The salty water from the well is cooked till all water has evaporated and the clear white salt remains. This is done in the traditional way in large metal pans on a wood fire. The salt is pressed in cones for transport and sale.
Because of their salt Nuodeng was an important place on the ancient trade routes, even several of the bridges in the area are paid for with money from the salt trade.
Nuodeng, outpost on the Tea Horse Road
This 2,000 year-old, historically and culturally rich mountain stronghold was once one of the richest of its kind in China. Situated 100 kilometers west of Dali, Nuodeng is famous for its salt wells, which were the largest source of revenue for people in western Yunnan during the Ming Dynasty. Later, the hamlet became an integral stop on the old Tea Horse Road — connecting, among others, Dali to the east, Tengchong and Baoshan to the south, Myanmar to the west, and Lijiang and Tibetan outposts to the north.
The rich legacy of this ancient town still lives in its relics — its weather-beaten buildings, tombs and temples. Once one gains an insight into the age-old etiquette of the village folks, they will get to experience a slice of authentic China.
This time-warped, remote village has retained its quintessential essence since the Tang Dynasty. Travelers here can witness the culture, traditions and history of an era preserved in the purest of forms. Even the layout of the town has escaped the blows of time and modernity, and this is perhaps what is most unique about Nuodeng.
The village is sprinkled with elegant residential courtyard homes as well as buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its Jade Emperor Pavilion, Confucian Temple, Wu Temple, and Dragon King Temple are all historic relics that are definitely worth a visit. Also, before leaving the village, travelers should make sure they have visited the local Salt Bureau and the sites in and around the town’s once-bottomless well. These embody the prosperity of a town which lived and breathed the salt it produced in the past.
Location Map of Nuodeng Old Town in Dali
Tourist Attractions Map of Nuodeng Old Town in Dali
Being around 350 kilometers from the Lijiang City(丽江市), Nuodeng Old Town(诺邓古镇)is known for its ancient building and street, as well as special local ham product. It is also one of the most famous scenic areas in Yunnan, which can be easily reached by coach, train, and plane.
Please be noted that you will still need to transfer to Nuodeng Old Town(诺邓古镇) after you have arrived at Dali Ancient Town(大理古城).
However, it is absolutely important for you to reach a deal with the coach or taxi driver before departure.
Everyday, there will be about 33 coaches departing from Lijiang Ancient Town(丽江古城), and Lijiang Sanyi Airport (丽江三义机场). The schedule is listed as follows:
Time of Departure | Station of Departure | Duration | Ticket Price |
08:20 |
Ancient Town |
3 hrs | CNY 118 |
08:50 | Ancient Town | 2 hr 30 mins | CNY 118 |
09:00 | Ancient Town (North Gate) |
2 hr 30 mins | CNY 112 |
09:10 | Ancient Town (South Gate) |
3 hrs | CNY 118 |
09:30 | Ancient Town | 2 hr 30 mins | CNY 118 |
09:30 | Lijiang Airport | 2 hrs | CNY 115 |
09:45 | Ancient Town (North Gate) |
2 hr 30 mins | CNY 115 |
09:50 | Ancient Town | 2 hr 30 mins | CNY 118 |
10:00 | Ancient Town (North Gate) |
2 hr 30 mins | CNY 112 |
10:10 | Ancient Town (South Gate) |
3 hrs | CNY 118 |
10:50 | Ancient Town | 2 hr 30 mins | CNY 118 |
11:00 | Ancient Town (North Gate) |
2 hr 30 mins | CNY 112 |
11:10 | Ancient Town (South Gate) |
3 hrs | CNY 118 |
11:50 | Ancient Town | 2 hr 30 mins | CNY 118 |
12:00 | Ancient Town (North Gate) |
2 hr 30 mins | CNY 112 |
12:00 | Ancient Town | 2 hr 30 mins | CNY 115 |
12:50 | Ancient Town (South Gate) |
3 hrs | CNY 118 |
12:50 | Ancient Town | 2 hr 30 mins | CNY 118 |
13:00 | Ancient Town (North Gate) |
2 hr 30 mins | CNY 112 |
13:40 | Ancient Town (South Gate) |
3 hrs | CNY 118 |
