Why is Jinma Biji Archways so special?

The true uniqueness of Jinma Biji Archways lies in one particular magical moment known as “Jinbi Jiaohui”: Gold and turquoise intertwining. Just before the sunset, the golden rays of the sun illuminating the Biji Archway from the west, cast its shadow on the square to the east. And at the same time, the light of the moon, just risen from the east, casts the shadow of Jinma Archway on the paving stones to the west. With the movements of the sun and moon, the shadows of the two archways gradually draw closer to finally connect, a moment known as “Jinbi Jiaohui”. 

History of The Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archway

Built in China’s Ming Dynasty, it has history of more than 400 years. Right on the central axis of old Kunming city, it is located in the center of downtown Kunming.

The Golden Horse Archway is in the east against the mountain with the same name as the archway; the Green Rooster Archway is in the west against the Green Chicken Mountain. Within a short distance of each other, the two archways are in the traditional archway styles. Together with another Loyalty Archway on the other side, these three archways shape a triangle of archway clusters. With their distinctive characteristics they present a spectacular view in the midst of surrounding downtown modern buildings.

The Name of “Jinma” and “Biji”

No one exactly knows where comes the name for the Jinma Biji archways. Some say the names of Jinma and Biji are named after the two nearby mountains called Jinma and Biji. But some goes much further. They think the Golden Horse and the Jade Rooster are the gods of the Sun and the Moon. What’s their reason? The magic moment when the shades of the Jinma and Biji approach at sunset and the rise of the moon.

Cultural of Jinma Biji Archway

The archways of Golden Horse and Jade Cock were built on an east-west axis, not far from each other. At 5 or 6 p.m. on the day when Autumn Equinox (September 22, 23 or 24 of the Gregorian calendar) and the Mid-Autumn Festival (August 15 of the lunar calendar) of the year of cock (you year. There are 12 symbolic animals associated with a 12-year cycle, often used to donate the year of a person’s birth. One of the animals is cock) happened to be the same day (it happened once every 60 years), when the sun has set and the moon is rising, the shadow of sunshine on Golden Cock becomes longer gradually and the shadow of moonlight on the Jade Cock becomes clearer [Traditional Chinese calendar calculated the passage of years, months, days and hours by combining one Heavenly Stem (tian gan in Chinese. The 10 Heavenly Stems are jia, yi, bing, ding, wu, ji, geng, xin, ren and gui) and one Earthly Branch (di zhi in Chinese. The 12 Earthly Branches are zi, chou, yin, mao, chen, si, wu, wei, shen, you, xu and hai) to form 60 unique pairs in a complete cycle. In the lunar calendar in use today, only years and days are in such cyclic pairings]. Then the shadows of Golden Cock and Jade Cock draw near bit by bit and finally become one shadow. That is the splendid scene of the overlapping shadow of Golden Horse and Jade Cock.

It is said that the phenomenon of the overlapping shadow of Golden Horse and Jade Cock appeared during the reign of Emperor Daoguang (1821-1851). Once during the reign of Emperor Guangxu (1875-1909), the shadows of Golden Horse and Jade Cock nearly overlapped but disappeared when they were only several steps apart because the two archways were not rebuilt strictly according to the original size after being destructed during war. The present archways of Golden Horse and Jade Cock were rebuilt in the 1960s strictly according to the original size. It is hopeful that the spectacle of Overlapping Shadow of Golden Horse and Jade Cock will appear some day in the future.

The archways of Golden Horse and Jade Cock have long been the symbol of Kunming. People refer to Yunnan as the homeland of Golden Horse and Jade Cock, which are the pattern for the city emblem.

Attraction in Jinma Biji Square

There are two huge arches on Jinma Biji square: Golden Horse Arch in the east and Jade Rooster in the west.

