01Weishan Yi and Hui Aut…
Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County is located in the southern part of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, at the northern section of the Ailao and Wuliang Mountains, the source of the Red River. It covers an area of approximately 2,200 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 300,000, with ethnic minorities such as Yi and Hui accounting for about 40% of the total. Weishan is the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom. In 649, Xinuluo established the Great Meng Kingdom here, and in 738, Piluoge unified the Six Zhao to found the Nanzhao Kingdom. The county preserves national key cultural relics protection units such as the Weibao Mountain ancient building complex and the ancient streets of Nanzhao Town, making it a national historical and cultural city. The ancient city of Weishan, built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, still retains its complete chessboard layout and is known as a 'living ancient city.' Ethnic festivals such as the Yi Torch Festival and the Hui Eid al-Adha are colorful, and Weishan snacks are famous far and wide, making it an excellent place to experience Yunnan's diverse ethnic cultures.
I. Core Attractions
1. Weishan Ancient City: Built in the 23rd year of the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty (1390), covering an area of about 3 square kilometers, known for its 'well'-shaped street layout. The ancient city preserves ancient buildings such as Gongchen Tower (built in the Ming Dynasty, 23.5 meters high) and Xinggong Tower (Qing Dynasty building), as well as historical sites like the Confucian Temple, Martial Temple, and Dengjue Temple. Free admission, open all day. Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours.
2. Weibao Mountain: About 10 kilometers from the county seat, it is the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom and a famous Taoist mountain. Main attractions include the Nanzhao Tuzhu Temple (dedicated to Xinuluo), Changchun Cave (Ming Dynasty Taoist temple), and Yuhuang Pavilion. Admission: 40 yuan, open 8:00-18:00. Suggested half-day visit. Take a shuttle bus from the county to Weibao Mountain (about 30 minutes).
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3. Donglianhua Village: Located in Yongjian Town, about 20 kilometers from the county seat, it is an ancient Hui village. The village has well-preserved Qing Dynasty mosques and Sanfang Yizhaobi residences, with the Ma Family Courtyard being the most famous. Free admission. Taste Hui specialty foods (such as beef jerky and oil cakes). Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours.
4. Zhuomulang Village: Located in Dacang Town, about 30 kilometers from the county seat, it is a Yi village known for its pristine Yi culture. Visitors can see traditional Yi skills such as dancing and embroidery. The mountain road is steep; it is recommended to charter a car (cost about 100-150 yuan). No admission fee. Suggested half-day visit.
II. Specialty Foods
- Weishan Ba Rou Er Si (braised pork with rice noodles): Many old shops in the ancient city, such as 'Lao Wang Ba Rou Er Si' (about 15 yuan per person), with rich soup and tender meat. - Qing Dou Mi Gao (green bean rice cake): Street snack made from green beans and glutinous rice, sweet and delicious. - Hui beef jerky: Purchase in Donglianhua Village, vacuum-packed at about 50 yuan per jin. - Yi roast whole lamb: Farmhouse restaurants around Weibao Mountain, need to book in advance, about 80-100 yuan per person.
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III. Transportation Guide
- External transportation: Take a bus from Dali Ancient City to Weishan (about 1.5 hours, fare 20 yuan), or take a bullet train from Dali Station to Weishan Station (about 30 minutes, second-class seat 22 yuan). - Internal transportation: Within the county, walk or take a taxi (starting fare 6 yuan); surrounding attractions have shuttle buses or need chartered cars (e.g., shuttle to Weibao Mountain 5 yuan, bus to Donglianhua Village 8 yuan).
IV. Accommodation Recommendations
There are many inns in the ancient city, such as 'Weishan Ancient City Inn' (150-300 yuan per night) and 'Nanzhao Hutong Youth Hostel' (dorm bed 50 yuan per night). It is recommended to stay in the ancient city for convenience.