backdrop of Cangshan Mountain and facing Erhai Lake to the east. It's been the setting for filming for dramas like "The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," "A Chinese Ghost Story," and "Lucky Stars." Within the film and television city, historical reenactments and dramatic scenes from the TV series are performed 24/7. Visitors to Shengci Palace and the "Songcheng" market street can also witness Nanzhao court music and dance, as well as folk arts and culture performances such as shadow puppetry, stilt walking, and throwing embroidered balls. In addition, a ceremonial guard of honor will be present at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM daily to announce the opening of the city.

The Three Pagodas Reflection Park, situated north and south, is nestled against the Three Pagodas. Its name derives from the fact that the pond within the park reflects the majestic figures of the three pagodas. Built in the 1980s, the waters within are as emerald green as jade, crystal clear, and as smooth as a mirror. The reflections change in form depending on the viewing angle. In winter, when the Cangshan Mountains are blanketed in a blanket of snow, the reflections of the Three Pagodas are even more captivating.

Huadianba consists of the Big and Small Flower Fields. The peaks to the west of the Big Flower Field are capped year-round with snow. Forty streams, large and small, converge into Wanhua Creek, the basin's primary water source. Small Flower Field is surrounded by peaks and lush green grass. Every spring and summer, the mountains are covered in a vibrant array of horse chestnut blossoms, interspersed with white bean flowers, peonies, and other flowers, creating a vibrant and captivating spectacle.

Haishe is a long sandbar surrounded by water on three sides. Local historical records state: "Qingsha Island is three miles long, narrowing from wide to deep into Erhai Lake, resembling a tongue, hence the name Haishe." The shores of Haishe are shaded by green willows, and the scenery on both sides is distinct: waves crashing on one side and ripples on the other. The scenery is picturesque all year round, making it the perfect place to view Erhai Lake.

Zhoucheng is the largest Bai ethnic minority village in Dali. Its exquisitely crafted tie-dyed fabrics and embroidery are sold both domestically and internationally, earning it the nickname "Tie-Dye Hometown." Here, you can visit Bai dwellings, visit markets, visit Bai tie-dye workshops, and purchase Bai folk crafts. If you're lucky, you might even attend a Bai wedding and sample local Bai food.

In the hearts of the Bai people, Butterfly Spring symbolizes faithful love. Every year during the Butterfly Festival, young Bai men and women from all over the country gather here to "test the waters" and find their soulmate through song. Guo Moruo's poem "Butterfly Spring" recounts a long-standing legend about the spring, reinterpreting the tragic love story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. The hero and heroine are forced to jump into the spring, transforming into a pair of butterflies that tirelessly dance over it year after year, singing the praises of their undying love.

Taoyuan Village is located next to the Taoyuan Wharf on Erhai Lake, across the sea from Shuanglang. It's a popular stop for Dali cruise ships and boasts beautiful scenery. There are many seaside inns in the village, making it less crowded than Shuanglang, offering a more tranquil atmosphere. Taoyuan Village is also very close to Butterfly Spring, offering convenient transportation to Xizhou, Zhoucheng, and other destinations.

Wase, formerly known as Luchuan, borders Shuanglang Town to the north. A beautiful fishing village, it is one of the historical cradles of Bai culture in the Erhai Lake area and a religious and cultural center on the east coast of Erhai Lake. Wase boasts the largest number of Bai authentic ancient architecture and gatehouses. Numerous temples abound, including the Desert Temple of the Benzhu Shendu (Deity of the East Coast of Erhai Lake), Chongfu Temple, the founding temple of Jizu Mountain, and Fengchen Temple (now Lingji Temple), where ministers were appointed by King Jia of Nanzhao. There are also the Confucian Temple and the Martial Temple from the Qing Dynasty. Wase boasts stunning scenery, with numerous lava caves and peaks, awe-inspiring beauty, and breathtaking scenery. The scenic landscape includes Chiwen Island, the Haitian Foge (Sea and Sky Buddha Pavilion), and Xiao Putuo Island, as well as scenic spots such as Daguan Mountain, Hualingpo, Huaqing, and Bagua Mountain.

Built in the Ming Dynasty, Little Putuo is a pavilion-style structure. Nestled within Erhai Lake, Little Putuo is a miniature island, shaped like a round seal, earning it the nickname "Sea Seal." The island's large reef, shaped like a square seal, is said to be a seal left by the Bodhisattva Guanyin to calm the sea. During the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty, nearby fishermen donated funds to build a two-story pavilion with a hip roof, enshrining a statue of Guanyin. Hence, the locals call it Guanyin Pavilion. Gazing at Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake from Little Putuo feels like standing on a silver platter held by a white-haired elder, a truly expansive experience.