 The Eastern arch in the direction of Mount Jinma is called Jinma Archway; the Western arch in the direction of Mount Biji is called Biji Archway. Together with the northern “Zhong-Ai Gate”, in memory of Sayyid who was a famous politician in Yuan Dynasty(1271—1368), they are known as the “Pinzi Sanfang”: three gates forming the shape of the Chinese character pin, a triangular layout composed of three rectangular forms. A major landmark in central Kunming, it contrasts with the Nanzhao Kingdom Eastern and Western Pagodas, which still stand in south Kunming, representative of the architecture of a more ancient Kunming civilization.

Sun Palace

Located in the top of Yuji Island, Sun Palace(太阳宫) is the private house of dancer Yang Liping(杨丽萍) and is changed to an art hotel. Surrounded by Erhai Lake, it is very beautiful and only open to the guest of hotel. Appreciating the charming landscape around and listening to the song of lake, it must be the best place for living and enjoying life. Forget the flying time, just stay here and enjoy the sunshine.

Yang Liping（杨丽萍）

Yang Liping was born in Yunnan on November 10, 1958. She is a Chinese dance artist, vice chairman of the 10th China Dancers Association, a national first-class performer, and enjoys the State Council’s “Special Government Allowance”, also the Member of the Expert Committee of the Chinese National Folk Dance Grade Examination.

In 1971, she entered the Xishuangbanna Prefecture Song and Dance Troupe, and later transferred to the Central National Song and Dance Troupe, and was known as the “Peacock Dance”. In 1992, she became the first dancer in mainland China to perform in Taiwan. In 1994, the solo dance “The Spirit of the Bird” (雀之灵) won the gold medal in the 20th century dance classics of the Chinese nation. In 2009, she succeeded with the “Dynamic Yunnan”(云南映象) and became the first dancer in China to hold a personal dance performance.

Useful Travel Tips

Sun Palace is the art hotel. It is in high quality and over RMB 4000 every room.

It is just open to the gusts of Hotel.

Dali Huashoumen Gate 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 Huashoumen Gate of Jizu Mountain in Dali(大理鸡足山华首门).
Chinese Name: 大理鸡足山华首门
English Name: Huashoumen Gate of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali

Location:

Dali Guanyin Pavillion in Dali City 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 Guanyin Pavillion in Dali(大理洱海观音阁).
Chinese Name: 大理洱海观音阁
English Name: Guanyin Pavillion in Dali City

Location:

Dali Jingfeng Pavillion in Jianchuan 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 Jingfeng Pavillion in Dali(剑川县景风阁).
Chinese Name: 剑川县景风阁
English Name: Jingfeng Pavillion in Jianchuan County, Dali

Location:

The Story behind the Zhongai Archway

The Zhongai Archway or Archway of Loyalty and Love was solemnly standing in the downtown. It was built in early Yuan Dynasty (1280) in memory of Saiyid Ajall Shams Al-Din Umar (1211-1279), a famous Muslim politician of the early Yuan Dynasty, for his excellent administration and his great contribution to the social development and the pacification among the ethnic groups when he was in the office of the governor of Yunnan Province.

Related Events

Saiyid’s Administration in Yunnan

In the tenth year of Zhiyuan period of Yuan Dynasty (1273), Saiyid was appointed as the Governor of Yunnan Province by Emperor Shizu or Kublai Khan when he first established Yunnan Province to get rid of the inappropriate appointment of the provincial administrators and the unstable administration.

After his appointment, he visited and learned from the people who knew Yunnan’s geography and social affairs, drew the map of geography, cities and towns, posts, official farming, military farming and civil farming and places of strategy. He did immediately visit the local gentlemen and scholars for important affairs beneficial to the state and the people in order to make practical decisions and policies when he came to his office next year.

There coexisted three political powers in Yunnan at that time were Mongolian royal power, military power and Dali Duan’s power and the administration right was not unified. Saiyid adjusted the relation between the Mongolian royal officials and the provincial officials and put them together into the provincial government office, set up the local military and administrative organs together under the control of the High Pacification Commissioner’s Office, which was under the direction of provincial government. He changed the Mongolian system of Wanhu (ten Thousand households) and Qianhu (one thousand households) into Lu (Route), Fu (prefecture), Zhou (prefecture) and Xian (county) and gave the names in accordance with other provinces.

