Weishan Ancient City

巍山古城

Weishan Ancient City, also 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's chessboard-style architectural layout, reminiscent of the Ming and Qing dynasties, is well preserved. Numerous historical sites and ancient buildings within the city are of commemorative significance and research value, making them well worth a visit.

Attractions Location: Near Dashuigou Street, Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province

Tickets: free

Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)

Official phone number: Ticketing Inquiry
0872-6121470;0872-6120893

Time reference: 1 day


Recommended itinerary for Weishan Ancient City tours

1-Day Itinerary: Explore Dali Weishan Ancient City

This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to experience the charm of Weishan Ancient City in a single day, focusing on its historic architecture and local culture.

  • Morning: Arrive at Weishan Ancient City by bus or taxi from Dali city (approx. 70 km, 1.5-2 hours by bus or car). Walk through the ancient city walls and gates.
  • Late Morning: Visit key sites such as the Weishan Confucian Temple and Chongsheng Temple ruins within the city.
  • Lunch: Enjoy local Bai cuisine at a traditional restaurant inside the ancient city.
  • Afternoon: Explore local handicraft shops and stroll along the historic streets, appreciating the Bai architectural style.
  • Evening: Return to Dali city or stay overnight in Weishan.

Accommodation & Food: Stay at boutique guesthouses or inns in Weishan Ancient City. Try Bai-style grilled fish, "crossing-the-bridge" rice noodles, and local wild mushrooms.

Souvenirs: Bai embroidery, handcrafted woodwork, traditional teas, and Weishan rice noodles.


2-Day Itinerary: Weishan Ancient City and Surroundings

Experience the historic city and nearby natural and cultural attractions with a two-day trip.

  • Day 1 Morning: Explore Weishan Ancient City highlights including Confucian Temple and local museums.
  • Day 1 Afternoon: Visit Chongsheng Temple ruins and local artisan workshops.
  • Day 2 Morning: Take a short taxi ride (~20 minutes) to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic viewpoint or visit nearby villages.
  • Day 2 Afternoon: Return to Weishan Ancient City for shopping and tea tasting.

Accommodation & Food: Stay overnight in Weishan; enjoy Bai specialties such as sour fish soup and mushroom dishes.

Souvenirs: Bai embroidery, pottery, local honey, and herbal teas.


3-Day Itinerary: Cultural and Natural Exploration around Weishan

This itinerary combines in-depth cultural visits with nature excursions around Weishan Ancient City.

  • Days 1-2: Explore Weishan Ancient City and its temples, museums, and artisan workshops.
  • Day 3: Visit the nearby Erhai Lake area or butterfly valley (taxi or local bus, approx. 1 hour).

Accommodation & Food: Stay in Weishan inns or guesthouses; sample local wild mushrooms, rice noodles, and Bai-style barbecue.

Souvenirs: Embroidered textiles, wood crafts, traditional teas, and local snacks.


4-Day Itinerary: Extended Cultural and Nature Tour

Explore Weishan’s rich history, nearby scenic spots, and Bai ethnic villages over four days.

  • Days 1-2: Visit Weishan Ancient City sites and artisan workshops.
  • Day 3: Day trip to Erhai Lake and Butterfly Spring (taxi or local bus, approx. 1 hour).
  • Day 4: Explore nearby Bai minority villages and local markets.

Accommodation & Food: Boutique guesthouses in Weishan; enjoy local Bai specialties and herbal teas.

Souvenirs: Hand embroidery, wood carvings, Bai ceramics, and local honey.


5-Day Itinerary: Deep Dive into Weishan and Surrounding Areas

Immerse yourself in the culture, history, and nature surrounding Weishan Ancient City with a longer stay.

  • Days 1-3: Explore Weishan Ancient City in detail, including temples, museums, and markets.
  • Day 4: Visit Erhai Lake scenic spots and Butterfly Spring.
  • Day 5: Explore Bai ethnic villages and local craft workshops.

Accommodation & Food: Stay in boutique inns or guesthouses; try Bai-style grilled fish, rice noodles, and mushroom dishes.

Souvenirs: Bai embroidery, local teas, pottery, and handwoven textiles.


6-Day Itinerary: Cultural Heritage and Nature Adventure

Spend six days exploring Weishan’s ancient city, nearby natural wonders, and ethnic culture.

