{"id":764,"date":"2026-08-30T10:45:52","date_gmt":"2026-08-30T10:45:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/?page_id=764"},"modified":"2026-08-30T10:45:52","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T10:45:52","slug":"weishan-old-town","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/?page_id=764","title":{"rendered":"Weishan Old Town"},"content":{"rendered":"

Weishan Old Town, Dali, Yunnan<\/h1>\n
Weishan Old Town is a hidden gem tucked away in the Ailao Mountains at the headwaters of the Red River, about 60 km south<\/strong> of Dali’s city center. Unlike the bustling Dali Ancient Town, Weishan remains remarkably untouched \u2014 a living, breathing museum of the Nanzhao Kingdom<\/strong> (738\u2013902), the powerful empire from which all of Dali’s history springs. If Dali Ancient Town feels like a lively stage, Weishan is the quiet backstage where the real story began.<\/div>\n
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\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f The Birthplace of Nanzhao<\/h2>\n
Weishan is the cradle of the Nanzhao Kingdom<\/strong>, the empire that once ruled much of Southeast Asia and inspired the “Nanzhao” realm in the classic video game The Legend of Sword and Fairy<\/em> (\u4ed9\u5251\u5947\u4fa0\u4f20). The town was founded during the Yuan Dynasty and rebuilt with brick walls during the Ming Dynasty, giving it over 600 years<\/strong> of continuous history. In 1994, it was designated one of China’s National Historical and Cultural Cities<\/strong>.<\/div>\n
The city’s layout is a masterpiece of classical Chinese urban planning: a square “chessboard” grid<\/strong> with 24 streets and 18 lanes radiating from two central landmarks. The architecture is a harmonious blend of Han, Yi, and Bai ethnic styles, with whitewashed walls, carved wooden doors, and tilted eaves that have barely changed since the Ming and Qing dynasties.<\/div>\n
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\ud83c\udf1f Must-See Sights<\/h2>\n
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Attraction<\/th>\nDescription<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Gongchen Tower (\u62f1\u8fb0\u697c)<\/strong><\/td>\nThe imposing North Gate, built in the early Ming Dynasty. At 23.5 meters tall, it remains the highest and most commanding structure in town. The south face bears the plaque “Kui Xiong Liu Zhao”<\/em> (Dominating the Six Kingdoms); the north face reads “Wan Li Zhan Tian”<\/em> (Gazing at Heaven for Ten Thousand Li).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Xinggong Tower (\u661f\u62f1\u697c)<\/strong><\/td>\nAlso called Wenbi Tower, this delicate, two-story pavilion sits at the exact center of the old town where the four main streets intersect. Built in 1390 and rebuilt in 1860, its upturned eaves and ornate ridge decorations offer a striking contrast to the muscular Gongchen Tower.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nanzhao Museum<\/strong><\/td>\nHoused inside the historic Dengjue Temple<\/strong>, this museum features seven exhibition halls with Nanzhao royal costumes, bronze artifacts, and cultural relics that bring the ancient kingdom to life.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weishan Confucian Temple<\/strong><\/td>\nOne of the earliest Confucian temples in Yunnan, reflecting the region’s deep respect for scholarship and the classics.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Li Meng’s Study (\u674e\u840c\u4e66\u5c4b)<\/strong><\/td>\nA beloved local institution run by 89-year-old calligrapher Li Meng. His tiny shop, open only briefly each day, draws enthusiasts from across China to admire a lifetime of brushwork.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Jia Ma Woodblock Print Shop<\/strong><\/td>\nA living heritage studio where an elderly couple carves and prints Jia Ma<\/strong> \u2014 traditional woodblock prints used in Bai folk rituals for blessing and protection. Visitors can try printing their own for about \u00a510.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Xianfeng Academy Bookstore<\/strong><\/td>\nA Ming Dynasty mansion converted into a serene bookstore, now one of the town’s cultural landmarks.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mengyang Park<\/strong><\/td>\nA classical Chinese garden with red walls, ancient trees, and layered grey-tile roofs \u2014 a favorite spot for photography.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83c\udfad Living Heritage<\/h2>\n
Weishan is not a theme park; it’s a functioning town<\/strong> where locals still live in ancestral homes, run family shops, and practice crafts passed down for generations. You can:<\/div>\n
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    Print Jia Ma<\/strong> \u2014 Try your hand at this intangible cultural heritage woodblock art (\u00a510 for 3 prints).<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    Sculpt a Wa Cat<\/strong> \u2014 Mold your own ceramic “roof guardian” cat, a traditional Bai talisman placed on ridgepoles to ward off evil.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    Tie-Dye<\/strong> \u2014 Experience the indigo batik techniques native to the Dali region.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    Watch the “Death Notices”<\/strong> \u2014 On the walls beneath Xinggong Tower, locals still post handwritten pink notices announcing funerals \u2014 a raw, unfiltered glimpse into community life.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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    \ud83c\udf5c What to Eat<\/h2>\n
    Weishan is a pilgrimage site for food lovers<\/strong>, famous for noodle dishes that have been perfected over centuries:<\/div>\n
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    Dish<\/th>\nDescription<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    One-String Noodles (\u4e00\u6839\u9762)<\/strong><\/td>\nThe town’s signature \u2014 a single, unbroken strand of hand-pulled noodle served in a rich broth. Try it at Su Laosan’s<\/strong> or Nanzhao Zhuji<\/strong>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Braised Meat Rice Noodles (\u7c91\u8089\u9975\u4e1d)<\/strong><\/td>\nTender stewed pork over smooth rice noodles in a thick, savory broth. A Weishan invention that has conquered all of Yunnan.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Crossing-the-River Rice Noodles (\u8fc7\u6c5f\u9975\u4e1d)<\/strong><\/td>\nA unique “deconstructed” style where noodles and toppings are served separately, then “crossed” into the broth at the table. Lao Wang’s<\/strong> is the local legend.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Green Bean Rice Cakes (\u9752\u8c46\u5c0f\u7cd5)<\/strong><\/td>\nFluffy, subtly sweet steamed cakes made with fresh green beans \u2014 a classic breakfast snack.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Weishan Preserves (\u5dcd\u5c71\u871c\u996f)<\/strong><\/td>\nCandied fruits and vegetables, a local specialty with a history stretching back centuries.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Grilled Rushan (\u70e4\u4e73\u6247)<\/strong><\/td>\nCrispy, cheesy dairy sheets grilled on bamboo skewers \u2014 a Dali classic also done exceptionally well here.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Weishan Roast Tea (\u5dcd\u5c71\u70e4\u8336)<\/strong><\/td>\nSit around a charcoal brazier as locals roast tea leaves in a clay pot, a ritual that predates modern coffee culture by a thousand years.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    Budget-friendly<\/strong>: A full meal rarely exceeds \u00a520\u201330. A bowl of noodles costs \u00a58\u201315.<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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    \ud83d\ude97 How to Get There<\/h2>\n
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    Method<\/th>\nDetails<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    High-Speed Rail (Recommended)<\/strong><\/td>\nFrom Dali Station<\/strong> to Weishan Station<\/strong> \u2014 just 22 minutes<\/strong>. From the station, a short bus or shuttle ride brings you to the old town.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Self-Drive<\/strong><\/td>\nFrom Dali, take the Dawei Expressway; ~40\u201360 minutes. Park outside the old town (\u00a52\u20133\/hour, ~\u00a510\u201320\/day) and explore on foot.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Bus<\/strong><\/td>\nFrom Xiaguan’s Xingsheng Bus Station, frequent buses run to Weishan (~1.5 hours, \u00a515\u201335). From Dali Ancient Town, take Bus 4 to Xiaguan first, then transfer.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Tour Bus<\/strong><\/td>\nA direct tourist shuttle runs from Dali Ancient Town; tickets available via the “Caiyun Tong” mini-program.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    \ud83d\uddfa\ufe0f Suggested Itineraries<\/h2>\n