Since then, all the policies were delivered directly from the provincial government, thus the centralization control of the Mongolian Royal Administration over Yunnan was strengthened. The provincial government office was moved to Kunming from Dali and then Kunming replaced Dali as the political, economic and cultural centre of the whole province ever since.

Saiyid’s Pacification Policy to the Ethnic Hereditary Headmen

For the local upper class, Saiyid took the policy of winning the support of the people instead of military suppression. The new 37 routes followed the 37 tribes of Dali Kingdom and tried to select the local chiefs and local ethnic hereditary headmen as the officials under the route level.

When the local ethnic hereditary headman of Luopandian (Yuanjiang area of Yunnan today) launched a rebel and Saiyid adhered to the pacification policy and had the chief surrendered together with his followers. Thereafter, the local ethnic hereditary headmen of Cheli Baiyi (Xishuangbanna), Heni (Mojiang today) and Jinchi Tribe also submit to the government. For those who falsely accused against him, he comforted them instead of punishment and appointed them to be officials. He would entertain the visiting chiefs with banquet on honour and present them gifts including clothes, hats, shoes and socks and so on. By doing in such a manner he earned the support from the local ethnic hereditary headmen.

Saiyid’s Series of Measures to People’s Life and Production
Saiyid took a series of measures to stabilise the people’s livelihood and develop the production, such as balancing taxation, reducing the corvee, setting up public granary to relieve the victims of natural calamity, setting charitable houses to help the poor. He also called the exiles to go for production.

With the assistance of Zhang Daoli who was the agriculture development commissioner of Dali area, he taught the advanced techniques (of central China) for rice plantation and mulberry and jute growing, helped the Cuan tribes and Bo tribes improve the skills for raising silkworms and mulberry production to double the profits. He vigorously implemented the farming development in Dianchi Lake and Erhai Lake areas as the key farming besides the state farming and military farming. In addition, during his governorship the government also gave the land for the civil farming and even lent common people the buffalos, seeds and farming tools.

There were frequent flood disasters in the Dianchi Lake area of Kunming, and Saiyid launched to dredge the six rivers above the lake and built the Yanwei Dam and the Nanba Dam on the rivers and built the Songhuaba Dam on the Panlongjiang River. He ordered Zhang Lidao to lead 2,000 people to dredge and widen the exit river of the Dianchi Lake to drain out the water in order to relieve the water flood and improve the irrigation, which resulted in great increase of thousand hectares of new farmland.

Saiyid Promoted Communication, Economy and Education

He opened the post roads, built the post houses, prospered the markets, lowered the tax, and encouraged to use currency in order to promote the good exchange and economic change among the ethnic groups.

Though Saiyid was a Muslim, he ruled Yunnan according to the feudal culture inherent in China, Nanzhao and Dali. He first set up supervisors of Confucian schools in Kunming and Dali. In Kunming, besides building the Confucian Temple, schools and dormitories, he set up school lands, and selected children from official and rich families to the schools for study.

Saiyid passed away in 1279 at his post of Yunnan Governor at the age of 68. The historical documents described that his 6 years’ rule of Yunnan started a new administration in the province making a great contribution to the unification of the country, especially the development of Yunnan. He was retrospectively honoured as Prince Xianyang after his death and Yunnan people built a temple and the Zhongai archway in memory of him. His sons and grandsons were appointed as the governors of Yunnan in the Yuan Dynasty and his name Saiyid Ajall became the sign of the family.

His Introduce Islam to Yunnan

A large number of Muslims came to Yunnan after Saiyid was appointed to be the governor of Yunnan, which made the source of Hui ethnic groups in Yunnan and Islam introduced to Yunnan because historical records said that Saiyid was the descendent of Mohammed the father of Islam. He had many mosques built in Kunming, Dali, Lin’an, Ludian and many other places. It was said that he built twelve Mosques in Kunming among of which the well known are the Chengna Mosque at Zhengyi Road and the Yongning Mosque at Jinbi Road.

