The History of Lion Mountain

Mt. Lion Scenic Spot, about three kilometers west from Wuding County, is a well-known place of interest in the middle of Yunnan.

It is about 88 kilometers from Kunming by taking the second grade highway. The elevation of the main peak is about 2,420 meters, enjoying long spring and autumn and short winter and summer with an annual average temperature of 13.2¡æ, an annual rainfall of 1,160 mm and a forest coverage of 75.6%. With an area of 166 square kilometers, the resort is divided into four areas of 119 scenic spots, including Mt. Lion, the Xincun Lake, the Xiangshui Valley, and the relics of the Feng’s chieftain; It is actually a scenic resort combining one mountain, one lake and one valley as the main body and integrating landscapes, cultural relics, humanistic geology and ethnic customs.

The area has been well known in Yunnan Province and received tourists ever since the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. Regarded as an ideal land for taking a closer touch to nature, it is now full of cloud-capped ancient trees——a sea of forest that shadows the sun, the towering crags, the strangely-formed rocks, beautiful flowers such as peony, attractive landscapes and sweet spring. The relics and the legends about the Emperor Hui of the Ming Dynasty who shaved his own hair to become a reclusive monk at Mt. Lion make the resort even more interesting. The ancient Zhengxu Temple shows features of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and the imperial palace, teeming with monument inscriptions£¬poems and couplets which add up to more interests. The meditation master Zhikong’s feat of constructing the Zhengxu Meditation Temple made it the sacred place for worship among the Buddhists from South Korea.

Since 1986, Mt. Lion has been restored, developed and constructed with a total investment of over RMB 27 million yuan and its landscapes have been greatly improved. The large-scale Peony Garden sends forth scent to southwest China and the Zhengxu Meditation Temple resumes a highlighted spot and becomes a multi-functional scenic resort for traveling, summering, spending holidays and scientific investigation. It receives 200 thousand people annually from home and abroad. It is also designated as the base for teaching and scientific investigation of the Geological Department of the Kunming Technical Institute and the Geographical Department of Yunnan Normal University. Experts attending the “Fourth International Conference on Fishes during the Devonian” came here and made investigation and academic exchanges.

In 1988, it was listed in the first group of the scenic resorts of Yunnan Province. Then, upon the approval of the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government, it was reported for being granted the title of the national scenic resort.

The Lion Mountain Scenic Area is mainly composed of tourist sights such as Zhengxuxian Buddhist Temple, Peony Garden, forests and grotesque rocks etc. Known for its magnificence, wonderfulness, antiquity and elegance, the Lion Mountain is dubbed as “the first mountain in the southwest”. (1)-Zhengxuxian Buddhist Temple Originally erected in 1331, the temple was once enlarged by an Indian Buddhist master named Zhi Kong. The Majestic Hall of the temple looks quite magnificent with an ancient cypress in the front. Couplets and inscriptions on the pavilions and stone steles around enrich greatly the cultural connotations of the temple. Zhu Yunwen or Jianwen Emperor (1377-?), the grandson of Zhu Yuanzhang who is the founder of the Ming Power, is said to be a monk in the temple after his throne was stone by his uncle Zhu Di. Zhi Kong master chose the Lion Mountain for preaching and sponsored enlargement to Zhengxuxian Temple. He then went to South Korea for further preaching hence is worshiped by South Koreans. (2)-The Peony Garden The Peony Garden covers an area of more than 100 Mu (Chinese acre). Since the 1990s when peonies were first introduced to the Lion Mountain from Luoyang and other places of China, the Peony Garden has been grown with over 10,000 peony plants of over 60 kinds. A theme festival for peony flowers is annually held from April 20-May 10.

How to get there:

If you take a bus from the Kunming long distance bus station, the 100 kilometers distance will cost you RMB15. If you go from Chuxiong to Wuding, it will be RMB20. The minibus from Wuding to Mt. Lion costs RMB10.

Since 1938, dinosaur fossils have been found constantly in Lufeng. 24 genuses of 33 species and hundred of complete dinosaur fossils have been unearthed, which were considered as one of the most origin and age-old vertebrates fossils in an internal shape around the world.

Lufeng dinosaur is well known to the world as the fossils of dinosaurs of 1.8 billion years ago were excavated here. Mainly they are classified as three types: the carnivorous, the herbivorous and the polyphagias. Among those some are very famous, such as Lufengosaur huenei, Jinshanosaur, Lufeng magnus, Rukousaur, Massospondylus, Dilophosaur and so on. The fossils specimens were kept well in the dinosaur museum. The Lufeng dinosaur is of high research value in the study of paleontology even in the world.