    Day 1: Weishan City Walk<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    Mengyang Park \u2192 Xinggong Tower \u2192 Weishan Confucian Temple \u2192 Xianfeng Academy \u2192 Main Street (explore side alleys and courtyards) \u2192 Nanzhao Museum \u2192 Yunxi Coffee (in a converted temple) \u2192 Liang’s Mansion (private folk museum)<\/div>\n

    Day 2: Weibao Mountain<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    Take a taxi or bus to Weibao Mountain<\/strong>, a sacred Taoist mountain 10 km south of town. Hike through ancient forests to visit over 20 Ming and Qing Dynasty Taoist temples, including the stunning Changchun Cave<\/strong> with its intricate wood carvings. The mountain is also considered the spiritual birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom.<\/div>\n
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    \ud83d\udccc Practical Tips<\/h2>\n
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    Detail<\/th>\nInfo<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Ticket<\/strong><\/td>\nFree<\/strong> \u2014 the entire old town is open to wander without charge<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Opening Hours<\/strong><\/td>\nAll day (individual sites vary, roughly 09:00\u201318:00)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Best Time<\/strong><\/td>\nSpring (March\u2013May) for the Long Street Banquet food festival; otherwise pleasant year-round<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Footwear<\/strong><\/td>\nThe cobblestone streets are charming but hard on feet \u2014 wear comfortable, non-slip shoes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Pace<\/strong><\/td>\nPlan for at least one full day<\/strong> in the old town, or two days<\/strong> if including Weibao Mountain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Sun Protection<\/strong><\/td>\nHigh-altitude UV is strong; hat and sunscreen are essential<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    \ud83c\udfe1 Where to Stay<\/h2>\n
    Weishan offers a growing selection of boutique guesthouses and traditional courtyard inns inside the old town, such as Liang’s Courtyard<\/strong> or Weifeng Xiaoyuan<\/strong>. Prices are refreshingly low compared to Dali, and staying overnight lets you experience the town after the day-trippers leave \u2014 when the only sound is the echo of your footsteps on 600-year-old stones.<\/div>\n
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    If Dali Ancient Town is a vibrant song, Weishan is a poem written in whispers. Come here to walk the same streets where Nanzhao kings once rode, to eat noodles that have been perfected over centuries, and to discover the “real” Dali that most travelers never see.<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Weishan Old Town, Dali, Yunnan Weishan Old Town is a hidden gem tucked away in the Ailao Mountains at the headwaters of the Red River, about 60 km south of Dali’s city center. Unlike the bustling Dali Ancient Town, Weishan remains remarkably untouched \u2014 a living, breathing museum of the Nanzhao Kingdom (738\u2013902), the powerful … Continue reading Weishan Old Town<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":633,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/764"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=764"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/764\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":765,"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/764\/revisions\/765"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/633"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=764"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}