History of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), commonly known as Dali Prefecture (大理州), lies between the majestic Cangshan Mountains (苍山) and the beautiful Erhai Lake (洱海) in western Yunnan Province (云南省). It is the main homeland of the Bai ethnic group (白族) and the historic capital of both the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国) and the Dali Kingdom (大理国).

For centuries, Dali (大理) has been a crossroads linking Central China, Tibet, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, making it one of the most culturally diverse regions in Southwest China. Its long history follows a clear timeline: prehistoric settlements → Han dynasty administration → Six Zhao tribal states → Nanzhao unification → Dali Kingdom prosperity → Yuan, Ming, and Qing governance → Republican reforms → establishment of the Bai Autonomous Prefecture in 1956 → modern international tourism destination.

Prehistoric Era to the Qin and Han Dynasties: Early Settlements around Cangshan and Erhai (Prehistory – 220)

Early Tribal Societies and Bronze Civilization

Archaeological discoveries show that settlements appeared around Erhai Lake (洱海) during the Neolithic Age, including sites such as Yinsuo Island (银梭岛) and the Malong Archaeological Site (马龙遗址).

Ancestors of the Bai people (白族) and Yi people (彝族) lived in these fertile areas, practicing rice farming, fishing, and hunting. The region was historically a meeting point of several ancient ethnic groups including the Di-Qiang (氐羌), Baipu (百濮), and Baiyue (百越) peoples.

During the Bronze Age, especially in the Warring States Period (战国) and Qin Dynasty (秦朝), large numbers of bronze artifacts were discovered at the Dabona Bronze Coffin Tombs (大波那铜棺墓) in Xiangyun County (祥云县) and the Haimenkou Site (海门口遗址) in Jianchuan County (剑川县). These findings indicate that Dali had developed a sophisticated bronze culture and was part of the influence zone of the Dian Kingdom (滇国) and Kunming Kingdom (昆明国).

In 211 BC, the Qin Empire (秦朝) incorporated the region into its territory as part of the frontier of Shu Commandery (蜀郡), marking the beginning of central Chinese administration in the area.

Han Dynasty Governance

In 109 BC, during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han (汉武帝), the Yizhou Commandery (益州郡) was established. Counties such as Yeyu County (叶榆县)—located in modern Dali City (大理市)—and Yunnan County (云南县) in present-day Xiangyun County (祥云县) were created, bringing Dali formally into the imperial administrative system.

In 69 AD, after the Ailao Kingdom (哀牢国) submitted to the Eastern Han Dynasty (东汉), the Yongchang Commandery (永昌郡) was established. Dali was divided between Yizhou Commandery and Yongchang Commandery, strengthening cultural exchange between Han Chinese civilization and local ethnic cultures.

During this time, the Shu–Shendu Road (蜀身毒道)—an early branch of the Southern Silk Road (南方丝绸之路)—passed through the region, making Dali (大理) an important transportation hub in western Yunnan.

Wei, Jin, and Tang Dynasties: Tribal States and the Rise of Nanzhao (220–902)

Local Tribal Powers

During the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties (魏晋南北朝), central control weakened and local tribal alliances emerged. One of the earliest political entities was the Baizi Kingdom (白子国), established by ancestors of the Bai people (白族).

During this period, Buddhism and Daoism entered the region and gradually blended with local indigenous beliefs.

The Six Zhao Kingdoms and the Rise of Nanzhao

In the early Tang Dynasty (唐朝), the area was governed by the Yaozhou Military Command (姚州都督府). Around Erhai Lake (洱海), six tribal states emerged, collectively known as the Six Zhao Kingdoms (六诏):

• Mengshe Zhao (蒙舍诏)

• Mengsui Zhao (蒙巂诏)

• Shilang Zhao (施浪诏)

• Langqiong Zhao (浪穹诏)

• Dengdan Zhao (邓赕诏)

• Yuexi Zhao (越析诏)

In 738 AD, the ruler Piluo Ge (皮罗阁) unified the Six Zhao states with support from the Tang Dynasty (唐朝) and established the powerful Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国).