  • Days 1-3: Detailed visits to Weishan Ancient City sites, temples, and artisan markets.
  • Day 4: Erhai Lake and Butterfly Spring day trip.
  • Day 5: Visit Bai minority villages and participate in local cultural activities.
  • Day 6: Leisure day for shopping, tea tasting, and relaxing in Weishan.

Accommodation & Food: Boutique guesthouses or inns in Weishan; savor local wild mushroom dishes and traditional Bai cuisine.

Souvenirs: Embroidery, woodcraft, herbal products, and Bai rice noodles.


7-Day Itinerary: Ultimate Weishan Cultural and Natural Experience

A full week to fully enjoy the rich history, natural beauty, and ethnic culture around Dali Weishan Ancient City.

  • Days 1-3: In-depth exploration of Weishan Ancient City, temples, and museums.
  • Days 4-5: Excursions to Erhai Lake, Butterfly Spring, and surrounding scenic spots.
  • Days 6-7: Visits to Bai ethnic villages, craft workshops, and leisure shopping in Weishan.

Accommodation & Food: Stay in boutique inns or guesthouses; enjoy Bai grilled fish, local mushrooms, and traditional teas.

Souvenirs: Bai embroidery, handcrafted pottery, herbal teas, wood carvings, and rice noodles.


User Reviews

By Ice and tide |

This is the birthplace of Nanzhao culture. This ancient city is remarkably well-preserved and full of life, with a relaxed, leisurely pace. Most importantly, there's an abundance of delicious food! The ancient city is square, like a seal, with 25 streets and 18 alleys arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Residents have preserved intact Ming and Qing dynasty architecture—civil and wooden structures, tiled roofs, three courtyards and a screen wall—as well as numerous ancient wells, door carvings, statues, pagodas, suspension bridges, and stone carvings. Of the five former city towers, only the North Gate Drum Tower and the Xinggong Tower (in the center) remain; the other three have been demolished. The ancient street runs north-south from Qunli Gate in the north to Yingxun Tower in the south, spanning 2,000 meters. It's the oldest and longest ancient street in Yunnan Province. There's a wealth of delicious food here, including ancient noodles, candied fruits, and papaya vinegar, all worth savoring.

By Fay |

2017 Valentine's Day Vacation: Dali and Weishan Ancient Town



I like ancient towns, and after a long period of searching around Dali, I chose Weishan Ancient Town.



Weishan Ancient Town is a bit far from Dali, so I chartered a car. Along the way, I listened to the driver's stories of primitive tribes. Along the road, I saw a sea of rapeseed flowers. It finally fulfilled a long-cherished dream of mine. I didn't have to go to Wuyuan to see it.



Weishan Ancient City is known as the Nanzhao Ancient City and the birthplace of Nanzhao culture. It's often referred to as the undisturbed Nanzhao Ancient City in China's ancient town tours. Villages existed in Weishan Ancient City as early as the Tang Dynasty. During the Yuan Dynasty, the Duan clan's chief steward began building a mud city, and the city proper wasn't officially established until the Ming Dynasty. To this day, the entire county town remains relatively intact, preserving the chessboard layout of its original construction over 600 years ago. It's one of China's best-preserved ancient architectural complexes from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with streets and alleys crisscrossing in a standard grid structure.



There are almost no tourists here, and the streets are sparsely populated. People live undisturbed and peacefully. I quietly walked through the streets, feeling the simple folk customs, and then left cautiously.

By Yan Niu |

Located at the foot of the Ailao Mountains in western Yunnan, at the source of the Red River, Weishan Ancient City boasts a rich local history and culture. It is a renowned historical and cultural city in China and the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom. Originally built during the Yuan Dynasty, the ancient city was converted into a brick structure during the Ming Dynasty, but its appearance remains unchanged today. Weishan is also one of the areas in Yunnan where the Tusi system was practiced for the longest time. Its rich history has nurtured numerous temples and monasteries, which complement the diverse natural landscape.