Lufengosaur existed around 1.8 million years ago. One of its representatives is called the Archaeornithomimus, while another is called Tatisaurus which is a typical one in goose shape. Saurischia with Lukousaur and Lufengosaur are their models. Recently after investigating the environment, some researchers said in the Lufeng Street, a few vestiges of stars dashing are found in the regions where most dinosaurs existed.

Lufeng dinosaur museum:There are the hall of ancient living beings, the hall of bronze ware and earthenware, and the hall of ancient pithecanthropus, where photos and diagrams of dinosaur fossils from all over of the world are also exhibited.

If you want to spend your leisure time in Lufeng County,don’t worry, you can find the the bars and clubs easily in Nanjain County. Maybe you are not interesting in bar and clubs and do not want to watch performance,you can also go to tea house.That is a good choice.

Name：Shiji KTV( 世纪KTV)

Address：No.23，Longcheng Road,Lufeng County,Chuxiong

Name：Huayangnianhua KTV(花样年华KTV)

Address：Aroun Xinxi Street ,Lufeng County,Chuxiong

Name：Yimingxuan Tea House(颐茗轩茶楼)

Address：Around No.33，Xinxi Street,Lufeng County,Chuxiong

Name：Lanbing Bar(蓝冰酒吧)

Tel：13508782738

Address：Shiji Shopping Hall，Around Huimin Road,Lufeng County,Chuxiong

Name：Ziyou Bar(自由酒吧)

Address：Wanrong Street ,Lufeng County,Chuxiong

Name：Deng Tea Bar(等茶舍)

Address：Huimin Road,Lufeng County,Chuxiong

The Torch Festival (火把节)

The Torch Festival is a traditional festival popular in the regions of the Yi people in Shuangbai county. It is also celebrated among other ethnic groups such as the Bai, Naxi, Jinuo and Lahu. The festival features lighting up torches, hence its name. It usually falls in early June of the lunar calendar or on the 24th or 25th of the month, usually lasting for three days of celebrations. The origin of the festival may have something to do with the worship of fire by ancestors, who believed fire had the power to repel insects, drive away evils and hence protect crop growth. For some ethnic groups, it is a tradition of the festival for elders to share farming experience with young people and admonish them to take care of crops.

Travelers weary from treks in Yunnan and Western China will find Kunming to be relaxing and fun. Pleasant open-air spots abound in the City of Eternal Spring and the region’s Dai and Yi minority groups stage a number of colorful festivals and performances year round. There are three entertainment areas in the city, the Xinyin Residential District, Kundu Bar District, and Yunnan University Area. Each has its own distinctive style and atmosphere, which suits different crowds.

Main Kunming Entertainment

Teahouses & Bars

Located on the east side of the city, the Xinyin Residential District is renowned for its typical Chinese teahouses and Chinese bars. Locals and tourists alike frequent the various teahouses sampling the finest tea that the province has to offer. Visitors interested in exchanging travel stories and tips always find this a worthwhile cultural experience. The Kundu Bar Area is the place for those seeking a livelier time. Many of Kunming’s young people flock here nightly to enjoy rock n’ roll music, karaoke, flashy discos, and video arcades. Meanwhile, the bars and cafes around Yunnan University are good bets for a festive evening full of fun. Two of the more famous hangouts are Black Knight Club and Camel Bar.

Kundu Night Market

Visitors that missed the chance to browse the markets during the daytime can instead head to the Kundu Night Market. It offers many ethnic specialties as well as jewelry, brocades, and jade. The hustle and bustle of the night market, combined with bargain hunting and lots of gift items, are sure to bring a merry evening and happy memories.

Festival Events

Festivals play an important role in the lives of Kunming’s people. Among the most popular are the Kunming International Culture and Tourism Festival, the Kunming International Flower Exhibition, and the Yi Torch Festival. Be sure to check out when these will be held so that you can join in the fun.

Kunming, reputedly “Spring City”, is endowed with time honored history, favorable climate as well as profound culture. The magnificent Stone Forest, fragrant flowers, amazing Dianchi Lake, grand Daguan Pavilion and featured Ethnic Village are what intrigues tourists to pay a visit. Apart from these renowned attractions, the profound Kunming culture also has much to offer to visitors. The characteristic culture in Kunming ranges from Dian Opera, eighteen oddities of Yunnan, Kunming tune, wax printing, which would be a great feast to the eyes’ of visitors.