13:50 | Ancient Town | 2 hr 30 mins | CNY 118 |
14:00 | Ancient Town (North Gate) |
2 hr 30 mins | CNY 112 |
14:50 | Ancient Town (South Gate) |
3 hrs | CNY 118 |
14:50 | Ancient Town | 2 hr 30 mins | CNY 118 |
15:00 | Ancient Town (North Gate) |
2 hr 30 mins | CNY 112 |
15:20 | Ancient Town (South Gate) |
3 hrs | CNY 118 |
15:50 | Ancient Town | 2 hr 30 mins | CNY 118 |
16:00 | Ancient Town (North Gate) |
2 hr 30 mins | CNY 112 |
16:20 | Ancient Town (South Gate) |
3 hrs | CNY 118 |
16:50 | Ancient Town | 2 hr 30 mins | CNY 118 |
17:00 | Ancient Town (North Gate) |
2 hr 30 mins | CNY 112 |
18:00 | Ancient Town (North Gate) |
2 hr 30 mins | CNY 112 |
19:00 | Ancient Town (North Gate) |
2 hr 30 mins | CNY 126 |
Address of Lijiang Ancient Town:
No.1, East avenue, Na’xi Autonomous County, Gu’cheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
This ancient town can be reached by taking City Bus No.2; No.3; No.4; No.7; No. 10 [Route A]; No. 10 [Route B]; No.11; No.14; No.16; No.18; No.19; No.22; No.26; No. 27; No. 28; No. 30; No.31; No. 32; No.15 [Route A]; No. 15 [Route B] (ranges from 1-5), and the taxi fare from downtown area is around CNY 8 (according to the Chinese Uber, Didi). The expected time of arrival will be around 10 mins.
Address of Lijiang San’yi Airport:
Qi’he Town, Gu’cheng District, Li’jiang City, Yunnan Province
This airport can be reached by taking City Bus No. 27 (CNY 3) and Airport Express (CNY 20), and the taxi fare from downtown area is around CNY 82 (according to the Chinese Uber, Didi). The expected time of arrival will be around 35 mins. For your information, the Airport Express departs from Domestic Arrivals (Gate 3), and terminates at Min’hang Lan’tian Hotel (downtown).
Please be noted that you will still need to transfer to Nuodeng Old Town(诺邓古镇) after you have arrived at Dali Railway Station(大理火车站).
Everyday, there will be about 2 trains departing from Lijiang Railway Station(丽江火车站), and the schedule is listed as follows:
Train No. | Time of Departure | Duration | Ticket Price |
K6120 | 07:00 | 1 hr 59 mins |
Hard Seat-CNY 34 Soft Sleeper- CNY 105.5 Exclusive Single Suite-CNY 328.5 |
K6122 | 16:00 | 2 hr 22 mins |
Hard Seat-CNY 34 Soft Seat-CNY 49 Soft Sleeper- CNY 105.5 |
Address of Lijiang Railway Station:
Shang’ji Road, Nan’kou Industrial Park, Huang’shan Town, Yu’long County, Li’jiang City, Yunnan Province
This railway station can be reached by taking City Bus No.4, No. 16, No.18 (CNY 1-5) and the taxi fare from downtown area is around CNY 19 (according to the Chinese Uber, Didi). The expected time of arrival will be around 15 mins.
Please be noted that you will still need to transfer to Nuodeng Old Town(诺邓古镇) after you have arrived at Dali Airport(大理机场).
However, it is absolutely important for you to reach a deal with the coach or taxi driver before departure.
Everyday, there will be about 5 flights departing from Lijiang San’yi Airport(丽江三义机场)to Dali Airport(大理机场), and the schedule is listed as follows:
Flight No. | Time of Departure | Duration | Ticket Price (Economy) |
8L9837 CZ8088 |
07:20 | 5 hr 20 mins | CNY 738 |
3U8533 8L9527 |
08:45 | 5 hr 35 mins | CNY 657 |
MU5922 MU5734 |
13:05 | 5 hr 5 mins | CNY 1500 |
8L9667 8L9527 |
16:15 | 21 hr 45 mins | CNY 625 |
8L9804 MU5941 |
23:55 | 9 hr 20 mins | CNY 775 |
Still, as this transportation method is much more time-consuming (longer transfer time may apply) and much more expensive, we recommended you to take the coach or train instead if you are not in a hurry.
Address of Lijiang San’yi Airport:
Qi’he Town, Gu’cheng District, Li’jiang City, Yunnan Province
This airport can be reached by taking City Bus No. 27 (CNY 3) and Airport Express (CNY 20), and the taxi fare from downtown area is around CNY 82 (according to the Chinese Uber, Didi). The expected time of arrival will be around 35 mins. For your information, the Airport Express departs from Domestic Arrivals (Gate 3), and terminates at Min’hang Lan’tian Hotel (downtown).