The streets in Weishan Ancient City are centered on the Arch City Tower and are built in a standard well-shaped structure. There are 25 streets and 18 lanes with a total length of 14 kilometers. The houses in the city basically maintain a Chinese structure, while the houses on both sides of the south and north main axes have completely preserved the architectural style and style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The houses face about 15 degrees south-west, which is the best lighting method combined with the local conditions to make up for the poor lighting of the "four-sided and five-courtyard" area. The ancient city of Weishan has simple folk customs and a profound cultural heritage. Coupled with the suitable climate and environment, it has created the leisurely and calm lifestyle of the people of Weishan. Dali Weishan is a gathering place for cultural relics and historical sites, and there are many scenic spots, including Weibao Mountain, Weishan Ancient City, Xuanlong Temple, Yuanjue Temple, Shanlongshan Yutu City, Yunyin Temple, Chen Yishu's Stone Coffin, Huiming Temple, Dongshan Menghua Lingquan, Bird Path Pass, Wuyin Mountain, etc.

By The little fox ran away |

Walking through the streets and alleys of Weishan Ancient City, I saw countless white mourning couplets plastered on the doors of houses. At first, I wondered if so many people had died en masse. Later, I figured out the reason: first, they were likely large families, and when one family member died, other relatives also posted mourning couplets on their doors. Second, the ancient custom of three or five years of mourning is still observed here, hence the constant presence of white mourning couplets on doorways. At the end of the mourning period, a new pair is required to announce the end of the mourning period. When someone dies in a family, a pink obituary notice must be posted under each gate and at key corners. The people of Weishan Ancient City adhere to the ancient ways of spreading filial piety. But in big cities, despite our seemingly advanced culture, we have forgotten these precious traditions. Alas, alas!

The wet market is the best reflection of local life. After asking around, I found out about one of the morning markets in the ancient city. It's located next to Dengjue Temple (just type Dengjue Temple into Baidu Maps). There's free parking available. It's open from 7:00 to 12:00. Don't forget to try the hot oil noodles and buy dried chilies and local fruits.

Weishan is a foodie's paradise. Despite its relatively small size, Weishan boasts an annual snack festival. For two consecutive years, I've flown over 3,000 kilometers to Weishan. Besides admiring the stunning natural beauty of Weibao Mountain, I'm also drawn to its delicious food. If you only spend one day in Weishan, you'll never be able to eat enough!

By Air Belle |

Here, I can’t describe what it feels like, you will feel like you have traveled through time.

You can feel the simple folk customs and profound cultural heritage here.

Along the street, there are antique shops selling exquisite wood carvings and utensils; barber shops with a chair and a mirror; snack shops selling traditional crafts;

People from various ethnic minorities dressed in their best clothes walked harmoniously on the streets, buying what they needed. It was like a scene you could only see in a TV drama.

If you want to experience the local market in Dali, besides March Street in Dali Ancient Town, I personally think this is a very good choice.

By Jiao Youyou |

Weishan Ancient City has been low-key for 600 years. With the opening of the high-speed rail, I believe that the cultural atmosphere and low prices of Weishan Ancient City will attract more tourists to stay here and live the slow life they love.

By ∴Pepsi√Cola |

Located in Weishan County, south of Dali, Weishan Ancient City, also known as Nanzhao Ancient City, was the early capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom and a hub for horse caravans along the ancient Tea-Horse Road. Weishan Ancient City boasts remarkably well-preserved architecture and boasts numerous historical relics with southwestern characteristics, making it a veritable museum of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom.

By Rain cc |

Weishan Ancient City is the birthplace of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom and is well preserved.

It has a history of more than 600 years

We spent one night and one morning in the ancient city.

I feel that the people here are very leisurely, quiet and peaceful.

By Playing around |

Weishan Ancient City was founded in 1390, the 23rd year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty. It still retains its original chessboard layout 600 years ago and is one of the best-preserved ancient cities from the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. Most importantly, it's free, sparsely populated, and not heavily commercialized, making it a great place to visit.

By Sister Dan |

A relatively quiet ancient city with few people and a lot of delicious food.

By ar707 |

Weishan Ancient City is the birthplace of Nanzhao. It is usually very quiet and lively. This time I went there on the third day of the Lunar New Year during the Spring Festival. It was the most crowded time I have been there... Compared with Dali and Lijiang, Weishan is much quieter and suitable for a quiet tour. One day is enough.

By Lijiang Aladdin Tourism |

Weishan Ancient City, also known as Nanzhao Ancient City, is a national historical and cultural city. It is the capital and birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom. It is famous for its attractions such as the Gongchen Tower, Xinggong Tower, the Taoist holy land Weibaoshan Scenic Area, the Nanzhao Mountain Longshan Yutu City Ruins, the Nanzhao Mengshe City Ruins, the stone coffin tomb of Ming Dynasty poet Chen Zuocai, the Niaodao Pass, an important bird migration route, and the source of the Red River.

