In the western region of Yunnan, a mythical land of ancient kingdoms lies nestled between the majestic Cangshan Mountains and the vast, serene waters of Erhai Lake. The ancient city of Dali, once the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, preserves the remnants of its rich and storied past. Among the most famous relics are the iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple and the Nanzhao Dehua Stele, which stand as testaments to the grandeur of these early kingdoms.
The Nanzhao Kingdom: A Unification of Power
The ancient city of Dali is a historical witness to the rise of the Nanzhao Kingdom, which emerged during the Tang Dynasty. In the 7th century, Yunnan was divided into six independent states known as the “Six Zhao.” In 738 AD, Piluoge, the ruler of one of these states, with the support of the Tang Dynasty, unified the Six Zhao into a single powerful kingdom—Nanzhao. At its height, the Nanzhao Kingdom extended its borders north to Sichuan, south to present-day Bangkok, east to Hanoi, and west into Myanmar, with Dali as its political and cultural center.
Nanzhao’s strategic location in southwestern China allowed it to thrive as a cultural and economic hub. It played a key role in the exchange of goods and ideas along the Tea Horse Road, connecting China’s interior with the Tibetan Plateau and Southeast Asia. Despite being geographically distant from the Chinese heartland, Nanzhao maintained close ties with the central Chinese dynasties, often acting as a bridge between regions.
The Dali Kingdom: A Legacy of Peace and Stability
Following the fall of the Nanzhao Kingdom in the 10th century, the Dali Kingdom rose to prominence. Lasting for 317 years, the Dali Kingdom is remembered for its peaceful governance and cultural achievements. Inspired by the principles of Buddhism, the rulers of Dali focused on moral governance, while Confucian ideals guided the political structure. This emphasis on peace and order resulted in a stable and prosperous society, making the Dali Kingdom one of the longest-lasting regimes in Chinese history.
Readers of Jin Yong’s martial arts novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils may already be familiar with the Dali Kingdom, as it is depicted as a land of virtue and righteousness. In reality, Dali’s Buddhist temples and Confucian traditions contributed to a thriving culture that left a lasting impact on Yunnan’s history.
A Bridge Between Civilizations
Although both Nanzhao and Dali were situated in a remote corner of China, their influence extended far beyond their borders. Through the Tea Horse Road, these kingdoms facilitated trade and cultural exchanges between China, Tibet, and Southeast Asia. This connection made Yunnan a critical bridge between the Chinese heartland and the Tibetan Plateau, ultimately leading to the integration of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms into the broader tapestry of Chinese history.
Today, the ancient city of Dali and its surrounding landmarks serve as a reminder of this vibrant and influential period. Both Nanzhao and Dali stand as integral chapters in China’s rich and diverse history, contributing to the cultural legacy of Yunnan Province.