Haidong Town is a small Bai ethnic minority town on the shores of Erhai Lake. The island villagers make their living by fishing, enjoying simple customs and beautiful scenery. Along the 19.5-kilometer shoreline, three shallow bays—Xiahe, Nancun, and Xiangyang—are scattered from south to north, along with scenic spots such as Jinsuo Island and the Luoquan Peninsula. Tianjing Pavilion on the Luoquan Peninsula is home to the legend of the "Waiting Husband Cloud." Poems and writings by literati from past dynasties are inscribed on the cliffs of the pier. Every Lunar New Year, the area hosts spectacular and lively events such as the Buddha Reception Festival and Dragon Boat Races.

Jinsuo Island resembles a gourd floating on the sea, more like a weaving shuttle, hence the name. It is the largest island in Erhai Lake. Known as Zhongliu Island during the Nanzhao period, it is called "Chuannuo" in the Bai language, meaning "island." It was once a summer resort for the Nanzhao royal family. Jinsuo Island boasts beautiful scenery, including the breathtaking Yulong Palace Cave. A small Bai fishing village lies to the north, and fertile fields, vibrant flowers, and lush greenery create another element of Jinsuo Island's charm.

Cibi Lake, also known as Ning Lake, is the primary source of Erhai Lake's water. It's named for the Cibi flowers that grow within. These flowers, a member of the Nymphaeaceae family, bloom annually in July and August of the lunar calendar, but only for about half an hour at sunrise and in the afternoon, respectively. Hence the nickname "Midnight Lotus." On sunny days, a boat trip to the center of the lake reveals strings of shimmering water droplets rising from the emerald green water. Mirroring the sunlight, they resemble a jade tree festooned with pearls.

Shaxi is a small town with a rich history, dating back over 2,400 years to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. Shideng Street in the town is a relatively well-preserved ancient market on the ancient Tea-Horse Road. The town also boasts attractions such as the ancient opera stage, Yujin Bridge, and Xingjiao Temple. You can also enjoy Shaxi Dongjing ancient music, witness the traditional Bawangbian of the Bai ethnic group, and sample Shaxi's local specialties, including ginseng seeds, matsutake mushrooms, and goat's milk cakes.

Shibao Mountain is a Danxia landform, with its unique, patchwork of unusual peaks and rocks formed by spherical weathered rocks. It boasts scenic spots such as the Shizhongshan Grottoes, the Taoist Baoxiang Temple, the Jinding Temple, the Haiyunju Temple, and the Shizhong Reservoir. Every year from the 27th to the 29th day of the seventh lunar month, Shibao Mountain holds a singing festival, which is when the scene is at its busiest.

Yunhe Town, located in the heart of the Heqing Basin, serves as the seat of the Heqing County government. Once a cultural hub on the ancient Tea-Horse Road, it boasts a 500-year history. Renovated following the 1996 earthquake, Yunhe Town's streets are now lined with beautiful Bai ethnic minority dwellings. Their unique architectural landscape features carved wood windows, whitewashed walls, grey tiles, bluestone slabs, and beautiful ink-and-wash landscape paintings. In the center of town stands the Yunhe Tower, built in the Ming Dynasty. Emblazoned with inscriptions by renowned calligraphers, plaques, and stele carvings, visitors can gaze north toward Lijiang's Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, south toward the ancient town's South Street and Wenbi Tower, west toward the white crane sculpture, Sun and Moon Square, and the Red Army Long March through Heqing Memorial Monument, and east toward the rural scenery of Heqing County.

The Yindu Water Village refers to Dali's Xinhua Village, formerly known as Shizhaizi. As early as the Nanzhao era, locals earned their livings by crafting handicrafts, earning them the nickname "Hechuan Craftsmen." Today, Xinhua Village remains a production and trading hub for Dali's ethnic handicrafts, a village steeped in the art of hammering for a millennium. Beyond exquisite handicrafts, the unique Bai ethnic residential architecture, quaint stone bridges, rugged stone paths, and vast expanses of pristine white seaweed flowers showcase the beauty of this plateau water village. Other attractions include the Wanmu Caohai Wetland, Black Dragon Pond, the Cun Family Manor, the ruins of the Sakyamuni Buddha statue, the Eight Arhats Worshipping Guanyin Site, the Baishuiyuan, Baishuitai, and the National Agricultural Museum, known as the "Eighteen Scenic Spots of the Water Village," all well worth a visit.