By Andy.Bohu.Tang |

There are still many original old buildings in Weishan Ancient City that can be appreciated.

By China-TravelNote user 90525164 |

It's worth a visit. The chessboard architecture of the Qing Dynasty is well preserved, and many old red-walled houses are suitable for taking photos. When there is a funeral or the last resident passes away, the door couplets here are white. When taking photos, be careful to avoid houses with white couplets.

By Shaobai Sister |

Weishan Ancient City is like stepping back in time. Reading other people's travelogues, I was delighted to see how time has condensed here. I really like this place, and the reality makes me happier than other people's travelogues. In addition to the well-preserved buildings and simple folk customs, there are also delicious foods such as noodles and fried grasshoppers. It is also a place that pays attention to the singing of birds and the fragrance of flowers. It completely satisfies all my preferences. I love it so much. Weishan Ancient City is a very suitable place for roaming in Dali. Time is just right.

By WO non-angel |

Perhaps due to the inconvenient transportation, this area lacks the bustle of Dali Old Town, giving it a more traditional atmosphere. The ancient city's layout has been well-preserved, with the houses largely retaining their original wooden and earthen structures. The locals live at a leisurely pace, and the vendors setting up stalls at the entrances of their homes seem to be enjoying the cool breeze. The local customs are simple and natural, but also seem to lack a bit of vitality.

There's a well-preserved residence in the ancient city called Menghua Laojia, also known as the Liu Family Residence. I paid 10 yuan for a visit. It's a typical quadrangle with five courtyards. The owner retired for lunch, so there was no chance for casual conversation. Walking around the house, it felt more dated than refined. Cobwebs clung to many corners, and the bedding on the boudoir bed looked as if it hadn't been washed in a thousand years.

By Chen Xiaoniu Yoyo |

If the pace of life in Dali is slow, then life in Weishan Old Town is even more relaxed and peaceful. Even with the increasing number of people visiting Weishan, life in the old town remains largely unaffected. After dinner, elderly people sit on grass mats, watching the passersby, basking in the sun and chatting about family matters, a picture of peaceful life.

The low tiled houses on both sides of the streets of the ancient city and the standing Gongchen Tower and Xinggong Tower all show the former glory of this ancient city.

By SUNNY |

The ancient city is said to have been built in the Yuan Dynasty and completed in the Ming Dynasty. The sun is shining, making it a good time for a leisurely stroll.

The succulents here grow so well, just like vegetables in the field, strong, lush and full of vitality.

By Xiaoyang Chosen |

Weishan, the ancient capital of Nanzhao, is a quiet, less-visited ancient city in the Dali area. Getting there is quite a distance; you need to catch a bus from the Xingsheng Road bus station, which is located in the Dali Old Town, back to the city center. The ride takes about an hour and a half. Weishan is usually a day trip, so it's a good idea to go there in the morning and return home for the day.

Weishan is nearly deserted during the off-season. Arriving that morning, I wandered around the city on my own until a university delegation arrived around noon, bringing a commotion. The quiet of Weishan makes you feel like you're not on tour. Old houses stand alone, their roofs covered in inches of weeds. People gather around bulletin boards, perusing obituaries, happy news, and other news. Weishan's antiquity isn't just about appearances; it also embraces a nostalgic lifestyle. Here, you might even discover scenes from your life from 20 or 30 years ago. In Weishan, I was reminded of the poem attributed to Tsangyang Gyatso: "Whether you see me or not, I'm here, neither sad nor happy." This ancient city has existed like this for millennia. I hope it will continue to exist in this peaceful way.

Weishan's snacks are quite famous in Dali, such as the braised pork and rice noodles, a common dish in the ancient city. Weishan has a small food street dedicated entirely to local delicacies, making it easy to find. Braised pork and rice noodles, a stick of noodles, and other snacks can all be found on the street. The food street is located on a small street behind the ancient city's North Street and is easy to find by following the sign.

By Mi Xiaozhou loves traveling |

If you want to see the undeveloped Dali of twenty years ago, go to Weishan and the tranquil ancient kingdom of Nanshao.

