Tandimo Village of Taiyi Yi Minority Town in Dali City, Dali

Chinese Name：大理白族自治州大理市太邑彝族乡桃树村委会坦底么
English Name: Tandimo Village of Taiyi Yi Minority Town in Dali City, Dali

Tandimo Village (坦底么村) is a natural village under the administration of Taoshu Village Committee (桃树村委会) in Taiyi Yi Minority Township (太邑彝族乡), Dali City (大理市), Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省).

• Area: 1.53 km²

• Altitude: 1,340 meters

• Climate: Average annual temperature 15.2°C, annual rainfall 940 mm

• Location: 7 km from the Taoshu Village Committee, 15 km from the township government

• Recognition: In 2020, the village was listed as a candidate unit for the First Batch of Ethnic Unity and Progress Demonstration Villages in Yunnan Province.

Tucked deep in the mountains, Tandimo is often described as a hidden paradise, a tranquil Bai (白族) settlement where time flows quietly, preserving both landscape and culture.

Origin of the Village Name

The name “Tandimo” (坦底么) comes from the Bai language, meaning “the village beneath a large pond.” This reflects the village’s close relationship with its surrounding water and mountain environment.

Traditional Bai Architecture

The village is built against the mountains and facing rivers, harmoniously blending with its natural surroundings of ancient trees, old wells, fields, streams, and hills.

• Houses are mostly in the “Three Rooms and One Screen Wall” (三坊一照壁) style.

• Structures are made of earth-wood or brick-wood, with whitewashed walls, grey tiles, and colorful Bai ethnic paintings.

• The layout of streets and alleys adapts to the terrain, creating a sense of rhythm and balance.

Walking through the stone-paved alleys, one hears the crisp sound of footsteps echoing off the walls, as if stepping into a world of timeless serenity.

Cultural and Historical Heritage

Tandimo preserves a number of important cultural and religious sites:

• 1 ancient well

• 6 ancient trees

• Benzhu Temple (本主庙) dedicated to local Bai deities

• Guanyin Temple (观音庙)

The village retains its authenticity in architecture, daily life, and historical landscape, representing the essence of Bai traditional culture.

Natural Resources

• Farmland: 165 acres in total, with 1.05 acres per capita. Main crops include grains and aloe vera.

• Forest land: 1,990.65 acres, of which 314.22 acres are economic forest areas (2.23 acres per capita). Main produce includes walnuts.

• Unused mountainous land: 140 acres.

This balance of agriculture, forestry, and ecological farming ensures both subsistence and economic development.

Recognition and Honors

On July 3, 2020, Tandimo Village was selected as a candidate for the First Batch of Ethnic Unity and Progress Demonstration Units in Yunnan Province (云南省民族团结进步示范单位). This honor highlights the village’s efforts in poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and ethnic cultural preservation.