One Day Dali Weishan Ancient Town Tour
Tour Overview
The ancient towns of Yunnan have a reputation for their rich history, minority culture, and beautiful architectureĀ that tells the story of China’s diverse ethnic groups and the Ancient Tea Horse Road. This day trip takes you to the Weishan AncientĀ Town which is 1.5 hours drive from Dali, the early capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom, in the heart of the ancient city.
Upon arrival at Weishan, the landmark gate towers – Xinggong and GongchenĀ will be seen firstly, and then walk on the historical streetsĀ lined with old courtyard homes and lovely local shops. To understand the history better, have a guided in-depth visit to the Nanzhao Museum. This Yunnan Ancient Town tour will be enriched at last by a peaceful visit to the forested slopes near Weibao Mountain. China Xian Tour blends culture, history, and nature experience into one rewarding day.
Travel destination: Weishan Ancient Town
Suitable for: Culture Explorers, History Lovers, The Seniors
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Explore the former capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom – Weishan Ancient Town, one of Yunnanās best-preserved cities along the Tea Horse Road.
- Climb the iconic Xinggong and Gongchen TowersĀ for panoramic views and gain insight into their dual roles in ancient city defense.
- Stroll through quiet streetsĀ lined with traditional courtyard houses, local shops, experiencing the authentic rhythm of life rarely found in more commercialized towns.
- Discover the legacy of the Nanzhao Kingdom at the Nanzhao Museum, then unwind amid forests and streams near sacred Weibao Mountain.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Dali to Weishan Ancient Town
Your private guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Dali Old Town at 8 a.m. We drive for one to one and a half hours to reach the Weishan Ancient Town. Also known as the Ancient City of Nanzhao, it was the early capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom (738-902) and a horse caravan city on the ancient Tea Horse Road. The ancient city of Weishan is well-preserved in architecture and features many historical relics with distinct southwest characteristics. It can be regarded as a museum of the Nanzhao Kingdom.
Weishan Ancient Town near Dali Upon arrival, the first stop of our visit is going to be the Xinggong Tower, an ancient building from the Ming Dynasty with two floors, which was first built in 1390. What we see today was rebuilt in 1860. This building is located at the intersection of four major streets in the ancient city. Climbing up it, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town and the distant farmlands. The tour guide will explain to you the significant role of this watchtower in defending the ancient city.
Next, we visit the Gongchen Tower, which is the northern gate tower of the ancient town. When it was first built, it had three floors. More than 200 years later, it was rebuilt into two floors and supported by 28 wooden pillars. How amazing! Learn from your guide that it has the functions of both military defense and a city tower. During your visit, you are advised to carefully admire the fine carvings on it.
After that, stroll along the streets of Weishan Ancient City, with quadrangle courtyards and some local small shops on both sides. Vendors sells interesting handicrafts and local agricultural products. Slow down your visiting pace and fully enjoy the peaceful rhythm of life. If you are a portrait photographer, catch the opportunity to capture the daily life of local people.
Gongchen Tower in Weishan Ancient City The Nanzhao MuseumĀ is the most attractive point of our tour today, situated on Housuo Street in the ancient city. Our main focus will be the East District where more than 3,600 cultural relics are included, such as stone tools, bronzes, pottery and Buddha statues. From these, one can get one of the best views of the Nanzhao Kingdom's historical and cultural heritages as well as the ethnic diversity of Yunnan.
Before coming back to Dali, keep going south to the area not far from Weibao Mountain, a historic Taoist mountain. The range, which spreads on for dozens of miles, has its undulating peaks in a position that resembles a lying lion that looks over the Weishan Ancient Town. On the mountain, massive trees reach up to the sky, their thick shade is lush and green, streams and springs are bubbling, and flowers and grass are plentiful and thriving. Your guide will be pointing out to you the interesting scenic spots in the course of the trip. After the tour, we drive back to Dali. We hope you had a wonderful day with China Xian Tour!
Cultural Relics in Nanzhao Museum
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