Flower

The weather, water and soil in Yunnan are distinctive. While located in the middle of Yunnan, Kunming is richly endowed with nature. There, the flowers blossom in a riot of color regardless of the seasonal changes. In the winter, roses remain showcasing their delicate charm and even in January, roses are still blossoming. Thus, a saying goes like this in Kunming, “Flowers can be found everywhere in the city.” The flowers blossom year round contributing to its fame as “the spring city.” Kunming also boasts the biggest flower trading market throughout the country and its daily export-import volume tops all places in China.

When it comes to flowers in Kunming, a place that can’t be missed is the flower market in Shangyi Street. Crossing the central area of the city, Shangyi Street is characterized by its French architecture. Today, it has become the biggest flower market in Kunming. A saying vividly depicts the atmosphere in the market as the “Flowers are sold by catty.” Flower is the symbol of the city, a mundane detail of the local lifestyle and a way for the people to express their emotions. Flowers are rich in meaning in this region including its role in occasions such as birthdays, festivals, weddings, showing care to patients, visiting relatives and friends, and expressing feelings between lovers. In daily life, the local people pick up many flowers on the way home after work, elaborately trim and arrange them in a vase to decorate their homes.

Important Festivals

The Golden Hall Temple Fair
Time: The ninth day in the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar

The traditional golden hall temple fair is held in the Golden Temple Park. From the eighth to the tenth day in the first month of Chinese lunar calendar, the Fengming Hill swarms with pilgrims from around the country. Various specialties and famous local delicacies as roasted rice cake, canned rice-flour noodles, cold broad-bean-flour noodles and cold rice pastes can be seen everywhere from the foot to the top of the hill. The temple fair is just as lively as it is elsewhere. On the occasion of the temple fair, there are a wide range of famous specialties, local food and flowers competing with each other in beauty. In addition, there are different kinds of entertaining activities and popular performances.

The Yi Torch Festival
Time: June 24 (Chinese lunar calendar)

The traditional Yi Torch Festival is held in Shinan County, Lunan. Visitors can experience the festive atmosphere in the Stone Forest Scenic Spot. During the festival, from village to village, the local people prepare lavish meals, traditional attire and gather in a certain place to celebrate the festival. In the daytime, they have such activities as bullfight and wresting. At night, they gather to light up torches and pile them up like a “fire pagoda”, around which they sit, sing and dance. What an exultant picture!

Dian Opera

Dian Opera is a kind of local opera in Yunnan Province, which integrates various traditional Chinese operas introduced into Yunan during Qianlong reign in Qing Dynasty. Dian opera is of Yunnan features, which was born in 1821 and is prevalent among Yunnan, Sichuan and Guizhou regions. Dian opera is good at characterization and heroes in the opera are vividly-portrayed. Dian opera is featured with exquisite sensibility-presentation and lively language, which is brimming with strong folk ballad flavor. Although originating from Shaanxi opera, Anhui opera and Han opera, Dian opera differentiates from them after years of evolution and is of its own features, which integrates the dialects, local custom and folk songs of Yunnan together. The operatic tune of Dian opera is resounding, mellow and cheerful. Dian opera includes three kinds of tunes, namely, Stringed tune, Xiangyang tune and Huqin tune. Instrument for Xiangyang tune and Huqin tune is both dominated by Chinese violin, while stringed tune by musical-saw. Apart from those dominated ones, there are also other instruments accompanied, such as Erhu, Suona horn, flute and the likes. During Guangxu reign in Qing Dynasty, Dian opera was widely spread among counties of Yunnan province. By the time of Republic of China, it had been pervaded in the whole province. After the people’s republic of China is founded, the Dian opera has created many plays reflecting the daily life of such ethnic minorities as Bai, Dai, and Hani people of China, which are well-reviewed by the public. Special attention is paid to singing, dancing and rhythm in Dian opera, which is comprehensive art of China.

Kunming Tune

Kunming tune is a kind of folk art on singing. It has many forms, folk song, ditty and ballad for example, which is prevalent among the suburb of Kunming City. No make-up and special place is required in Kunming Tune. Kunming is multi-ethnic inhabited and different ethnic minorities have different singing styles. Tune of Han people in Yunnan has diversified forms. Forms of Han tune generally include solo, duet and antiphony between men and women etc., each of which are sung while working in the field. The theme of the tune is mainly focused on wisdom, love and motherland-eulogizing. To Sani people, a branch of Yi ethnic minority, the tune is usually sung on festival, social contact, love-expressing as well as working. After People’s Republic of China is founded, tunes of Yunnan is greatly developed, which is performed in accompany with musical instruments. The most reputed Yunnan tunes in China include “Singing Folk Songs”, “Horse Driving Tunes”, “Rippling Brook”, and “Flooding Rivers” and the likes.

