Yunnan historical sites

The Tianjin Pavilion (天镜阁), which can be translated in Sky Mirror Pavilion, stands proudly on the Luoquan Peninsula, on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake in Dali, Yunnan Province. With its unique location, surrounded by water on three sides and nestled against the cliffs, the pavilion commands a stunning view of the lake. Constructed during […]

Gantong Temple (感通寺), also known as Dangshan Temple (荡山寺), is nestled at the southern foot of the Shengying Peak of Diancang Mountain in Dali, with the majestic Cangshan Mountain at its back and the vast expanse of Erhai Lake stretching before it. Gantong Temple has a long history, having endured the vicissitudes of time, experiencing

Wuwei Temple (无为寺), built in the ninth year of the Tang Dynasty’s Yuanzhen era (793 AD), holds a profound historical and cultural significance in Dali. Its establishment traces back to the arrival of the revered Indian monk Zandou Jueduo in the Nanzhao Kingdom, present-day Yunnan Province. Nanzhao King Geluofeng, deeply influenced by Zandou Jueduo’s teachings,

Fuxing Road is the main thoroughfare in Dali Ancient Town, running from south to north. Its construction dates back to the 15th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1382 AD), when Dali Ancient Town was the capital of the Dali Kingdom. Throughout the Qing Dynasty and into the Republican era, the layout

Located at the foot of the Ailao Mountains in western Yunnan, Weishan Old Town (巍山古城) dates back to the Yuan Dynasty and was reconstructed with brick walls during the Ming Dynasty. It served as the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom and was one of the regions where the Tusi system, a system of governance, was

Jizhao Nunnery (寂照庵), nestled at the southern foothills of the Shengying Peak in Cangshan Mountain Scenic Area, Dali City, Yunnan Province, can be reached via the Gantong Cableway entrance after leaving Gantong Temple. The nunnery exudes an aura of tranquility amidst lush greenery, with towering pines and ancient cypresses enveloping the surroundings, while the scent

Nuodeng Village (诺邓村), situated in Yunlong County, Yunnan Province, is the earliest economic hub of the Bai ethnic group and one of the oldest villages in northwestern Yunnan. It is also one of the few villages whose original name remains unchanged since its mention in the earliest historical records like the “Man Shu,” making it

Located in Dali, Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺) sits to the east overlooking Erhai Lake and is backed by the Cangshan Mountains to the west. Historically, it held special significance as nine emperors from the Dali Kingdom renounced their worldly lives here, ingraining it deeply into local culture. In Jin Yong’s martial arts novel “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,”

Shaxi Ancient Town (沙溪古镇), nestled in Dali, was once a significant stop along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. As the Tea Horse Road faded into obscurity, Shaxi gradually slipped from memory. However, this resulted in preserving Shaxi’s tranquil and authentic charm, retaining much of its original ambiance as a Tea Horse town. Here, earthy mud

The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺三塔) form a magnificent architectural ensemble in Dali, Yunnan Province, China. This trio of towers consists of one large pagoda, known as the Qianxun Pagoda, flanked by two smaller pagodas. Each pagoda represents a distinct era of Chinese history and architectural style, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of