Related Arches

There are two huge arches on Jinma Biji square: Golden Horse Arch in the east and Jade Rooster in the west.

 The Eastern arch in the direction of Mount Jinma is called Jinma Archway; the Western arch in the direction of Mount Biji is called Biji Archway. Together with the northern “Zhong-Ai Gate”, in memory of Sayyid who was a famous politician in Yuan Dynasty(1271—1368), they are known as the “Pinzi Sanfang”: three gates forming the shape of the Chinese character pin, a triangular layout composed of three rectangular forms. A major landmark in central Kunming, it contrasts with the Nanzhao Kingdom Eastern and Western Pagodas, which still stand in south Kunming, representative of the architecture of a more ancient Kunming civilization.

Nearby Attraction

Jingxing Flowers and Birds Market: Located at Yongdao Street (甬道街), Jingxing Flowers and Birds Market was opened for business in 1983, gathering vendors selling flowers, birds, fish and so on, and finally became the biggest flowers and birds market in Kunming. Local people of the city, especially children getting pocket money during the Spring Festival, like wandering around this oldest flowers and birds market to buy the merchandise they like or shop with eyes only. 

Yuantong Temple: It is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Kunming with a history of more than 1200 years. It is also the largest temple in Kunming.

Kunming Zoo: It’s also called Yuantong Mountain Zoo, located in the Yuantong Mountain, northern section of Qingnian Road, northeast of Kunming city. Founded in 1953, with about 200 kinds of Yunnan specialty animals and rare animals in the world, Kunming zoo is one of the national top ten zoos and seven major zoos in China. 

How to Get there?

By Bus

Take Bus No.120, 137, 152 to Zhongaifang Archway Station.

By Subway

Take Subway Line 1 or 2, get off at Dongfeng Square Statin and walk for about 15mins to Zhongaifang Archway Station.

Travel Tips

It is a nice place to go since many fashion shops, fancy shops, restaurants, and health clubs, pubs, pleasure grounds, supermarkets and sight-seeing minibuses cluster in the Golden Horse and Jade Cock Pedestrian Street.

Overview

Zhengyi Archway (正义坊) is located in the center of Kunming (昆明) on Zhengyi Road (正义路), situated in a prime commercial area of the city. The complex is divided into two main sections: the South Building (南馆) and the North Building (北馆). It features two underground levels and five above-ground levels. The B1 floor is known as Taobao Street (淘宝街), primarily selling clothing and various goods. The first floor mainly showcases branded apparel and jewelry, while the upper floors host clothing stores, a food street, and a cinema, creating a vibrant shopping and entertainment hub in the new Kunming.

Shopping Center Details

Zhengyi Archway is conveniently located near Jinma Biji Archway (金马碧鸡坊), marking it as a genuine city center destination. The shopping center itself, part of this golden business district, is a popular place filled with shopping malls, food streets, and cinemas, making it a new large-scale shopping and entertainment venue in Kunming. Visitors can also explore the nearby Kunming Old Street (昆明老街), which features some traditional shops.

Shopping Information

• Phone Number: 0871-68369369
• Description: The mall is built along Zhengyi Road, allowing customers to stroll from one end to the other. There are many clothing stores and restaurants, with frequent promotional activities. The open-air courtyard in the mall provides good ventilation and offers a pleasant view.

Address

100 Zhengyi Road, Wuhua District (五华区), Kunming City, Yunnan Province (云南省昆明市正义路100号).

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.

Overview

The Jade Emperor Pavilion (玉皇阁), located in Shengquan Village (胜泉村), Laojie Town (老街镇), Yongping County (永平县), is a key cultural relic protection unit at the county level. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty (明朝), it served as a Daoist (道教) site. Over time, it was gradually replaced by Buddhism (佛教) and has become an important artifact for studying the integration and development of Daoism and Buddhism in Dali (大理).