Wax Printing

Wax printing is a traditional skill prevalent among ethnic minorities in Yunnan province. It is featured with distinctive patterns, simplified style and exquisite designs. The procedure for wax printing is quite sophisticated. Dip the knife into the melted wax and draw delicate patterns on a piece of white cloth, then dye the cloth blue. After the cloth is already dyed, take the wax away, and the exquisite patterns drawn before would be revealed clearly on the cloth. Moreover, the wax layer cracks naturally while being dyed, which creates the special ripples on the cloth, making the patterns more vivid and life-like. With its unequalled features, varied patterns, elegant colors and unique style, wax printing is widely applied in clothes-producing and life- necessity-making.

Wax printing prevails in Yunnan, particularly prevalent among Miao and Bai ethnic minorities. Miao People has the unparalleled weaving skills passed down from generation to generation. Cloth made by Miao People is tender, tightly-woven, high-quality and durable, which enjoys great reputation in history. With the unbeatable weaving skill, the wax-printed works of Miao people are more marvelous and enchanting. Wax printing in Yunnan usually takes local scenery and folk custom as its main material, in which such patterns as peacoak, elepant, camellia and cuckoo are often applied. Wax printing in Yunan, as a folk art, has been produced as tourist souvenir and export commodity, which contributes a lot to the development of Yuannan economy.

With the recently emerging tourist industry in Lijiang, many new bars and cafes have sprung up amidst a rich cultural atmosphere. Most of them are located in the Old Town and are frequented by foreign visitors. A number of the hangouts are multi-functional, serving food and drinks, but also offering travel information and story swapping.

The bars are generally located along the Yuquan River that winds its way through the Old Town. The Sakura Cafe, Well Bistro, Sun Room Cafe are all popular venues. While the bars and cafes are good fun, any visit to Lijiang should include a Naxi Ancient Music Concert. The Naxi Ancient Music Institute is the best place to visit, although the Dongba Palace opposite the Institute also hosts numerous cultural activities and musical performances.

Main Entertainments in Lijiang Naxi Ancient Music and Dance Show 

Naxi Ancient Music and Dance Show

Long-time inhabitants of Lijiang, the Naxi people have created a unique and splendid culture, while also absorbing select bits and pieces of other culture groups. The Dongba culture is primarily based on the local religion, which touches every aspect of daily life. Music and dance are also two treasured cornerstones of the mysterious Dongba culture. Most visitors opt for a tour itinerary by which they can take in the scenic spots by day and the Naxi ancient music and dance shows by night.Naxi Concert Hall  

Naxi Concert Hall

Every night from 20:00 to 21:30 there is a wonderful concert of melodious Naxi music, performed by a group of local senior musicians whose average age is 60 years. Because each year one or two of these great musicians passes away, it is reported that this rare art form is in danger of fading from memory and being lost forever.Dongba Palace  

Dongba Palace

The newly rebuilt Dongba Palace is decorated with typical Naxi religious symbols and ornaments, which add much color to the othwerise solemn atmosphere. The palace is located just opposite of the Naxi Ancient Music Institute and holds a music and dancing show daily. In addition, Dongba Palace hosts various other cultural activities including some religious rites.

The famous ancient city of Lijiang (丽江古城) boasts a history of 800 to 900 years. As early as the Southern Song Dynasty (南宋, 1127–1279 AD), the city began taking shape. During the Ming Dynasty (明朝, 1368–1644), it was called “Dayan County” (大研县), literally meaning “ink slab”—a name inspired by its location in the center of the Lijiang Basin (丽江坝), surrounded by lush green mountains and crisscrossed by rivers, resembling an ink stone.

Since the Qing Dynasty (清朝, 1644–1911), Lijiang served as a key trade hub along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road (茶马古道). In 1997, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (世界文化遗产).

Early History: The Cradle of Ancient Civilization

Lijiang is one of southwest China’s most significant regions for early human activity. As far back as 100,000 years ago, “Lijiang Man” (丽江人), a Homo sapiens group, lived here during the late Paleolithic Age (旧石器时代晚期).

Before the Song Dynasty: A Land of Shifting Dynasties

Warring States Period (战国时期, 475–221 BC)

• Belonged to the Qin State (秦国).

Han Dynasty (汉朝, 206 BC–220 AD)

• Part of Yue Commandery (越嶲郡).

Three Kingdoms Period (三国时期, 220–280 AD)

• Governed under Yunnan Commandery (云南郡).

Southern Dynasties (南朝, 420–589 AD)

• Known as Suidun County (遂久县).
• During this time, the Naxi Ethnic Group (纳西族) migrated into Lijiang.