The capital was first located in Taihe City (太和城) near present-day Dali City (大理市). The Tang emperor Emperor Xuanzong (唐玄宗) recognized Piluo Ge as the King of Yunnan (云南王).

In 779 AD, the capital moved to Yangjumie City (羊苴咩城), the site of today's Dali Ancient City (大理古城). This location remained the capital of both Nanzhao and the later Dali Kingdom for nearly 500 years.

At its height, the Nanzhao Kingdom controlled territories covering modern Yunnan Province, parts of southern Sichuan, western Guizhou, and northern Myanmar (缅甸). It was one of the most powerful states in Southwest Asia, rivaling both the Tang Dynasty and the Tibetan Empire (吐蕃).

Important cultural landmarks from this era include:

• Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺三塔)

• Taihe City Ruins (太和城遗址)

These monuments remain iconic historical sites in Dali today.

Song and Yuan Dynasties: The Dali Kingdom and Mongol Conquest (937–1368)

The Dali Kingdom

In 937 AD, the Bai noble Duan Siping (段思平) overthrew the short-lived Dayining Kingdom (大义宁国) and founded the Dali Kingdom (大理国).

The capital remained in Yangjumie City (羊苴咩城)—modern Dali Ancient City (大理古城).

The name “Dali (大理)” symbolized “great governance and prosperity of the nation.”

The Dali Kingdom became famous as a Buddhist kingdom, often called the “Wonderful Fragrant Buddhist State”. Many kings later abdicated the throne to become Buddhist monks.

The kingdom maintained stable relations with the Song Dynasty (宋朝) and developed flourishing trade along the Tea Horse Road (茶马古道).

The kingdom lasted 316 years and was ruled by 22 kings, making it one of the longest-lasting ethnic minority regimes in Chinese history.

A major artistic treasure from this era is the Scroll of Zhang Shengwen (张胜温画卷), a famous historical painting depicting Buddhist ceremonies.

Mongol Conquest and Yuan Rule

In 1253, Kublai Khan (忽必烈) led Mongol forces across the Jinsha River (金沙江) and captured Yangjumie City (羊苴咩城), ending the Dali Kingdom.

In 1270, the Dali Route Military and Civil Administration Office (大理路军民总管府) was established under the Yuan Dynasty (元朝) and incorporated into the Yunnan Province Administration (云南行省).

The Yuan government implemented a Tusi chieftain system (土司制度), allowing descendants of the Duan family (段氏) to rule locally while imperial officials supervised governance.

Ming and Qing Dynasties: Imperial Administration and Cultural Prosperity (1368–1911)

Ming Dynasty Reforms

In 1382, the Ming Dynasty (明朝) defeated the remaining Duan rulers and established the Dali Prefecture (大理府). The Ming government implemented the Gaitu Guiliu policy (改土归流), replacing hereditary chieftains with centrally appointed officials.

Major administrative centers included:

• Dali Prefecture (大理府)

• Heqing Prefecture (鹤庆府)

• Menghua Prefecture (蒙化府) in modern Weishan County (巍山县).

During this period, Confucian academies, temples, and administrative buildings were constructed. The interaction between Han Chinese culture and Bai culture created distinctive traditions such as:

• Bai Ethnic Opera (白族调)

• Dabenqu Narrative Singing (大本曲).

Meanwhile, Jizu Mountain (鸡足山) became a major Buddhist sacred mountain, and Weibao Mountain (巍宝山) developed into an important Daoist sacred site.

Qing Dynasty Stability

The Qing Dynasty (清朝) continued the Ming administrative system, maintaining Dali Prefecture as a key political and military center in western Yunnan.

The region's economy prospered through:

• Agriculture

• Handicrafts

• Regional trade

One famous market festival is the Third Month Fair (三月街), which originated during the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国) and continues today as one of the largest traditional markets in western Yunnan.

Dali also became a major stop along the Tea Horse Road (茶马古道).

Republican Era: Administrative Reform and War (1912–1949)

Modern County System

In 1913, the Dali Prefecture system was abolished and replaced by counties. Taihe County (太和县) was renamed Dali County (大理县).

