Ancient City of Weishan

The Ancient City of Weishan in Dali, also known as the Ancient City of Nanzhao, was the early capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom and a horse caravan hub along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. The city's architecture is exceptionally well-preserved, featuring numerous historical relics with distinctive southwestern characteristics, making it a veritable museum of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom. It is located near Dagou Street in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, 51 kilometers north of Dali City (the prefectural capital) and 371 kilometers east of Kunming, the provincial capital.

Nestled at the foot of the Ailao Mountains in western Yunnan, where the Red River originates, Weishan is a city rich in local historical and cultural character. It is recognized as a Famous Historical and Cultural City of China and is also the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom. Originally built during the Yuan Dynasty, the ancient city was later reconstructed with brick walls in the Ming Dynasty, and its historic charm remains intact to this day.

Weishan is also one of the regions in Yunnan where the Tusi system was implemented for the longest period. Its long history has given rise to numerous temples and shrines, which complement the area’s diverse and stunning natural landscapes.

The streets of the Ancient City of Weishan are laid out in a perfect grid pattern centered around Gongcheng Tower, comprising a total of 25 streets and 18 lanes spanning 14 kilometers. Most buildings within the city retain traditional Chinese architectural structures. The houses along the main north-south axes have faithfully preserved the architectural styles and designs of the Ming and Qing dynasties. These homes are oriented approximately 15 degrees southwest—a locally optimized orientation for maximizing natural light, compensating for the relatively dim lighting found in the traditional "four-sided courtyard with five skylights" layout.

The people of Weishan maintain simple and traditional customs, and the city boasts a profound cultural heritage. Coupled with its pleasant climate, these elements have fostered among Weishan residents a serene and composed way of life.

The Ancient City of Weishan in Dali is home to a wealth of cultural relics and historic sites, as well as numerous scenic spots. These include Weibao Mountain, the Ancient City of Weishan, Xuanlong Temple, Yuanjue Temple, Shanlong Shanyu City, Yunyin Temple, Chen Yishu Stone Sarcophagus, Huiming Temple, Dongshan Menghua Lingquan Spring, Niaodao Xiongguan (Bird Path Pass), and Wuyin Mountain, among others.