Tang Dynasty (唐朝, 618–907 AD)

• Initially under Yaozhou (姚州), later controlled by the Tibetan Empire (吐蕃) and the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国).

Song and Yuan Dynasties: The Birth of “Lijiang”

Song Dynasty (宋朝, 960–1279 AD)

• The city’s construction began.
• Kublai Khan (忽必烈) conquered Dali (大理) and stationed troops here.
• Later named “Lijiang Route” (丽江路), the origin of the name Lijiang (丽江).

Ming and Qing Dynasties: Flourishing Trade and Governance

Late Ming Dynasty (明朝晚期)

• The Wu Family’s (木氏) palaces were renowned for their grandeur.

Qing Dynasty (清朝)

• Establishment of Lijiang Prefecture (丽江府).
• In 1723, the hereditary chieftain system in Yunnan was abolished.
• Lijiang County (丽江县) was officially formed in 1770.

Modern and Contemporary Era

1961

• Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County (丽江纳西族自治县) was established.

1997

• Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城) was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List (世界遗产名录).

The smart and unsophisticated Naxi people who have long inhabited Lijiang preserve the unique and profuse Dongba Culture. In fact, a great number of scholars and travelers are attracted to this mysterious place more for the culture than its charming sceneries. Dongba Culture is of a religious nature and make up the most important component of the ancient Naxi culture. 

However, before the form of the Dongba Culture, the Naxi people in Lijiang followed the native religion of sorcery. During the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, a series of the other cultures, such as the Tibetan Bon Religion, Buddhism and Taoism, were introduced into this region, affecting the native religion. Along with the impact and blending among these various cultures, the new Dongba Religion was founded. The Dongba Culture is said to been passed on by the Dongbas who were sages that integrated song, dance, the classics, history, painting and medicine. They enjoyed a high social position within the Naxi group because they were considered as mediums between humans, gods and ghosts, as well as are able to remove disasters and guarantee good fortunes. At present, there are no more than 30 Dongbas living in Lijiang, so it is a memorable experience for travelers to visit them.

Dongba Characters

Dongba culture, Yunnan

Dongba CharactersThe immense Dongba Culture consists of its writings, scriptures, paintings, dance and music. Amongst them, the characters are not surprisingly the soul. Enjoying a history of over 1,000 years, it is still used by a few Naxi people even now. At first, the character was just a kind of hieroglyphic recorded on wood and stone. Later, with the use of paper, the use of characters gained popularity and gained its formal name. As a rare cultural treasure for all mankind, the Dongba character is the only existing hieroglyphic in China and praised to be the ‘Living Fossil’ showing the characters’ origin and development of human society.

Dongba Scriptures

All the scriptures were written in the picture-like characters, so they are not interpretable by ordinary folk. However, under the help of the Dongbas, some scriptures were translated into Mandarin and shown to readers at the end of the last century. These scriptures contain almost all aspects of the Naxi people, ranging from the nation’s legends and history to traditional dancing and music. Now, these scriptures are kept in many countries other than China, such as the United States of America, Canada, Japan, Britain, France, Germany and Austria.

 Dongba scriptures

Writing in Dongba Characters

Dongba Painting

Colorful Dongba Paintings of Naxi People

Dongba Paintings

Traditionally, the exquisite and colorful Dongba paintings completely reveal the beliefs and good wishes of the Naxi people. Some of them are drawn to depict the daily lives of locals. The most famous one is the Painting of Sacred Road to Heaven which is approximately 14 meters long and 0.26 meters wide. This painting tells the story of how the dying man’s soul is released from suffering. Vivid scenes describe how he passes into Hell, the human world, the natural heaven and finally Heaven. Nowadays, local artisans have created a series of modern Dongba paintings that retain the essence of those from more traditional times.

Dongba Dance and Music

The same to the other minorities, dance and music play vital roles in the Naxi people’s daily life. The classical Naxi dance is the Dongba dance which is a kind of religious dance being played in the sacrifice events. However, most of these dancing show the locals’ fight against the natural world and the forces of evil. There are about 60 kinds of dance recorded in two Dongba scriptures, including animal dance, sword and bow dance as well as the God dance. In fact, most of dance movements prefer to imitate animals, such as tiger, elephant, frog, monkey and eagle.