By Ghosts of Kilimanjaro |

If I hadn't been to Shaxi the day before, I might have thought Weishan was pretty good, but what if? Around ten o'clock, many small stalls were just setting up, there were few tourists, and not many locals walking around the streets of the ancient city.

Weishan Ancient Town is said to be one of China's best-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architectural complexes. A quick tour of the area suggests a good preservation of the original layout and streetscape. However, the various ancient towns and cities of today often feel the same, often leading to aesthetic fatigue, except for the iconic architecture and local people.

By A quiet summer |

Weishan Ancient City has simple folk customs, a long history, a variety of snacks and delicacies, and is the home of the Yi ethnic group.

By Panicked Rabbit |

I stayed at my grandmother's house last night. It was a good experience. The environment, hygiene and hot water were all excellent. Of course, the boss was also very nice.

By Chang Xiake |

The birthplace of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom, many historical sites are still preserved today.

By I am so poor |

The ancient town is very quiet, the folk customs are very simple, and it has not been invaded by commercialization. Come and sit down!

By Sun and rain become forests |

My friend said that this ancient building was once a government compound and her family lived here. The sentence "Look, this is my bedroom" instantly won me over.

By Rich Dad |

The town is very quiet and not very commercial. Most of the buildings remain in their original, simple state. It is worth a visit. If you like ancient towns, it is best to stay here and experience the flavor of the ancient town.

By Aoki Xun |

Quiet, quiet, quiet, it is rare nowadays to find a place without commercialization and with local characteristics.

By Green bricks, green tiles, and red roses |

There is a heavy sense of history, and being in it feels like traveling through time.

By Little cat |

It’s not far to drive from Dali to Weishan Ancient City, but there are a lot of cars on the mountain road, so it takes 2 hours to get there.

Located at the foot of the Ailao Mountains in western Yunnan, at the source of the Red River, Weishan Ancient City boasts a rich local history and culture. It is a renowned historical and cultural city in China and the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom. Originally built during the Yuan Dynasty, the city was converted into a brick structure during the Ming Dynasty, but its appearance remains unchanged today. Weishan is also one of the areas in Yunnan where the Tusi system was practiced for the longest period.

The streets in Weishan Ancient City are built in a standard crisscross structure with the Arch Tower as the center. There are 25 streets and 18 lanes with a total length of 14 kilometers. The houses in the city basically maintain a Chinese structure, while the houses on both sides of the south and north main axes have completely preserved the architectural styles and styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

I wanted to go find some food at Weishan Pedestrian Street, but after a stroll, I found that the first-ranked Lao Wang Guojiang Ersi and the second-ranked Su Lao San Yi Gu Noodles were both closed. I was so sad. Next time, I'll try to come in the morning so that I can have both of them.

There are many old houses in Weishan Ancient City, but unfortunately they are not well protected and are in a state of decay. The wires are stretched like spider webs, and the houses are filled with messy debris. It is such a pity that such a good ancient city has been abandoned.

By Drizzle Dad |

When I went there, it wasn't crowded, there were things to see, but not many tourists. It's a good place to stay for a few days and take your time.

By Far away |

Go to Weishan, walk around and bask in the sun alone.

By Disappeared |

There are few people and the commercial atmosphere is not strong. There are traces of history and ancient cities inhabited by local people everywhere.

By Free Foshan Plum |

Weishan Ancient City had villages in the early Tang Dynasty, but was not officially built until the Ming Dynasty. Today, the streets and alleys in the ancient city are crisscrossed, with Gongchen Tower as the center, and built in a standard well-shaped structure. There are 25 streets and 18 alleys, totaling 14 kilometers. Weishan Ancient City is a good place to stay during your free time, chat with local people, eat local specialties, and experience the rich history and culture.

By Bethanyshadow |

Weishan Ancient Town is a quiet little town with buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is very charming and has many authentic snacks.

By Blue Feather |

The donkey meat in Weishan is very good. The ancient town is very close to the city. It is a very nice ancient town.

By Insects |

The commercial atmosphere is not too strong, better than Dali Ancient Town. There is a good Guojiang Ersi restaurant on the street.

By Jingzhou Lao Zhou |

Located at the foot of the Ailao Mountains in western Yunnan, at the source of the Red River, Weishan Ancient City boasts a rich local history and culture. It is a renowned historical and cultural city in China and the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom. Originally built during the Yuan Dynasty, the ancient city was converted into a brick structure during the Ming Dynasty, but its appearance remains unchanged today. Weishan is also one of the areas in Yunnan where the Tusi system was practiced for the longest time. Its rich history has nurtured numerous temples and monasteries, which complement the diverse natural landscape.