Weishan Ancient City, formerly known as Menghua City, is the birthplace of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom. The existing Weishan Ancient City was built in the 22nd year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1389 AD), boasting a history of over 600 years. The city retains a well-preserved chessboard-style architectural layout from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Numerous historical relics, ancient buildings, and temples within the city are of commemorative significance and research value, making them well worth a visit.

Weibao Mountain, also known as Weishan, is the birthplace of the Nanzhao people. Taoist temples began to be built there during the Tang Dynasty, flourishing during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. By the end of the Qing Dynasty, Taoist temples were spread throughout the mountain, making it one of China's four most famous Taoist mountains. Weibao Mountain is divided into two scenic areas, the Front Mountain and the Back Mountain. It boasts over 30 scenic spots, including the Xixin Room, Yinsu Spring, and the Seven Star Well. The most famous are the Weishan Ancient City, Wenchang Palace, and the Jade Emperor Pavilion. Weibao Mountain has also restored Dongjing music concerts and Yi ethnic singing festivals, further deepening its cultural heritage. In addition to its rich religious atmosphere, which has given rise to the "Weibao Fairyland," the mountain's remarkable scenery has also contributed to the renowned Eight Scenic Spots of Weishan: Overlooking the Arch City, Locking the Heavenly Gate, Gazing at the Clouds, Autumn Moon over the Dragon Pond, Flowing Camellias, Ancient Plums over the Crane Tower, Climbing Cranes in the Rising Sun, and Eternal Spring in the Ancient Cave.

Wuliang Mountain, formerly known as Mengle Mountain, is one of the origins of Yunnan tea. Its name derives from its "towering height, impenetrable to the clouds, and vastness, immeasurable to measure." Wuliang Mountain stretches west to the Lancang River and east to the Chuan River, spanning Nanjian, Zhenyuan, and Jinggu. Wuliang Mountain boasts a rich history, boasting ruins of the Yingpanshan battlefield and ancestral temples, as well as temples such as the Zhenwen Pagoda, Linjie Mosque, and Baodian Mosque, and numerous scenic waterfalls such as Gongping Waterfall, Wuguiba, and Wuliang Yubi. Wuliang Mountain is home to one of only two black-crested gibbons in the world, and boasts sights such as thousands of acres of tea fields, single-tree forests, and the thousand-year-old Gude Tea King.

Mizhi Township is known as "China's Lantern Town, Cultural Town, and the hometown of the world-famous song "Xiaohe Tangshui"". It has the Taiji Mountain State-level Nature Reserve, the provincial-level revolutionary old area, and the Wensheng Street Tea-Horse Ancient Post Road. It has the reputation of "three townships, two districts and one ancient road". Mizhi Township has a long history, beautiful natural scenery, and rich folk customs. There are Guihuaqing, Taiji Mountain, Tiezhu Temple, Wensheng Street Tea-Horse Ancient Road, Yin Yigong's Former Residence, Biyun Temple, Xiaohe Tangshui Scenic Area, Tianma Xingkong Stone, Mizhi Grand Temple and other attractions. Every year on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the lantern teams organized by the surrounding villages will go to the front of Mizhi Grand Temple to play with lanterns, and the scene is spectacular and lively.

Yunnanyi Ancient Town, also known as Xiangyun Ancient City, was formerly known as Yunnan City and Erhai Guard City. The name "Yunnan" originated from the Han Dynasty legend of "Colorful Yunnan Appearing." The ancient city is laid out in the shape of a large square seal. In its center stands a bell and drum tower with a "seal handle," echoing the Wolonggang Hill to the southwest, known as "Wolong Holding the Bell." Surrounding the city are Zhenyang Gate, Zhenhai Gate, Qingping Gate, and Renhe Gate. Within the city walls are ancient buildings including government offices, temples, ancestral halls, and residential buildings. The ancient city was a major battle and garrison site for the Red Army during the Long March through Xiangyun, earning it the reputation of "Former Erhai Guard, Today a City That Never Sleeps." The Shuimu Mountain Scenic Area within the area was once an imperial Zen monastery during the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom periods, the premier Zen Buddhist temple in Yunnan, and a center for the dissemination of Buddhist culture in western Yunnan. Nine nunneries and eighteen temples are nestled within the mountainside. Buddhist temples such as Shuimu Temple and Puxian Temple are still preserved. The city boasts the largest Buddhist pagoda forest in southern China, the rare "temple embracing a pagoda" spectacle, and the renowned "Precepts Hall" of Baohua Temple.