Located 470 km away from Kunming Downtown and about 160 km northwest of Dali, Nuodeng(诺邓) is an aged Bai ethnic village under jurisdiction of Yunlong County of Dali Prefecture. With more than one thousand years’ history, Nuodeng has old and special salt culture, which gave birth to the time-honored Nuodeng ham. Here are different ways getting to Nuodeng Old Town.
At Kunming West Bus Station(昆明西部客运站), there is 1 long-distance bus running to Yunlong county.
Kunming-Yunlong County Bus Schedules
Departs | Duration | Tickets Price |
10:00 | 7.5h | CNY 193 |
Yunlong County– Kunming Bus Schedules
Departs | Duration | Tickets Price |
09:30 | 7.5h | CNY 175 |
Kunming West Bus Station
Add: No.18, Yining Road, Xishan District, Kunming city, Yunnan Province
How to Get: City Bus No. 82; No. 148; No. 153; No. 258; No. 908; No. Z102; No. Z87; No. 80; No. 151; No. 258; No. 268; No. 908; No. C143; No. K41(ranges from CNY 1 to CNY 10), Airport Express No.919 C (approximately CNY 13), or by Taxi
Yunlong Bus Staton
Add: N0.208 Hushan Road, Yunlong County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
Outside the Yunlong Bus Staton(云龙客运站), there are tricycles and minibus for hire to get you to Nuodeng Old Town. It’s about 7 km away.
Usually more tourists will combine the visit to Nuodeng village with a Dali tour. There are three different ways of getting to Dali from Kunming. Please refer the information on How to Get to Dali From Kunming.
It’s about 160 km northwest of Dali to Yunlong County and there are 14 daily buses from Dali to Yunlong County at the Dali Express Bus Station(大理快速汽车客运站).
Dali-Yunlong County Bus Schedules
Departs | Duration | Tickets Price |
7:30, 8:10, 8:50, 9:30, 10:10, | 3h | CNY 43 |
10:50, 11:30, 12:10, 12:50 | 3h | CNY 43 |
13:30, 14:10, 14:50, 15:40, 16:30 | 3h | CNY 43 |
Yunlong County- Dali
The bus which is running from Yunlong County can not buy online. Tourist can chose to take local coach to get to Dali.
Dali Express Bus Station
Add: No.5, Jianshe East Road in Xiaguan (Dali New Town)
Yunlong Bus Staton
Add: N0.208 Hushan Road, Yunlong County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
Chinese Name: 大理白族自治州云龙县诺邓镇诺邓古村
English Name: Nuodeng Ancient Village of Nuodeng Town in Yunlong County, Dali
Nuodeng Village is located at the southern end of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas World Heritage Site, in Yunlong County, Yunnan Province, China. It is 165 kilometers from the seat of Dali Prefecture and is easily accessible. It was one of the earliest economic centers of the Bai ethnic group, the oldest village in northwest Yunnan, and is recorded in the earliest historical texts of Yunnan, such as “Manshu,” where its original name has remained unchanged. The village preserves numerous buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as the famous Yuhuangge Taoist architectural complex.
Basic Overview
Historical research indicates that Nuodeng is the oldest village in northwest Yunnan and retains its original name as recorded in “Manshu,” the earliest historical text in Yunnan. The village has few modern residential buildings but maintains many Ming and Qing dynasty structures, including the renowned Yuhuangge Taoist architectural complex.
The name “Nuodeng” in the Bai language means “hill with tigers.” This small village, which has endured through the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties over a period of 1138 years, was historically significant. “Manshu,” written during the Tang Dynasty, provides clear records of Nuodeng, indicating that it had already developed salt wells by the Tang Dynasty and relied on salt production for its livelihood.
Nuodeng, also known as “Nuodeng Well,” where “Well” refers to salt wells, played a crucial role in the salt industry. According to historical records, salt mining in Yunnan began during the Qin and Han Dynasties. From the Tang Dynasty onwards, Nuodeng Village’s development was entirely dependent on the rise and fall of the salt industry.
Due to the exceptional quality of Nuodeng salt, it has long been favored in the Baoshan and Tengchong regions. The ancient “Tea Horse Road” in Nuodeng connected to Dali, Kunming, Baoshan, Tengchong, Liuku, and Lijiang, attracting merchants from all directions and thriving economically. Nuodeng Village was once one of the commercial centers of northwest Yunnan.
