Dali Lingshan Yihuifang Archway of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Lingshan Yihuifang Archway of Jizu Mountain in Dali(宾川鸡足山灵山一会坊).
Chinese Name: 宾川鸡足山灵山一会坊
English Name: Lingshan Yihuifang Archway of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali

Location:

Overview

The Compound of Ma Family (马家大院) is a classic Bai ethnic residence that is the most well-preserved traditional building in Kunming (昆明市). It was awarded the 2001 Cultural Heritage Conservation Award by UNESCO for the Asia-Pacific region.

Located on the serene alley of Silver Cabinet Lane (小银柜巷) in the old streets of Kunming, this residence is also known as “Jinlan Tea Garden” (金兰茶苑). It was originally the home of Ma Jun (马鉁), a prominent general of the Yunnan Army (滇军) and a national defense elder from Eryuan (洱源). Construction began in 1923, and Mr. Ma served as the first mayor of Kunming, moving his family into the new home in 1924.

Construction Details

• Construction Year: 1923
• Area: 1,146 m²
• Location: No. 36, Jingxing Street (景星街), Kunming City (昆明市), Yunnan Province (云南省)

Architectural Introduction

The Compound of Ma Family is situated at No. 36 Jingxing Street and was constructed in 1923. It faces south and covers a total area of 1,146 square meters. This architectural marvel is designed in the “four courtyards and five patios” style, featuring a brick and wood structure known as “zhuoma zhuanjiao” (走马转角楼).

The compound consists of two stories of wooden buildings interconnected, with a central courtyard measuring 200 square meters, adorned with flowers, plants, and stone water tanks. Four small patios are also present at the corners of the building. The architecture showcases intricate wood carvings and stone sculptures, typical of the Bai ethnic group, embodying the classic structure of “three halls and one screen wall” (三坊一照壁).

From the perspective of the main gate and the layout, the compound exhibits characteristics similar to the “One Seal” (一颗印) houses in Kunming, where the entrance is aligned with the central axis of the opposite structure. The entire building is oriented from north to south, creating a tranquil environment.

Professor Zhao Chen (赵辰) from Nanjing University (南京大学) and Swiss experts have conducted extensive research on this typical residence. They believe that it is not merely an old house but a successful exemplar of Chinese historical and cultural heritage in the eyes of foreigners.

Conservation Measures

In 2003, the Compound of Ma Family was announced as a municipal cultural heritage protection unit, emphasizing its significance in preserving Yunnan’s architectural history.

Overview

The Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁, Yù Huáng Gé) architectural complex was first constructed in the 52nd year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign (1713 AD). This complex primarily includes Yuhuang Pavilion, Guanyin Temple (观音寺, Guān Yīn Sì), Sanchong Temple (三崇庙, Sān Chóng Miào), Caishen Hall (财神殿, Cái Shén Diàn), and the Zhengjie Archway of Zhang Sanniang (张三娘贞节牌坊, Zhāng Sān Niáng Zhēn Jié Pái Fāng). It integrates elements of Taoism (道教, Dào Jiào), Buddhism (佛教, Fó Jiào), and folk beliefs (本主教, Běn Zhǔ Jiào), showcasing immense artistic and aesthetic value.

Historical Significance

The Yuhuang Pavilion architectural complex is located on a small hill not far from the northwest outskirts of Caojian Town. According to the “Stele of Yuhuang Pavilion” (玉阁常住碑记, Yù Gé Cháng Zhù Bēi Jì), the construction of Yuhuang Pavilion began in 1713, making it nearly 300 years old today. This ancient complex includes several significant structures that collectively represent the grandeur of local religious architecture.

The main structures of the complex are:

• Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁, Yù Huáng Gé)
• Guanyin Temple (观音寺, Guān Yīn Sì)
• Wangmu Temple (王母寺, Wáng Mǔ Sì)
• Sanchong Temple (三崇庙, Sān Chóng Miào)
• Caishen Hall (财神殿, Cái Shén Diàn)
• Zhang Sanniang’s Chastity Archway (张三娘贞节牌坊, Zhāng Sān Niáng Zhēn Jié Pái Fāng)

Recent Developments

In recent years, the local government has adhered to the principle of “repairing the old as the old” to restore and reconstruct these ancient buildings, maintaining their original scale and style. Significant restoration work has been completed for both Yuhuang Pavilion and Guanyin Temple, transforming these historical sites into popular destinations for relaxation and tourism.

