Nandian Xuanfu Chieftain Office in Lianghe County, Dehong

 ?History & Significance

Establishment & Development
First established in the first year of Emperor Xianfeng's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1851), the Nandian Pacification Commissioner’s Office was expanded over 84 years by three successive native chieftains (Tusi) of the Dao Gong clan of the Dai ethnic group. Completed in 1935, it once governed a vast region that included present-day Lianghe County and its surroundings.

Cultural Value
Recognized as one of the most well-preserved Tusi architectural complexes in China, the site uniquely blends the spatial structure of traditional Han Chinese yamen with Dai architectural craftsmanship. It is acclaimed as the “Mini Forbidden City of the Dai People” and the “Number One Official Residence in Western Yunnan.” It was listed as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit in 1996 and designated a National 4A Tourist Attraction in 2004.

Architecture & Features

Layout & Structure
The site covers an area of 10,625 square meters, with 7,780 square meters of constructed space. It follows a five-courtyard, four-compound layout and includes 47 buildings and 149 rooms, encompassing public halls, conference chambers, prisons, armories, and the residence for the chieftain’s daughter.
The fourth courtyard is symbolically constructed with different woods: the main hall with chestnut, the left wing with Chinese mahogany, and the right wing with Catalpa wood — representing upright governance across time.

Artistic Characteristics
The complex features double-eaved hipped roofs covered with simple tiles, ridges adorned with glazed reliefs of birds and beasts, massive beams, and ornately carved doors — all showcasing the fusion of Han and Dai architectural traditions.
Among the site’s valuable relics are remnants of royal carriages, palm-leaf manuscripts, and ceremonial attire worn by the Tusi officials.

Cultural Experience Highlights

Immersive Courtyard Theater
New in 2025: Dehong Zhuyue Cultural Tourism has launched an immersive courtyard performance project, combining traditional Dai and Jingpo dances with hulusi (gourd flute) music. Through lighting and set design, the show recreates scenes from the Tusi era. (The installation period lasts 60 days, with services available through September 2025.)

Microcosm of the Tusi System
The complex embodies a strict hierarchical layout: the Tusi could hold a fourth-rank imperial title (with special border privileges). The grand hall features a plaque inscribed with “Guarding Our Frontier,” signifying its political and military importance.
Spaces such as the Daughter’s Pavilion and the Seal Hall vividly restore the noble lifestyle of the Dai aristocracy.

Practical Visitor Information

⚠️ Visitor Tips

Safety
Some areas, such as the prison and armory, have uneven floors and steps — watch your footing.

Cultural Respect
Do not touch exhibited artifacts or climb architectural structures.

Project Notice
During the setup of the courtyard theater (July–September 2025), some areas may be temporarily closed. Please check ahead for the latest updates.

✨ Signature Experiences

Walk through five grand courtyards and feel the power of the Tusi legacy →
Touch the "chestnut, mahogany, and catalpa" pillars to decode ancient Dai construction wisdom →
Stand in the fourth hall and imagine the century-long reign of the Dao Gong family through the seasons of history

Nearby Attractions

Nandian Dragon Pool
The Dragon Pool is like an open fan. There are more than 700 meters around the lake. Around the lake, it is a prefabricated fence carved with birds and beasts, dragons and the Ninth Heaven patterns. There are seven pavilions standing beside the pool. The pavilion is enriched with the artistic style of the southern misty rain and the waterside pavilion. It is simple and elegant, with a patchwork structure, exquisite structure, unique arches, unique craftsmanship, leisure in the pavilion, dancing and playing chess, playing the violin, dating, and viewing and enjoying the fish in the lake. It is a place where leisure and entertainment are integrated. It is also a hotbed for viewing the scenery of the Dragon Pool.