• Chinese Name: 玉皇阁
• Location: 永平县老街镇胜泉村
• Cultural Protection Level: 县级
• Year Built: 明朝

Geographical Environment

The Jade Emperor Pavilion is situated on Linghua Mountain (灵化山) in Shengquan Village, bordering Laojie Town and Longmen Township (龙门乡), approximately 7 kilometers from the county seat. The mountain is steep on three sides.

According to legend, during the Ming Dynasty, a local man named Dong Tiantai (董天台) from Yunlong (云龙) brought back a jade statue of the Jade Emperor (玉皇天尊) from Myanmar. When he passed through Shengquan Village, the bridge there began to sway uncontrollably. Despite several attempts to cross, he was unable to do so. Dong Tiantai then knelt before the Jade Emperor and prayed, saying that if the Jade Emperor did not wish for him to cross the bridge, he would stop trying, and indeed, the bridge ceased to sway. Believing this was a sign from heaven, he carried the jade statue up to Linghua Mountain. Upon seeing the ancient trees and beautiful scenery surrounded by mountains, he advocated for the construction of a temple at the mountain’s summit and enshrined the jade statue there, naming it “Jade Emperor Pavilion.”

One of Yongping’s famous “Eight Scenic Views” (八景) refers to the “Linghua Huai Shadow” (灵化槐影), which symbolizes the Jade Emperor Pavilion and the Tang (唐) Sophora tree.

Fengshui Tower

Located below the Jade Emperor Pavilion is the Fengshui Tower (风水塔). This six-tiered, six-faced structure stands approximately 15 meters tall and is constructed of concrete. It was restored after 1982.

Travel Information

How to Get There

1. By Car:
   • From Dali, drive northeast to Yongping County. Follow local signs to Laojie Town, then continue to Shengquan Village. The journey offers scenic views and easy access to the pavilion.
2. Public Transport:
   • Buses operate from Dali to Yongping. From Yongping, you can take a local taxi or arrange a ride to Shengquan Village.
3. Walking:
   • For hiking enthusiasts, there are trails leading up to Linghua Mountain, providing a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and vibrant scenery.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking and be prepared for changes in weather.
• Photography: Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views and unique architecture of the pavilion.
• Local Guides: Hiring a local guide can enhance your visit, providing deeper insights into the history and significance of the site.

Overview

The Jade Emperor Pavilion (玉皇阁) is located in Yongzeng Village (永增村), Xinjie Town (新街镇), Midu County (弥渡县), Yunnan Province (云南省). Originally constructed in the tenth year of the Yongzheng reign (雍正十年, 1731 AD), it underwent significant expansion in the second year of the Guangxu reign (光绪二年, 1876 AD) with funds raised by twenty villages. The expansion was completed in the third year of Guangxu (光绪三年, 1877 AD), earning it the nickname “Twenty Village Jade Emperor Pavilion” (二十村玉皇阁).

Historical Significance

The Jade Emperor Pavilion is a significant cultural relic, recognized as a Provincial Cultural Heritage Site by Yunnan Province. Covering an area of 3,866 square meters, with a construction area of 1,400 square meters, it features a complex architectural layout typical of Qing Dynasty (清) buildings, characterized by a three-courtyard axial arrangement. The site is described as “majestic,” with “towering structures that lock in the feng shui of twenty villages and provide a view of the beautiful scenery of the Midu Basin (弥川).”

In 1983, it was designated as a cultural protection unit at the county level, and in 1998, it was recognized as a provincial cultural protection unit, making it one of the three provincial-level protected sites in Midu County.