The streets of Weishan Ancient City are arranged in a standard crisscross pattern, centered around the Arch Tower. There are 25 streets and 18 alleys, totaling 14 kilometers. The buildings within the city retain a largely Chinese-style structure, while those flanking the main north-south axis retain the architectural styles and styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The houses are oriented approximately 15 degrees south-west, optimizing the local lighting to compensate for the poor lighting conditions of the "four-sided, five-courtyard" layout. Weishan Ancient City boasts a simple folk customs and rich cultural heritage, coupled with a favorable climate, fostering a relaxed and relaxed lifestyle for its residents. Weishan, Dali, is a hub of cultural relics and numerous scenic spots, including Weibao Mountain, Weishan Ancient City, Xuanlong Temple, Yuanjue Temple, Yutucheng on Shanlong Mountain, Yunyin Temple, Chen Yishu's Stone Coffin, Huiming Temple, Dongshan Menghua Lingquan, Bird Path Pass, and Wuyin Mountain.

Weishan Ancient City is also known as Nanzhao Ancient City.

City: Dali City, Yunnan Province

The main attractions are Gongchen Tower and Xinggong Tower

Opening hours all day

Ticket price: Free

Transportation: Take bus No. 4 from Dali Ancient Town to Xiaguan, then take a shuttle bus from the South Passenger Station next to Windmill Square to Weishan, which takes about 1 hour.

By Wanderer |

No one goes to such an ancient city, which shows that China's tourism has declined! Is it only the dirty and messy Shuanglang that counts as tourism?

By Authentic Old Cloud |

It took over an hour's drive from the Xiaguan Expressway exit to reach Weishan Ancient Town, a rebuilt ancient city. There were clearly many old residences, but the ones that looked dangerous were uninhabited. Many shops were rented out for tourist souvenirs. The evenings were quiet, but after 8 PM, many late-night snack shops and bars were busy.

By Zuo Yi |

It's quiet and has a sense of history. But for many young people, it might be a bit boring. It's a place you need to calm down and savor slowly.

By Luo Ying |

It is a very distinctive ancient city. Like other ancient cities, the buildings are very old, the folk customs are very simple, and the local special snacks are also worth a try.

By Gesang Flower Dolma |

Not every scenic spot will be liked by others, and everyone has their own preferences. But if you don't go and see it, you won't know how you see it. Weishan Ancient City is more than an hour's drive from Dali, and it takes a day to visit. If you have time, go and see it. If you don't have time, there is no need to go specifically.

By Huihui |

In Weishan Ancient City, I mainly went to the Customs Museum. This Customs Museum was built privately to protect the culture of the ancient Tea Horse Road. There are many cultural relics in it that I have never seen before. I have never seen so many cultural relics when I went to the Forbidden City before. This time it was really a feast for the eyes. Not only can I see them, but the person in charge of this museum is also responsible for explaining them. With her explanation, I seemed to see the prosperity of the past. This Customs Museum is definitely worth a visit. However, because it is quite far from Dali Ancient City, I went there by motorcycle. It took me three hours to get there. The wind was very strong on the road. But seeing this museum, I feel that no matter how hard it is, it is worth it.

Then, we had some snacks in Weishan. Their snacks are very famous, especially the one-string noodles, which were once featured on A Bite of China. It was a real treat to stand by and watch them make noodles. The noodles were colorful, fragrant, and delicious. They looked very appetizing and were very chewy when you put them in your mouth. In fact, this kind of noodles are not very common in the south.

There are all kinds of small shops in the ancient city. I personally feel that it is not as prosperous as Dali Ancient City, but it seems quieter. The street vendors sell things made by local farmers, such as straw stools, homemade candies, various small handicrafts, and snacks.

I stayed at Fudi Inn. I don't have any photos as I lost my phone. This inn was converted from an old temple and has two large courtyards. Staying in this inn feels like traveling back in time. There are many flowers and plants planted in the courtyard, and you can spend a lazy afternoon drinking tea, chatting and basking in the sun.