Yangbi Shimenguan, also known as Dali Cangshan Shimenguan, is part of the Cang'er Scenic Area. Shimenguan boasts a quintessential canyon landscape. The Jinzhan River, originating from Cangshan's Yuju Peak, cascades down the canyon, its waters surging through the riverbed, amidst towering cliffs and jagged rocks, creating a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Key attractions within the scenic area include the Mist-Locked Shimen, the Evening Bells of Fuguo, the Clear and Clear Valley, the Secluded Orchids in the Cliff Stream, the Forgotten Xiake, the Splashing Jade in the Green Pond, the Ten Thousand Volumes of Heavenly Books, the Soaring Plank Road, the Jade Emperor's Emerald Green, and the Sunset over Cangshan.

The Bonan Ancient Road was excavated during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han (around 105 BC) and is the most important section of the ancient "Southwest Silk Road". Located in Yongping County, the Bonan Ancient Road stretches for more than 100 kilometers. Along the way, there are numerous temples and ancient sites, including the Qudong Mosque, Huaqiao Ancient Posthouse, the Bonan Mountain Stele, Fengming Bridge, the ruins of Yongguo Temple, Wansong Temple, Yuhuang Pavilion, and the cliff carvings along the Lancang River. It is a place where many hikers often hike.

Nuodeng, formerly known as Shimenjing, is one of Yunnan's top ten ancient tourist towns and one of Yunnan's five salt wells. This Bai ethnic village boasts a thousand-year history. Built into the hillside, its dwellings, many dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, are nestled in the hillside. From the foot of the mountain, one can see the orderly arrangement of these dwellings, layered on top of each other. Within the village, temples, memorial archways, guild halls, ancestral halls, mansions, alleyways, and tombs can be found. The Jade Emperor Pavilion complex is magnificent, and the Lingxing Gate in front of it is the largest surviving ancient wooden memorial plaque in western Yunnan. Other historic structures include the Dragon King Temple, the ancient Jiangxi Guild Hall, and the Huang family memorial plaque, as well as numerous century-old banyan trees and Pistacia chinensis trees. Nuodeng Village, with its beautiful scenery and rich history, epitomizes feudal society and offers an excellent opportunity to understand ancient Chinese salt well culture.

Jizu Mountain's main peak, Tianzhu Peak, is also known as the Golden Summit, Nine-Bend Rock, and Green Peak Mountain. Jizu Mountain is a renowned Buddhist shrine in western Yunnan. Legend has it that Yinguang Kasyapa, a prominent disciple of Sakyamuni, entered a state of meditation on Jizu Mountain while carrying a golden robe and a tooth relic. A massive natural stone gate stands on the south side of the peak, said to be the site where Kasyapa guarded the robe and entered meditation. In front of it stand two densely eaves square pagodas, known as the Yinguang Twin Pagodas. These four-meter-tall pagodas, built during the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, are well-preserved. Entering the mountain gate, one encounters the "Lingshan Yihuifang" archway, the main entrance to Jizu Mountain. Along the way, visitors pass by temples such as Zhusheng Temple, Huideng Temple, and Muni Temple. Jinding Temple, perched at 3,240 meters above sea level, is a must-see attraction for visitors to Jizu Mountain. From Jinding Temple, visitors can admire the sunrise to the east, Cang Er Lake to the west, the auspicious clouds and forests to the south, and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the north, making it a renowned scenic spot. Xu Xiake, a great traveler during the Ming Dynasty, braved countless hardships to reach the summit of Jiuzu Mountain and was deeply impressed by its "four views." Occasionally, you can spot the rare Kasyapa bird at Jinding Temple, and with luck, you may even witness the Buddha's halo.

Siqian Village, formerly known as Fengwei Village, is nestled against the renowned Jiulian Temple and is a must-see on the way up Jizu Mountain. Its name derives from its location at the tail end of Fenghuang Mountain, the central claw of Jizu Mountain. Siqian Village, situated at an altitude of 1,830 meters, boasts magnificent ancient chestnut and walnut forests and scenic rural scenery. Numerous farmhouses offer accommodation and meals to visitors to Jizu Mountain.