The well-preserved ancient salt wells and the site of the Ming Dynasty Five Wells Salt Inspection Office are valuable resources for studying the ancient salt industry and culture of Yunnan.
Geographical Advantages
In addition to salt, Nuodeng has also “produced” scholars and talents. Despite its remote location and inconvenient transportation, the village was renowned for its cultural achievements and the number of scholars during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Nuodeng Village boasts the highest number of “jingshi” (successful imperial examination candidates) in Yunlong, with numerous “juren” (provincial degree holders), “gongsheng” (graduate students), and “xiucai” (talented individuals). During the Kangxi and Qianlong periods of the Qing Dynasty, local scholar Huang Gui became a prominent cultural figure, known as “The Confucian Luminary of Central Yunnan.”
Surrounded by mountains, Nuodeng Village has an elevation ranging from 1900 meters at the lowest point to over 2100 meters at the Yuhuangge. The terrain varies greatly, with most residential buildings situated on hillsides, except for a small flat area behind the “Dragon King Temple” on the eastern foothills. The architectural style of the village’s residences is similar to Bai-style houses in Dali, featuring layouts such as “Three Houses and One Screen Wall” and “Four Courtyards and Five Skylights.” Due to the mountainous terrain, the architecture varies creatively, harmonizing with the natural surroundings.
Nuodeng’s residential buildings emphasize exquisite craftsmanship, with detailed carvings on doors, windows, wooden beams, columns, and eaves. The gable walls and courtyard walls also feature paintings or patterns. Each family’s main house, side rooms, and screen walls have unique designs, making each house distinct. The screen walls, which are significant in Bai architecture, are tall and adapt to the natural features of the land.
The village’s “main gates” are particularly diverse in style and orientation, blending grandeur with elegance. The style of the main rooms reflects a solemn and ancient simplicity, with many households preserving furniture, antiques, and artifacts from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The existing residential buildings are mainly from the Ming and Qing periods, with a few from the Republican era.
At the mountain top Yuhuangge, one can truly feel the ancient aura of the millennia-old temple. The atmosphere around the area even gives the impression of ancient spirits lingering in the air. Nuodeng is a tranquil village, seemingly distant from the modern world, yet it is a vivid and living ancient village. The villagers are simple and friendly, reminiscent of the early days of the world. When visiting, you are often invited to join them for meals, tea, and even to stay with them.
Local people prepare their staple food with coarse rice mixed with steamed white corn flour, and the meat bone soup is so aromatic it feels like it could make your tongue melt. In leisure time, villagers invite you for tea, and as night falls, they offer to warm you by the fire and even provide a place to rest.
According to villagers, there has never been a major crime in Nuodeng Village throughout history. In Nuodeng, one can truly experience the simplicity and respect for traditions of its people.
Recommended Attractions
Yuhuang Pavilion Daoist Complex: The complex includes the Yuhuang Pavilion main hall, Maitreya Hall, Guan Yu Temple, Confucian Temple, and Lingxing Gate, all of which are Qing Dynasty temple buildings.
Huang Clan Memorial Archway: This stone archway in the village originally served as the site of the Ming Dynasty Wu Jing Supervisory Office. Later, it became a memorial archway for the Huang family, inscribed with the names of successful scholars and officials from the Huang family from the mid-Ming to the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty.
Wanshou Palace: Originally a guesthouse for merchants from outside provinces during the Yuan Dynasty, it was later converted into a temple known as “Zhushou Temple.” In the early Qing Dynasty, it was renamed “Wanshou Palace.” Some wooden framework of the ancient building still remains, and the front hall is mostly intact.
Nuodeng Village Residential Architecture: Includes the Beishan Huang Family residence and other main residential buildings in Beishan. Built to suit the mountainous terrain, the village features old streets, shops, and a labyrinth of alleys with unique styles.
Hedong Residential Architecture Complex: Features ingenious courtyard designs with four-sided and five-courtyard styles, each with distinctive characteristics.
Hetou Residential Architecture: Includes ancient and unique courtyards like the “Silver Smith’s House,” built over 300 years ago.
Salt Wells: The earliest wells were dug during the Han Dynasty, dating back over two thousand years. The name “Nuodeng Wells” has been in use for over 1,300 years. Today, besides the salt wells, there are still buildings like the well house and large salt boiling stoves.