Recommended One-Day Tour Route in Yunlong County

• Yunlong National Forest Park (云龙国家森林公园, Yún Lóng Guó Jiā Sēn Lín Gōng Yuán)
• Caojian Yuhuang Pavilion Taoist Architectural Complex (漕涧玉皇阁道教建筑群, Cáo Jiàn Yù Huáng Gé Dào Jiào Jiàn Zhù Qún)
• Achang Ethnic Cultural Heritage Center (阿昌族民族文化传习所, Ā Chāng Zú Mín Zú Wén Huà Chuán Xí Suǒ)
• Xiazhaotang Hot Springs (下澡塘温泉, Xià Zǎo Táng Wēn Quán)
• Caojian Old Street (漕涧老街, Cáo Jiàn Lǎo Jiē)

How to Get There

Yuhuang Pavilion is accessible from Dali City. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Caojian Town, which is approximately a 30-minute drive from the city. The nearest bus station provides regular services to Caojian Town, making it convenient for travelers.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting due to pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the complex and surrounding areas.
• Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on tasting local dishes in Caojian Town, including traditional Achang cuisine.
• Respect Local Customs: As this complex holds significant cultural and religious value, dress modestly and maintain a respectful demeanor while visiting.
• Photography: Capture the intricate architectural details and scenic views around the pavilion. However, be mindful of any restrictions on photography inside religious sites.

Chinese Name:西畴县牛羊太平桥
English Name:Niuyang Taiping Bridge in Xichou County, Wenshan
Niu Yang Taiping Bridge, located in Xingjie Village, Laojie Village, Xichou County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, spans the Chouyang River. It was built in the 13th year of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1748) and has been continuously maintained and repaired since then. The bridge features a sophisticated wooden beam covered gallery structure, showcasing unique craftsmanship. It is renowned as one of the finest examples of Zhuang-style covered bridges over the Chouyang River and stands as an important ancient bridge in Yunnan Province.

Location:

The Niuyang Taiping Bridge is located on the eastern side of Laojie Village in Xingjie Town, Xichou County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, spanning the Chouyang River.

History:

The bridge was originally constructed in the 13th year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign during the Qing Dynasty (1748). Over the years, it has undergone several repairs and reinforcements, but it remains in use to this day. The bridge is a wooden beam-covered corridor bridge, known for its intricate design and craftsmanship, making it the most significant wind and rain bridge along the Chouyang River and one of the most important ancient bridges in Yunnan.

Design:

• Dimensions: The bridge is 34.2 meters long, 3 meters wide, and 6 meters high. It is a flat bridge with four stone piers supporting the structure.
• Architecture: The bridge features a tiled roof wooden corridor with nine compartments and ten rows, supported by a cross-beam frame. Both ends of the bridge have fortress-like entrances. Inside the eastern entrance, five stone tablets document the history of the bridge’s construction, including its original build, renovations during the Xianfeng era, and additional repairs in the third year of the Xuantong Emperor’s reign. One inscription highlights the bridge’s strategic importance, stating that it was a vital route connecting the north and south, as well as a thoroughfare to the northeast.

Cultural Significance:

The Niuyang Taiping Bridge is a prime example of Zhuang ethnic architecture, renowned for its grand scale and sophisticated design. It serves as a vibrant community hub where people gather during the day to rest, embroider, or fish, and in the evening, it becomes a place where elders recount stories and young people engage in singing contests.

Legend:

The bridge’s name is tied to a local legend involving a bee king that terrorized the area by devouring livestock and children. The villagers sought help from the deity Zhou Meng, who burned the bee king alive with a mix of dry chili powder and hay at its cave entrance. The river was named Niuyang River after the livestock, and the bridge was named Niuyang Taiping Bridge in honor of the river. The river was later renamed Chouyang River in the late Qing Dynasty.

Scenic Beauty:

The bridge is likened to a rainbow on earth, embodying historical changes and cultural richness. Standing on the ancient bridge offers breathtaking views of lush peaks, vast rice fields, and sparkling waters below, evoking a sense of tranquility and exhilaration that leaves visitors deeply enchanted.

Chinese Name: 严家大院
Location: 1 Fuchunli, Sifang Street, Xizhou Old Town, Dali
Occupation: 2478 square meters

Dali Yan Family Compound in Xizhou Town travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Yan Family Compound in Dali.

Before Visit to Yan Family Compound:

Thirty-three kilometers from Xiaguan and by the side of Erhai Lake lies the town of Xizhou. Historically, it was a military fortress of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom as well as the Nanzhao King’s temporary palace. Because of its favourable geographical situation, before 1949 the town used to be a commercial center that was home to more than 140 national capitalist families including the successful Yan, Dong, the Yin and Yang families. In recent years, streets and roads have been widened, new markets have been established, and a scene of prosperity prevails. In 1988, one of the Yang family’s compounds was opened to foreign visitors and was called “Xizhou Tianzhuang” (Countryside Villa at Xizhou) by the Tourist Bureau of Dali Prefecture.

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