 Dongba dance and music

Dancing Mosuo People, Lijiang

Dongba art, Yunnan

Dongba Dancing and Musical Show

In the sacrifice events of Dongba Religion, the dance is usually accompanied with the Dongba music (also the Naxi Ancient Music). The content of these music is mainly derived from the scriptures and widely singing by the Naxi people. The used instruments include ring, drum, gong and cymbal, producing simple but impressive rhythm. Fortunately, when come to Lijiang, visitors can enjoy the Dongba dance and music shows in the Dongba Palace and Naxi Concert Hall.

The visitors can go to the country of the Bai Nationality in the local region to enjoy the heavy romantic feeling of Bai Nationality, they are known for their hot liver hospitality and the passion of the song and dance, the main program contains the performance of three teas of Bai Nationality.

The best place of tasting tea is in big yard of Yanjia in the Xizhou and on the boat going to Eel Lake, the perform is from 9:00 A.M. to 14:00 P.M., everybody only pays 20 Yuan.

In addition to the perform of three teas, there are still the programs which enriches the race special features very much such as the wedding of Bai Nationality, the song and dance of Bai Nationality, the street of March and round three ling that etc. They allow not to miss.

For the most of the western visitors, they will choose to manage the Gucheng to spend a quite night greatly, in Huguo Road come together numerous coffee shops and bars, the people can chat easily here, drinking the beer one by one, it is called” the foreigners’ street” by the native people. Now, the foreigners’ street of Dali has already been famous in the world, which become the place that foreign friends look forward to lodge warm and fragrant home when they live in Dali.

Dali has become a distinguished tourist destination attracting countless travelers yearning for something extraordinary. Today’s Dali is an enthralling place mixed with modern and old fashions and is prosperous but also tranquil. The nightlife in Dali is always fascinating and colorful.

Nightlife entertainment of Dali City’s New District (Xiaguan) mainly converges on the square before the bus station on Jianshe Road. Besides the Karaoke TV, cinemas, discos, the square is also a wonderful entertaining place to dance with people of many different cultural groups or to admire local operas. Getting close to the local people’s daily life, the open-air squares like this can provide visitors with an intimate connection with Dali. More visitors may choose to spend a serene night in Dali’s Ancient City. They could relax into light-hearted chat while drinking beer and the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient city can properly set the tone for timeless relaxation. Foreigner Street gathers many westerners in numerous cafes and pubs. That is the reason why this street gains its famous name, Foreigner Street.

Dali Bars

1.wins Yinlongda brewery Club

Address: mouth tower Yanchangxian Beita road

TEL: 0871-3319888

2. Haiyi hotel New York bar

Address:The entrance of Haiyi hotel gate Cuihu south road

TEL: 0871-5386688-3135

3.Camel Bar

Address:No.274 Yanchangxian Baita road

TEL: 0871-3176255

4. Desert Rose bar

Address:No.525 Baiyun road

TEL: 0871-5645034

5. Shenbiyuan

Address:1st floor Tianheng hotel Huguo road

TEL: 0871-3188796

6. Maifei’er

Address: Tongren UN Plaza

TEL: 0871-3649168

7. CHAPTER ONE

Address:Wenlins treet

TEL:0871-5365635

Dali Discos

1.Kunming City Panlong entertainment center 

Address:Beijing road Kunming city Yunnan

TEL: 0871-3166193

2.Real love big stars DISCO 

Address:No.172 Xinying road Xingying district

TEL: 13187429056

3.Kunduo TOPON Disco 

Address:No.95 Xinwen road

TEL: 0871-4157585

4.Gaomeigao Disco 

Address Mabi chicken Square

TEL: 0871-3636880

5.Dreams DISCO 

Address: No.35 Guanppoxiang Qilin district Qujing city

TEL: 13170709098

Butterfly Dream- Dali

Butterfly’s Dream is a large-scale show of song and dance which costs tens of million yuan in its choreography. The stage, lighting, costume and video were designed by China National Song &Dance Troupe and some famous national-level designers.

Xiyi Dali – A Grand Cultural Show

“Xiyi (Imagining) Dali”, directed by Chinese reputed movie director Chen Kaige, is another medley of dancing and singing adapted from the Bai ethnic romantic story-“Wang Fu Yun” (Expecting the Return of the Husband). What it presents is the rich cultural connotation and attractive natural sceneries of Dali.

Dali Nightlife

Dali has become a distinguished tourist destination attracting countless travelers yearning for something extraordinary. Today’s Dali is an enthralling place mixed with modern and old fashions and is prosperous but also tranquil. The nightlife in Dali is always fascinating and colorful.

Dali foreigner street

Dali foreigner street, formly known as prtecting road,here characteristics of both the ethnic group,and the exotic emotional appeal, and it buzzes.At first glance,the style of foreigner street bar shop and the style of the ancient city aginst each other.However tourists here all like nightlife here.

