Weishan Confucius Temple in Dali

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📍 Location & Overview

Located inside the West Gate of Weishan Ancient Town in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, the Weishan Confucian Temple (巍山文庙) lies between Mengyang Park (蒙阳公园) and Nanzhao Culture Square (南诏文化广场). It’s about 60 km from Dali City and just 22 minutes by high-speed rail.
As the largest and best-preserved Confucian temple complex in western Yunnan, it spans 10,000 square meters, featuring a classic north-south axis and 13 connected courtyards that exemplify the elegance and symmetry of Ming and Qing dynasty official architecture.

🕰️ Over 600 Years of History

Origins & Expansion

Founded during the Hongwu reign (1368) of the Ming Dynasty

Underwent multiple restorations in the Tianshun and Chenghua eras

Significantly expanded under the Du Wenxiu regime, led by Li Fangyuan (李芳园) and Ma Guozhong (马国忠), shaping the structure seen today

Changing Roles

Used as a public education office in the early Republic of China

Became a middle school in 1938

Now listed as a nationally protected heritage site

Architectural Treasures

Main Hall (Dacheng Hall, 大成殿): Single-eave hip roof with five-tier dougong brackets

Yanta Archway (雁塔坊): Triple-eaved roof resembling a bird in flight

A 540-year-old Chinese cypress and intricately carved six-panel lattice doors narrate centuries of cultural continuity

✨ Cultural & Experiential Highlights

Ritual & Symbolism

Cross the Scholar’s Bridge over Pan Pond (泮池状元桥) — once reserved for top imperial exam achievers

Pass through the Lingxing Gate (棂星门), symbolizing academic success

Pay respect to Confucius’ statue inside the Dacheng Hall (大成殿)

Living Culture

Participate in Guoxue (classical Chinese learning) workshops

Watch live performances of Nanzhao ancient music (南诏古乐)

Try your hand at traditional woodblock printing of “Jia Ma” charms (甲马体验) in the Minglun Hall (明伦堂) — 5 RMB per print

Photography Tip

The contrast of red walls, grey tiles, and aged cypress trees offers ideal framing

Visit early morning for misty, tourist-free shots

🧭 Visitor Information

Opening Hours

08:00 – 18:00 (best time: morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh sunlight)

Ticket Price

5 RMB per person – QR code entry
Recommended combo visit with Mengyang Park (蒙阳公园)

🚗 Getting There

By High-Speed Train

Dali Station → Weishan Station

6 trains daily

22 RMB, 22 minutes

By Car

Drive via Hangrui Expressway, exit to Weishan Road

Walkable within the ancient town

🔄 Nearby Itineraries

History Trail

Nanzhao Museum (南诏博物馆) – 2 km

Xinggong Tower (星拱楼) – 1.5 km

Leisure Walk

Mengyang Park (蒙阳公园) – 200 m

Nanzhao Hutong Food Street (南诏胡同美食街) – Nearby local eats

⚠️ Travel Tips

No flash photography inside the halls

Be careful on slippery surfaces around the pond

Bring sunscreen and sun protection