Architectural Features

The Yongzeng Jade Emperor Pavilion is a well-preserved Taoist architectural complex, nestled against the mountains and facing the Midu Basin. The layout is symmetrical along a central axis, comprising three courtyards:

1. First Courtyard: Features the mountain gate and theater—front hall with side halls to the north and south.
2. Second Courtyard: Home to the Jade Emperor Pavilion (楼阁) along with additional side rooms.
3. Third Courtyard: Consists of the main hall, ancestral hall, and two side yards housing the Dragon Shrine (龙祠).

The architectural design cleverly integrates the mountain gate and theater, creating a harmonious structure. The theater serves as a place of entertainment for the gods, creating a visual connection with the Jade Emperor Pavilion. The pavilion rises dramatically toward the sky, with a three-tiered roof transitioning from four to six corners, showcasing complex and exquisite structural design. The rear courtyard features an octagonal Dragon Pool (龙池), reflecting the Taoist Bagua (八卦) orientation. This entire ensemble represents a balance of yin and yang, forming the “eye” of the Taiji (太极).

As a historical structure, the Yongzeng Jade Emperor Pavilion embodies the social development and changes over hundreds of years, showcasing the exquisite architectural artistry of the Dali region and the wisdom of ancient craftsmen. It is regarded as a precious pearl in the cultural heritage of China.

Cultural Importance

The pavilion, also known as the Twenty Village Jade Emperor Pavilion, is composed of one main shrine, two side halls, one pavilion, six side rooms, three main halls, and includes the mountain gate and internal theater. Initially, only a Dragon Shrine and two side rooms were built. By the second year of Guangxu (光绪二年, 1876 AD), the complex was expanded through the collective funding of twenty villages and completed in 1877 (光绪三年). Despite suffering through several calamities, the structure has been preserved. It was recognized as a second batch cultural protection unit at the county level by the Midu County People’s Government in 1983, and as a fifth batch provincial cultural protection unit by the provincial government in 1998.

Location

• Address: Yongzeng Village, Xinjie Town, Midu County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China.

How to Get There

To visit the Jade Emperor Pavilion, you can travel from Dali City (大理市) to Midu County. The most convenient way is to take a bus or drive, which takes approximately 1 hour. Follow signs to Xinjie Town and then to Yongzeng Village.

Travel Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for comfortable weather and clear views.
2. Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions while visiting the site.
3. Photography: The architecture and surrounding scenery provide excellent photo opportunities, so bring a camera.
4. Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking around the site.
5. Local Cuisine: Try local dishes in nearby villages to enhance your cultural experience.

The Jade Emperor Pavilion is not only an architectural marvel but also a significant cultural heritage site, providing insight into the history and traditions of the region.

Overview

Suoshuige Pavilion (天桥营锁水阁) is located about 3 kilometers east of Mizhicheng (弥城) in Taihua Township (太花乡), nestled in Tianqiaoying Village (天桥营村). Facing east and bordered by the Shuanglong Haitang (双龙海塘) to the north, it is adjacent to the Tianxing Bridge Cultural Relics Scenic Area (天生桥文物景区). This picturesque site boasts stunning views and a tranquil environment. In 1992, it was recognized by the Midu County People’s Government (弥渡县人民政府) as a third batch of county-level cultural relic protection units.

Historical Significance

Suoshuige Pavilion was constructed in the 23rd year of the Guangxu reign (光绪二十三年, 1897 AD) through community funding. The architectural complex consists of the Suoshuige Pavilion, north and south wings, and a screen wall. The pavilion is built in a double-eave, hip-roof style, covering an area of 329.3 square meters. Inside the courtyard, notable trees include a crape myrtle (紫薇), a cypress (柏树), and a centuries-old pine (古松) with a trunk circumference of 2 meters and a height of over 10 meters, making it one of the rare ancient trees in the Midu Basin.

Cultural Context

This ancient structure is conveniently located along the main road leading to the Tianxing Bridge Cultural Relics Scenic Area, making it an ideal and serene stop for visitors. With over a century of history, the pavilion has undergone numerous renovations. In the early 1980s, it served as a village school, and between 1994 and 1995, community funding enabled protective renovations, including the use of blue bricks for the pavilion’s walls. The original architectural layout has been well-preserved to this day.