Nightlife entertainment of Xiaguan

Nightlife entertainment of Dali City’s New District (Xiaguan) mainly converges on the square before the bus station on Jianshe Road. Besides the Karaoke TV, cinemas, discos, the square is also a wonderful entertaining place to dance with people of many different cultural groups or to admire local operas.

The history of Dali State is long, as early as in 109 B.C., there were 5 counties that were Yeyu which is Dali now, Yunnan which is Xiangyun now, Xielong which is Weishan now, Bishu which is Yunlong and Cuitang which is parts of regions of Caojian of Yunlong and Baoshan. They were governed by Yi State. Bonan Country which belonged to Yongchang was established in Yongping Country in 69 A.D. In the March of 225 A.D., after Zhuge Liang fight in Yunnan, established Yunan country which governed 7 countries, there were 3 countries which were Yunan, Xielong and Yeyu in Dali State.

There were 3 countries which were Bonan, Bishu and Shitang in Yongchang country. There were 6 countries in Dali State. In the period of Jin Dynasty, Yunping Country which belonged to Yunnan country was established in Yichuan Country, at that time, there were 7 countries in Dali State. In the South and North Dynasty, Dongheyang Country was established in region of the east of Eel Lake and Yichuan Country of Dali City, it belonged to Dongheyang country. At that time, there are 3 counties which were Xiheyang, Dongheyang and yunnan and 8 counties which were Yunnan, Xielong, Yeyu, Bonan, Bishu, Jingtan, Yunping and Dongheyang in Dali State.

In Sui Dynasty, the Yuexi State was established in Dali, the countries didn¡¯t change. At the beginning of Tang Dynasty, the Manager Mansion of Nanning State was established in Dali, Dali belonged to the Manager Mansion of Nanning State. The Manager Mansion of Nanning State was discarded and Dali belonged to the Dudu Mansion of Rong State in 627 A.D. The Dudu Mansion of Yao State was established; Dali belonged to the Dudu Mansion of Yao State in 664 A.D. There were many states established that are Langqiong State which is Eryuan now, Dengfu State which is Dengchuan of Eruan Country now, Yuexi State, Shahu State, Yanggua State, Mengshe State which is in Weishan and Nanjian now, Shuangzhu State, Jiangdong State which is Midu now, Kuangchong State which is Xiangyun now, Zeng State which is Fengyi now, Jikang State in the region of Dali.

At the beginning of Tang Dynasty, in the region of Eel Lake in Dali, six bigger tribes appeared at the same time, which were called Six Zhao in the past, they were Mengshe Zhao which was also called Nan Zhao because it was the west of six Zhao, Mengshou Zhao, Shilang Zhao, Langqiong Zhao, Dengfu Zhao and Yuexi Zhao. In 737 A.D., under the support of Tang Dynastic, Nan Zhao unified six Zhao, built up the political power of the Nan Zhao and belonged to Tang Dynasty, it was the same as Tang Dynasty, there were 13 emperors of Nan Zhao, it had 253 years from 649 A.D. to 902 A.D. If from 737 A.D. when Nan Zhao was established, it had 165 years.

In Song Dynasty, a person whose last name was Duan built up the Dali Country, which belonged to Song. It lasted 317 years from 936 A.D. to 1253 A.D. There were 3 brief places of country of political power which were Dachanghe Country, Datianxing Country and Dayining Country before Dali Country. In Yuan Dynasty, Yunnan Province was established, the political center of Yunnan moved to Kunming from Dali. At the beginning of Yuan Dynasty, Dali set Dalishangwanhu Mansion and Dalixiawanhu Mansion, they are equal to first-degree organization of state now, later they were chang Dalilu. The Junmin Mansion of Heqing Road which governed Jianchuan Country was established in Heqing.

In Ming Dynasty, there were 3 mansions which were Dali, Menghua and Heqing, 4 states which were Binchuan, Yunlong, Zhaozhou and Dengchuan, 6 countries which were Taihe, Langqiong, Yunnan, Jianchuan, Dingbian and Yongping, 1 Shierzgangguansi which is Chuchang of Xiangyun now in Dali State. In Qing Dynasty, basic hand down the mansion, state and County of the Ming Dynasty, Dingbian Country which is Nanjian now that belonged the Chuxiong Mansion was given to Menghua Mansion which is Weishan now.