By Late Evening |

Located at the foot of the Ailao Mountains in western Yunnan, at the source of the Red River, Weishan Ancient City boasts a rich local history and culture. It is a renowned historical and cultural city in China and the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom. Originally built during the Yuan Dynasty, the ancient city was converted into a brick structure during the Ming Dynasty, but its appearance remains unchanged today. Weishan is also one of the areas in Yunnan where the Tusi system was practiced for the longest time. Its rich history has nurtured numerous temples and monasteries, which complement the diverse natural landscape.

By Xiao Friend |

Weishan Ancient City is quiet and simple and it is worth a leisurely stroll.

By China-TravelNote users |

It lacks the flamboyance of Lijiang or the luxury of Dali, but instead boasts a tranquil and confident atmosphere. The ancient city's simple folk customs and rich cultural heritage, combined with its favorable climate, have fostered the relaxed and calm lifestyle of Weishan residents.

By Surging |

This undeveloped town with its ethnic charm certainly doesn't offer the same quality food and goods as Dali Ancient Town. The main reason to visit is to admire the architecture. The sky is incredibly blue, a vast expanse of blue, with nothing visible. Honestly, if you're looking for a leisurely stroll, you can definitely go there. Not far from the ancient town is Weibao Mountain, which I've heard is quite picturesque. I'm not sure how it fares, but the pictures show lush vegetation. There are also many century-old houses, protected by the government...

By Bullshit |

When I went there, the Weishan City Tower was under construction. The tower was destroyed by fire. There were few people in Weishan Ancient City. The mutton and walnut candies they sold were delicious.

By Aqie |

The ancient city is nice, but the Gongchen Tower burned down, leaving only the wall foundation wrapped in scaffolding.

By Zhuo Fan |

Day 1 in Weishan: It was so tiring after an eight-hour drive to get here. I was really going crazy after driving for more than five hours for three consecutive days. I was so tired that my temper was really bad.

My friend in Weishan recommended the Tang Dynasty, where the Nanzhao Kingdom, a local ethnic regime established by the Yi people, is an hour's drive from Dali, so I came. My friend recommended the inn, and I highly recommend the Weishan Yunshang Riji Coffee and Self-service Hotel. It's the only inn converted from an old house, with a yard full of succulents. 😱😱 It has its own unique style, the kind of art I love. 😜😜 After listening to the inn girl's restaurant recommendations, I ordered three meat dishes, one vegetarian dish, and a beer. The bill was only 87 yuan, and the red envelope I grabbed in the group chat that morning was just enough. This ancient town is even cheaper than Shaxi!!! Later, I went to Lao Wu's, which was even cheaper.

Decided to stay here for a few days to rest first.

By Ah` quiet.. |

When we arrived at Weishan Ancient City, we found it was more desolate and primitive than any other ancient city we had visited before. There was nothing worth buying or eating there.

There are many elderly people in the ancient city, so the things sold are mainly their handicrafts.

By Wandering Poet Qi Xinguang |

It is the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom and an important transportation route on the ancient Tea-Horse Road, and is known as a "snack paradise".

By Minna |

This ancient town is amazing! Very authentic.

By Mo Shang Qianqian |

Sifang Street, once a resting place for horse caravans, embodies the ancient city's majestic grandeur. Its square streets are lined with wooden houses, bluestone pavement, and century-old shops.

By YH |

It's so much better than Dali Old Town. There are more ancient buildings here, and the shops aren't just for tourists; there's a strong sense of life here! I especially recommend Menghua Laojia, it's absolutely worth the price of admission! Breakfast was perfect for trying the Guinness World Record-breaking "Su Lao San Yi Gu Noodles," along with various honey preserves and pea flour rice crusts. It was a delightful experience. I even ran into a film crew!

By Enjoy the world |

Weishan Ancient City boasts simple folk customs and a rich cultural heritage, along with a favorable climate, which has fostered the relaxed and relaxed lifestyle of its people. Dali's Weishan is home to a wealth of cultural relics and historical sites, as well as numerous scenic spots.

By ping386 |

Weishan can actually be said to be an ancient town under planned development, so it can be clearly seen that the roads in the ancient city are newly paved stone roads.

By Lao Mi |

Weishan Ancient City—the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom. The Gongchen Tower burned down, obliterating 600 years of history. It's now surrounded by blue barriers and will likely be rebuilt soon.

By I am Xiao Q |

In the southwest of Dali, there is an ancient city of Weishan that has not been developed much. It does not have the hustle and bustle of the ancient city of Dali, and there are not many people. The residents in the ancient city are very quiet and leisurely.

