Wuhua Building (五华楼, Wuhua Tower, Wuhua Pavilion), originally constructed in the tenth year of the Tang Dynasty in 856 AD, stands as a towering symbol of historical significance within Dali Old Town. With a circumference of 2.5 kilometers and a height of over 30 meters, this architectural marvel was said to accommodate tens of thousands of people, with the capability to raise a 15-meter-high flagpole. Historically, Wuhua Building played a pivotal role in diplomatic and ceremonial affairs, serving as a venue for meetings between the rulers of the Nanzhao Kingdom and later the Dali Kingdom with leaders of various ethnic groups from the southwest and other important dignitaries. These gatherings were accompanied by feasts and performances of music, held annually on the sixteenth day of the third lunar month.
Despite enduring multiple earthquakes and fires throughout its history, Wuhua Building has been rebuilt several times. However, due to the scarcity of large trees from Cangshan Mountain, subsequent reconstructions have resulted in a smaller-scale structure compared to its earlier iterations. In the early Ming Dynasty, the building was once again ravaged by conflict and fire, leading to its reconstruction as part of the restoration efforts in Dali Old Town. Although the scale and layout of the current Wuhua Building pale in comparison to its Nanzhao-era predecessor, it remains a testament to the enduring architectural legacy of the region.
The present-day Wuhua Building, completed in 1998, stands at over twenty meters tall with four stories. The first floor features a pedestal constructed of blue stone, while the upper three floors comprise a wooden structure adorned with iconic Jianchuan woodcarvings, known for their exquisite craftsmanship and depiction of Bai ethnic architectural styles. Surrounding the building, visitors can admire intricate wood and stone carvings, showcasing various animals, flora, landscapes, and historical figures, all considered artistic treasures. Today, Wuhua Building serves as a prominent vantage point within Dali Old Town, offering free access to visitors who can ascend its floors and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Additionally, the vicinity of Wuhua Building has transformed into a bustling marketplace, offering a wide range of artworks, handicrafts, and commodities, infusing the area with vibrant energy and vitality.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 30 minutes |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0872-2670396 |
Location and Transporation
Wuhua Building is situated in the heart of Dali Old Town, Yunnan Province, China. Its precise location is at 248 Fuxing Road. To get there, you can take bus C10, Gucheng 1, Gucheng C2, or Gucheng C7 and get off at Bao’ai Intersection Stop (博爱路口).
