Weishan Ancient City (巍山古城), also known as Menghua City (蒙化城), is the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom. Nestled at the southern end of Weishan Basin, it serves as the administrative center of Weishan Yi Autonomous County.
The city is dotted with ancient architecture, preserving an ancient layout that dates back over 600 years. The main streets are lined with well-preserved residential buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, showcasing a unique and charming historical ambiance that is rare to find in modern China.
Weishan is rich in ethnic culture, featuring a variety of traditional crafts and renowned local snacks. A day trip from Dali Ancient City or Xiaguan is feasible; however, if time permits, staying overnight in Weishan is recommended. This allows for a more leisurely exploration of the ancient city and its surrounding attractions.
Travel Information about Weishan Ancient City
Ticket and Opening Hours
Tickets: Entry to Weishan Ancient City is free, including all major temples. However, there is a fee of 40 RMB to visit Weibaoshan.
Opening Hours: The city is open to visitors all day.
Best Time to Visit
Weishan Ancient City can be visited year-round, but the scenery at Weibaoshan is most beautiful from March to September during the spring and summer months.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Weishan Ancient City is located in Weishan County, Dali Prefecture, with Weibaoshan situated 10 kilometers south of the county seat.
Buses: Weishan Ancient City is approximately 70 kilometers from Dali. There are buses available from Xiaguan to Weishan County. From the county seat, visitors can take a minibus to reach Weibaoshan.
Scenic Spot Ratings
- Cultural Experience: ★★★★★
- Special Features: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Natural Beauty: ★★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★
Highlights of Weishan Ancient City
Gongchen Tower and Xinggong Tower
Weishan Ancient City is notable for its well-preserved ancient city walls, which feature four city gates located in the east, west, south, and north directions. Among these, Gongchen Tower and Xinggong Tower stand out as iconic structures of the ancient city.
Gongchen Tower is situated at the northern gate of Weishan City and was built during the Ming Dynasty. The tower is supported by 28 large pillars, with access available through two small gates on the east and west sides.
Once atop the tower, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the city. The four main streets stretch out in each cardinal direction, allowing for an impressive vista of the entire Weishan Ancient City, which is both breathtaking and historically significant.
Yuanjue Temple
Yuanjue Temple is located 3 kilometers southeast of Weishan County and offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The temple has undergone three expansions during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, resulting in its current status as a sizable Buddhist monastery.
Visitors ascend through the temple’s main gate and climb stone steps that lead through three terraced courtyards, each higher than the last, creating a picturesque ascent. The surroundings are lush with dense trees, enhancing the temple’s peaceful environment.
The temple is backed by mountains and faces the city, featuring several significant structures, including the Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings, the Mahaviro Hall, and the rear hall. The architectural layout is orderly and well-designed, complemented by the quiet ambiance created by the surrounding forests and flowing streams.
In front of the temple, there is a grove of ancient cypress trees, within which stand two white pagodas, approximately 15 meters high, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. These pagodas are recognized as cultural relics, adding to the historical significance of Yuanjue Temple.
Weibao Mountain
Weibao Mountain is located 10 kilometers southeast of Weishan Ancient City, standing at an elevation of 2,509 meters. Renowned for its rich history, ancient architecture, and harmonious natural environment, it is recognized as a National Scenic Area, a famous Taoist mountain in China, a national forest park, and the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom.
Entering Weibao Mountain feels like stepping into a sanctuary of ancient art. The mountain is home to over 20 Taoist temples dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, which are strategically built according to the terrain. These temples display an impressive blend of grandeur and elegance, showcasing a remarkable architectural style. Among them, the Wenchang Palace features the Wenlong Pavilion, which houses valuable wall paintings from the Qing Dynasty, depicting Yi ethnic dance and music. This artwork is a crucial resource for studying Yi culture, clothing, and social customs.
The mountain is dotted with 22 Taoist temples, including Wenchang Palace, Qingxia Palace, Peihe Tower, and Changchun Cave, all of which reflect the cultural essence of Taoism, emphasizing the harmony between nature and humanity. According to legend, the founding monarch of the Nanzhao Kingdom, Xinuoluo, once cultivated the land here and received enlightenment from the Taishang Laojun (Supreme Elderly Lord). This encounter inspired him to establish the Nanzhao Dynasty, which lasted for 253 years, becoming a prominent ethnic power in southwestern China.
The remaining Nanzhao Tuzhu Temple, which is grand in scale, serves as a significant site for showcasing the roots of Nanzhao culture and Yi culture. It remains a sacred place for the Yi people to honor their ancestors and is a center for the worship of local deities, still hosting solemn ancestral ceremonies to this day.
Weibao Mountain Singing Festival
Weibao Mountain is also known for its vibrant folk activities. Every year, on the 13th and 14th days of the second lunar month, a traditional mountain singing festival is held. During this time, people from Weishan and nearby towns gather in their ethnic attire to participate in the festivities. The festival features numerous vendors selling local delicacies, mountain goods, calligraphy, and paintings, providing an excellent opportunity for trade and cultural exchange among attendees.
Visitor Guide for Weishan Ancient City
Accommodation in Weishan County
In Weishan County, you’ll find a variety of accommodation options, primarily traditional guesthouses converted from local residences along the ancient streets. These guesthouses maintain the unique local customs and charm, offering a clean environment at affordable prices. However, it’s worth noting that many of them only provide shared bathroom facilities and do not offer dining services. Alternatively, there are also hotel options available for those seeking more amenities. Recommended Places to Stay:
- Menghua Hotel (蒙化宾馆):
Location: Situated on the main street entering the city, in the middle of the Beiyu Community.
Features: The rooms are relatively clean and well-maintained, making it a convenient choice for travelers. - Xishe Boutique Inn (喜舍精品客栈):
Location: Located on South Street, near the Xinggong Tower.
Features: This inn is conveniently placed near several attractions, making it easy for guests to explore the area. - Beiyu Hotel (北隅酒店):
Location: Found in the Beiyu Community, not far from Menghua Hotel.
Features: The rooms are comfortable and cozy, equipped with comprehensive facilities, providing a pleasant stay for visitors.
Culinary Delights in Weishan
Weishan has a wide variety of snacks, including Guojiang Ersi (过江饵丝, crossing-the-river rice noodles), Yigeng Mian (一根面, a unique noodle dish), Weishan Candied Fruits (巍山蜜饯), and Green Pea Cakes (青豆小糕). Everyone who has visited Weishan Ancient City speaks highly of the local cuisine. Some well-known restaurants are concentrated on Huosuo Street (后所街) in the county town.
Lao Wu’s Restaurant (老吴家): Located at No. 22, Huosuo Street, the restaurant has an old storefront but serves authentic dishes and is well-regarded locally. The signature dishes include Gan Zhang Rou (干张肉, dry pork), Lu Rou (卤肉, braised meat), and Steamed Stinky Tofu (清蒸臭豆腐).
Shopping in Weishan
Weishan’s Tie-Dyeing (扎染) features traditional ethnic craftsmanship and has been recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as the “Hometown of Chinese Tie-Dyeing Art.” You can purchase these items at the Menghua Old House (蒙化老家) in the county town.
Additionally, Weishan is known for its Grass Woven (草编) and Bamboo Woven (竹编) household goods, as well as Rope Weaving (绳编), Clay Sculpture (泥塑), and Masks (面具). These can be bought along the Nanzhao Ancient Street (南诏古街) in Weishan Ancient City.