By rain |

Weishan Ancient City is a small town with rich local historical and cultural characteristics. It is also the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom. Today, its appearance remains unchanged and it is known as an undisturbed ancient city.

By Rice Krispie Pops |

Weishan Ancient Town still has a huge number of local residents. I can feel the local simple folk customs and I like it very much.

By jenny |

It is the birthplace of Dali Kingdom and the location of Nanzhao Kingdom. The people here are simple and honest, and the ancient city is quiet and peaceful. If you have time, it is worth visiting. Especially the Weishan Baroubaisi and Juanfen are super delicious. One day is enough.

By Random Circumstances. Memories of Yuzhou |

This place is truly worth a visit, at least before it's fully developed into a tourist attraction. It's said that development of Weishan Ancient City began last year, and it still maintains the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Yunnan's main transportation routes were rerouted, and Menghua, once a major transportation hub, was forgotten. Otherwise, the ancient city wouldn't be so well-preserved today. It's more worth a visit than Dali or Lijiang.

Weishan Ancient City is well preserved, with Confucian Temple, temples, old houses, ancient streets, city towers, and parks. I bought a lot of souvenirs here. Especially the small handmade pottery jars are only two or three yuan.

By Distant water and setting sun |

Weishan Ancient City has a main street that runs halfway from Gongchen Tower to Xinggong Tower. Along the way, there are old shops operating in traditional industries. There are also branches on both sides of the street, including Mengyang Park and the county government office.

By river2014大河 |

The ancient city does not have a city wall, but there are several ancient streets where you can stroll and admire the ancient buildings on both sides of the streets. Walking into the ancient streets, there are uneven ancient buildings on both sides. There are not many people out and about in the morning.

By Windblown sand |

I hadn't planned to stay overnight in Weishan, but when I got there I found out the next day was the Weishan Snack Festival. Luckily, I decided to stay the night. The snack festival started, and I took photos and ate everything, whether it was to my liking or not. I kept eating without reservation!

By wuji |

Weishan Ancient City is essentially an old street that passes through the city walls. It's still the same, not much has changed. But even in the old city, you can still hear the noise of car horns outside, and I'm afraid the tranquility is gone.

By Big Scorpion Claire |

While walking around the ancient town, I had a feeling that the people here were so retro and artistic, it felt like I was back in a TV series. Although there are not many attractions in the ancient town, the most worth seeing are the two city towers. These two city towers are said to be left over from ancient times, not newly built by later generations.

Very historic!

By Breeze and autumn leaves |

There are not many cyclists on the way to Weishan, and you can occasionally see long-distance cyclists. The road surface is good. No tickets are required for Weishan Ancient Town, and you can eat many local snacks, many of which are processed using ancient techniques.

By Purple Bell |

The ancient city of Weishan celebrates the New Year with a strong festive atmosphere and a wide variety of delicious foods. For foodies, coming here is like coming to heaven.

There are four big characters hanging on the ancient city tower - Kuixiong Liuzhao.

It is an ancient city with ancient city gates and ancient city towers. The rice noodles with pork and rice noodles are very delicious, and the dried beef is also delicious.

By LW |

A friend pointed out on Weibo that the only truly ancient city in Dali today is Weishan. My trip to Weishan was purely accidental, as I felt it was a place steeped in history, even older than Dali's. After visiting and hearing about it from a friend, I realized that everything is destined. It was a fleeting visit, but I'll definitely visit again next time.

By labao |

Weishan Ancient City was once the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom and the hometown of the Yi people. A 2-kilometer-long ancient street has been well preserved in the ancient city. Several city towers are located on the ancient street. There are ancient houses and shops on both sides of the street. The accessories sold there are full of Yi style, and they are also the favorites of Jinhua.

The most worthwhile attraction is the 2-kilometer-long ancient street where the city wall still stands. Shops on both sides sell Yi-style souvenirs. Weishan has many snacks, so don't forget to try the Weishan Baba.

By Jenny |

Personally, I think it's pretty good, well-preserved, and there aren't many tourists. It's just a little small...

By A horizontal stroke, a left stroke, and a mouth |

Most of the towers in Weishan are small and exquisite, and the shops on both sides of the street are more like museums, with the shopkeepers being lazy and leisurely.


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