Ancient Post Roads and Bridges: Ancient post roads and bridges connected Nuodeng to Lijiang in the north, Dali in the east, Baoshan in the south, and Piematengchong in the west. Many are paved with stone slabs, and remnants can still be seen today.
Self-Driving: It is 518 kilometers from Kunming and 158 kilometers from the provincial capital Dali. The journey from Kunming to Dali is entirely on the highway. After exiting the highway, it takes about 3 more hours on a tertiary asphalt road to reach Yunlong County. Nuodeng is about 170 kilometers from Dali. Nuodeng is 7 kilometers from the county seat, and the rural roads are gravel mixed with stones, which most sedans can navigate.
Historical Significance
Located in a valley in northwest Yunlong County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Nuodeng Village has retained its name since the Tang Dynasty’s Nanzhao period, earning it the moniker “Thousand-Year Bai Village.” It is the oldest settlement in northwest Yunnan and is recorded in Yunnan’s oldest historical text, the “Manshu,” preserving its original name.
Architectural Heritage
Nuodeng Village features minimal modern residential buildings, showcasing numerous well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty structures. Among these is the famous Yuhuang Pavilion Daoist Complex. The oldest building, the “Wanshou Palace,” dates back to the Yuan Dynasty and has evolved from a guesthouse for merchants to a temple, reflecting the village’s economic prosperity through the Song and Yuan Dynasties.
Cultural Legacy
Despite its remote location and challenging transportation, Nuodeng flourished culturally during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It produced a significant number of successful imperial examination candidates, including renowned scholar Huang Gui, whose poetry was included in Yunnan’s earliest anthology, “Dian Nan Shi Lue.”
The village is deeply influenced by Confucianism, evident in the elaborate architecture of its Confucian Temple and grand traditional rites. Over time, immigrants from various regions have merged with the local population, resulting in a unique Bai community that continues to uphold traditional customs and religious practices.
Religious and Cultural Diversity
Nuodeng’s religious landscape is characterized by a blend of Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The village features well-preserved temples from the Kangxi and Qianlong periods, including the Yuhuang Pavilion and various other Daoist and Buddhist temples. Traditional rites, ancestor worship, and deity festivals reflect a rich cultural tapestry of Daoist and Confucian influences.
Preservation and Recognition
Nuodeng Village’s remarkable preservation of ancient architecture and cultural heritage is rare both in Yunnan and nationally. The village offers a profound record of the region’s historical, cultural, economic, and social evolution over centuries. It has been awarded several honors for its historical and cultural significance, including:
Domestic experts and scholars have summarized Nuodeng Village’s historical and cultural value as follows:
Nuodeng Village was awarded the title of “Provincial Historic and Cultural Village” in January 2002. In August 2005, it was designated as a “Tourism Town for Development and Construction in Yunnan Province,” and in September of the same year, it was rated as “China’s Most Tourism-Worthy Ancient Village.” On May 31, 2007, Nuodeng Village was named a “Chinese Historical and Cultural Village,” and in November of the same year, it was also rated as a “Chinese Scenic Village.”
Nuodeng Village offers a glimpse into the rich history, traditional architecture, and cultural heritage of Yunnan. Its ancient salt wells, historic buildings, and unique local customs make it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in China’s historical and cultural landscape.
10 Days Yunnan Motorbike Tour from Mohan Border to Ruili Border
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Nuodeng salt The salty water from the well is cooked till all water has evaporated and the clear white salt remains. This is done in the traditional way in...
Location Map of Nuodeng Old Town in Dali...
Tourist Attractions Map of Nuodeng Old Town in Dali...
Being around 350 kilometers from the Lijiang City(丽江市), Nuodeng Old Town(诺邓古镇)is known for its ancient building and street, as well as special local ham product. It is also one of the most...
Located 470 km away from Kunming Downtown and about 160 km northwest of Dali, Nuodeng(诺邓) is an aged Bai ethnic village under jurisdiction of Yunlong County of Dali Prefecture. With more...
Chinese Name: 大理白族自治州云龙县诺邓镇诺邓古村 English Name: Nuodeng Ancient Village of Nuodeng Town in Yunlong County, Dali Nuodeng Village Overview Nuodeng Village is located at the southern end of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan...
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Address: Building 4, Yifuyuan, Hehong Road, Xishan District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
Wechat/QQ: 270384698
Office Call: 86-18812220370
Email: Trip@YasoTrip.com
Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/YasoTrip
Tel/WhatsApp: +8618088243690
Trip@YasoTrip.com