Address

Yunnan Province, Dali Prefecture, Midu County, Midu Town (云南省大理州弥渡县弥渡镇)

How to Get There

To reach Suoshuige Pavilion, visitors can take a bus or drive from Dali City (大理市) to Midu County. The journey typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Follow signs toward Taihua Township, and once in the area, look for Tianqiaoying Village.

Travel Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for exploring.
2. Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local specialties in Midu County, such as grilled fish and Yunnan rice noodles.
3. Photography: Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty of the pavilion and surrounding landscapes.
4. Respect Local Customs: Engage respectfully with local traditions and heritage.
5. Plan Ahead: Ensure to check local weather conditions and any travel advisories before your trip.

Suoshuige Pavilion is not just a cultural relic but a serene getaway that reflects the rich history and natural beauty of the region, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Dali.

Introduction

Haixin Pavilion (海心亭) is located at 1102 Binhai Avenue (滨海大道), Dali City (大理市), Yunnan Province (云南省), and is part of the AAAA-level Erhai Park (洱海公园). This scenic spot, known for its swimming area and popular photo opportunities, is situated near the city center and is recognized as a landmark of the area. It offers an ideal location for photographers and visitors alike, being built atop “Tuan Mountain” (团山).

Historical Background

Erhai Park features a small oval hill resembling “Tuan Mountain,” which is why it is also referred to as Tuan Mountain Park (团山公园). In the 8th century, this area served as a deer breeding ground for the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国) and was known as Xilong Mountain (息龙山). Among the four famous pavilions by Erhai Lake, Zhu Hai Pavilion (珠海阁) stands out, and Haixin Pavilion is well-known among locals. For the residents of Dali, the pavilion is filled with nostalgic memories, while for seagulls and tourists, it represents endless expectations.

In the early 1970s, the Dali municipal government allocated special funds to expand Tuan Mountain Park, constructing various facilities including the Haixin Pavilion, a geological pavilion, cherry blossom pavilion, and others. This expansion improved the infrastructure of the park, enhancing the recreational experience for visitors.

Architectural Features

Haixin Pavilion offers stunning views of the mountains and the lake, serving as an ideal location for sightseeing, bird-watching, and romantic getaways. The pavilion’s design resembles a hand reaching out toward Erhai Lake (洱海), connected by a long reddish walkway that forms a heart shape. The vibrant colors of the pavilion stand out against the blue sky and lake, making it a striking feature of the landscape.

Local residents often visit Haixin Pavilion, especially on sunny days, enjoying the warm lake breeze and beautiful surroundings. The pavilion is adorned with red railings and pillars, inviting visitors to linger and appreciate the tranquil atmosphere.

Seasonal Highlights

During winter, the water temperature of Erhai Lake remains around 7°C, making it popular for winter swimming. The area attracts many visitors, particularly at Lover’s Lake (情人湖), a bustling location near Haixin Pavilion where people gather to swim and enjoy the scenic views. The winter months also see the arrival of Siberian red-billed gulls (西伯利亚红嘴鸥), transforming Haixin Pavilion into a prime spot for birdwatching from November to March.

How to Get There

Haixin Pavilion is conveniently located along Binhai Avenue in Dali City. Visitors can easily access it by taking Bus No. 6 and disembarking at the Ming Shi Jie stop. It is a short walk from there to the pavilion.

Travel Tips

1. Prepare for Wind: The sea breeze can be strong, so be mindful of personal items like hats that may be blown away.
2. Sun Protection: Dali has high UV levels; apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing before heading out.
3. Photography: The best times for photography are during sunrise and sunset when the lighting is optimal.
4. Local Cuisine: Try local dishes available at nearby restaurants along Binhai Avenue, especially fresh fish from the lake.
5. Respect Wildlife: While enjoying the seagulls and other wildlife, maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them.

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