Yunnan Province - Dali 大理市

Dali is one of China’s ancient and historical cities. In 109 BC, Emperor Wudi (156-87 BC, reigned 140-87 BC) of the Han Dynasty began to assert the central government’s power here by establishing Yeyu County. From the 8th to 13th century, Dali was the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms. Thus it became the political, economic, and cultural center of Yunnan. At that time it was a very important gateway for promoting cultural and trade relations between China and Southeast Asian countries. In the Travel Notes by the Italian famous traveler Marco Polo (c.1254-1324) and the great Chinese traveler Wu Xiake (1586-1641), tourists can find detailed descriptions about Dali. The existing ruins of Nanzhao Kingdom’s Taihe City, the Dehua Tablet the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, and Tablet Commemorating Kublai Khan’s Conquest of Yunnan are the witnesses of the ancient city. Dali is beautiful and charming with the lofty Mount Cangshan as its magnificent decorative screen and the Crystal Erhai Lake a vast mirror. Numerous historic and scenic spots are scattered about the green mountains and around the lake. Each of it is connected with historical events or beautiful legends.

Dali is a place inhabited most by Bai people. Bai nationality’s architecture is characterized with its simple and classic elegance as well as delicat6e carvings. Most houses have courtyards with natural running water and bonsai盆景 (the art of growing dwarfed, ornamentally shaped trees or shrubs in small, shallow pots) on display. The Bai women dress themselves in colourful and well-matched costumes. Various traditional festivals are celebrated each year with rich and exciting activities.

Great changes have taken place since 1978. At present, it turns out more than 1,500 kinds of industrial products, such as Dali marble, compressed tea lumps, marble inlaid furniture, straw weaving, and tie-dye cloth which are world famous. It is called “the land of fish and rice of western Yunnan.”

Tourists are usually fascinated by the town’s enchanting scenic spots in Dali, in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Mount Cangshan, Erhai Lake, Butterfly Spring and Dali’s well-preserved ancient architecture such as the Three Pagodas and the Chongsheng Temple are always on the tour itinerary. But they may also be deeply impressed by the folk artifacts—and the craftsmen and women who create them.

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