In 1914, cut the mansions and states as counties, there were 12 countries in Dali State. They were Dali, Fengyi, Eryuan, Jianchuan, Heqing, Yunlong, Yongping, Yangbi which was established lately, Menghua, Midu which was established lately, Xiangyun and Binchuan. At the late period of Minguo, 3 administration specialist official bureaus were established in now Weishan, Dali and Heqing. Weishan governed the most countries of region of Linchang, Dali governed the most countries of Dali State and Heqing governed the countries of region of Lijiang River.

In January of 1950, in the Dali and Menghua each established the Dali specialty area specialist official bureau and the Shenxi people administration specialist official bureau receives to turn the area office, which belonged to the people’s government of Yunnan Province. The Dali specialty area governed Dali, Dengchuan, Eryuan, Fengyi, Yangbi of Binchuan, 7 counties of Yongping and the Xiaguan area; The Menghua area office governed Menghua, cancel to receive to turn to do the place particularly, merge to establish the Dali specialty area specialist official bureau with Dali specialty area, allot Mianning and Jingdong 2 counties to think the Simao specialty area, take Menghua, Shunning and Yunxian 3 counties in Dali specialty area, at the same time, take the Yunlong of Baoshan specialty area , Xiangyun, Mindu of Chuxiong specialty area to Dali specialty area.In 1956, take Yunxian, Fengqing to the region of Linchang, take Heqing, Jianchuan to Dali specialty area. In November of 1956, canceled the Dali specialty area and established the Dali Bai Nationality Autonomous State.

In 1965, cut the south region of Weishan County, established Yi Nationality Autonomous Country of Nanjian. In 1983, Dali Country and Xiaguan City were mergered to establish Dali City. In 1985, cancel the Yangbi County, establish the Yi Nationality Autonomous Country of Yangbi. In 1997, the Dali Bai Nationality Autonomous State governed 1 city and 11 countries which were Dali City, Yi Nationality Autonomous Country of Yangbi, Xiangyun Country, Binchuan Country, Mindu Country, Yi Nationality Autonomous Town of Weishan, Yongping Country, Yunlong Country, Eryun Country, Jianchuan Country and Heqing Country.

A Glimpse of Dali Old Town: Bai architecture

According to literature, Dali Ancient City was a gateway to the Silk Road in Southwest China,and also served as a seat of government and a major military barracks for Yunnan Province in ancient times.There were four city gates facing West, East,North and South,upon which a gate tower set.Four further towers were also placed at the four corners of the city wall. As it underwent many phases of prosperity as well as decline,only the city base remained till today.The North and the South Towers were restored in 1982.

Dali Old Town is famous for traditional Bai-style architecture.The Bai are one of the 56 ethnic groups officiallyrecognized by the People’s Republic of China.In 1956,of their own will they were named the Bai Nationality by Chinese Authorities.Bai people live mostly in the provinces of Yunnan (Dali area),and in neighboring Guizhou and Hunan provinces.Eighty percent of Bai population of China lives in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province.The Bai people hold the white colour in high esteem and call themselves “Baipzix”,“Baip’ho”,or “Baip yinl”,or “Miep jiax”.In Chinese “bai”means white.

Traditional Bai-style dwelling consists of three houses forming a “U” and a fourth wall as a screen with a courtyard in the middle.The houses are usually built with brick and wood,and the main room is in the middle,opposite the screen wall.The screen wall is built with brick and stone.There’s a practical use for that wall.When the sun shines on the screen wall in the afternoon the sunlight is reflected back to the courtyard,thus illuminating the whole area.

There is a Bai saying,“Pebbles make walls that never collapse.”That’s why some people build up their homes by selecting pebbles from the streams that flow down from the Cangshan Mountain and mixing them with mud.These homes are usually topped with mud brick walls and sealed with a mud and grass plaster mix.The foundation of a Bai building is usually constructed of rectangular stones.The stones often weigh in excess of 600 pounds each.

The house is painted in white with black tile paintings depicting animals and nature.The detailing usually is made of clay sculpture,woodcarving,colored drawing,stone inscription,marble screened and dark brink.

Gates are decorated with colorful paintings depicting various stories.Sometimes these include marble slabs,and even valued porcelain plates to show the owner’s wealth.

Walls are usually painted in white which serves as a reflecting wall to bring in sunshine and warmth.Often people paint prosperous sayings such as ‘Fu’ (fortune), ‘Shou’ (longevity),or ‘Xi’ (happiness). 

Construction of the house is a village and family affair.Ground is broken on carefully chosen prosperous days of the Lunar calendar.Local religious leaders will often visit the site in advance and make the selection based on Feng Shui.Building begins with a party,with friends and neighbors gathering to help raise the first timbers.After upholding other rituals,the work waits for another day as a feast to celebrate the beginning of the new constructions is held.

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