Other counties established during this period included:

• Fengyi County (凤仪县)

• Xiangyun County (祥云县)

• Midu County (弥渡县)

• Binchuan County (宾川县)

• Yongping County (永平县)

• Yunlong County (云龙县)

• Eryuan County (洱源县)

• Jianchuan County (剑川县)

• Heqing County (鹤庆县)

• Yangbi County (漾濞县)

• Menghua County (蒙化县).

War of Resistance against Japan

During 1942–1945, Japanese forces invaded western Yunnan. Dali (大理) became a rear base for Chinese resistance forces.

Local residents helped construct sections of the Burma Road (滇缅公路) and supported Chinese expeditionary troops.

The war also introduced modern infrastructure, education, and healthcare, accelerating social transformation in the region.

Liberation

On December 9, 1949, Lu Han (卢汉) announced the peaceful uprising of Yunnan Province (云南省), and Dali (大理) was peacefully liberated.

In 1950, Dali Special Administrative Region (大理专区) was established with 14 counties under its jurisdiction.

Modern Era: Establishment of the Bai Autonomous Prefecture (1956–Present)

Creation of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

On November 16, 1956, the Chinese government approved the establishment of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州).

The prefectural capital was located in Xiaguan City (下关市), now part of Dali City (大理市).

The new prefecture initially administered one city and twelve counties, marking the beginning of ethnic regional autonomy for the Bai people (白族).

Administrative Adjustments

In 1983, Xiaguan City (下关市) merged with Dali County (大理县) to form Dali City (大理市).

Today the prefecture administers:

• Dali City (大理市)

• Xiangyun County (祥云县)

• Binchuan County (宾川县)

• Midu County (弥渡县)

• Yongping County (永平县)

• Yunlong County (云龙县)

• Eryuan County (洱源县)

• Jianchuan County (剑川县)

• Heqing County (鹤庆县)

• Yangbi Yi Autonomous County (漾濞彝族自治县)

• Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County (巍山彝族回族自治县)

• Nanjian Yi Autonomous County (南涧彝族自治县).

Modern Cultural and Tourism Destination

In 1982, Dali City (大理市) was listed as one of China’s first National Historic and Cultural Cities.

In 2025, Dali Prefecture (大理州) was awarded the title “East Asian Cultural City.”

Today, the region is known as:

• A national cultural and ecological protection zone

• A world-class tourism destination

• A major economic hub in western Yunnan.

Tourism highlights include Cangshan Mountains (苍山), Erhai Lake (洱海), and Dali Ancient City (大理古城).

Cultural Highlights of Dali

Historic Capitals of Southwest China

Dali served as the capital of both the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国) and the Dali Kingdom (大理国) for nearly 500 years.

Famous historical landmarks include:

• Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺三塔)

• Taihe City Ruins (太和城遗址)

• Dali Ancient City (大理古城).

Ethnic Diversity

While the Bai people (白族) form the majority, the region is also home to Yi (彝族), Hui (回族), Lisu (傈僳族) and other ethnic groups.

Important cultural traditions include:

• Raosanling Festival (绕三灵)

• Torch Festival (火把节)

• Shibaoshan Singing Festival (石宝山歌会)

• Traditional Bai architecture and tie-dye craft (扎染).

Religious Heritage

Dali is home to multiple religious traditions including:

• Theravada Buddhism (南传佛教)

• Chinese Buddhism (汉传佛教)

• Tibetan Buddhism (藏传佛教)

• Daoism (道教).

Major sacred mountains include Jizu Mountain (鸡足山), Weibao Mountain (巍宝山), and the Shibaoshan Grottoes (石宝山石窟).

Ancient Trade Routes

Dali stands at the crossroads of the Southern Silk Road (蜀身毒道) and the Tea Horse Road (茶马古道), connecting China with South and Southeast Asia.

Cultural Symbols

Historic place names such as Yeyu (叶榆) and Yangjumie (羊苴咩) reflect the deep historical layers of the region.

The famous phrase “Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon” (风花雪月)—referring to Xiaguan Wind (下关风), Shangguan Flowers (上关花), Cangshan Snow (苍山雪), and Erhai Moon (洱海月)—has become a poetic symbol of Dali’s natural beauty.