Dali
The name of Dali is originated from that of a local regime in history called Kingdom Dali, meaning a state of great order. Many of the architectures of the city were built of marble from the ore nearby, and that is why it is also called a city of Dali Stone (marble). Both Chinese writing and pronunciation of 'great order' and 'marble' are the same. Marble buildings, marble streets, marble wall foundations and marble wells make the city so bright and limpid as if it is a tranquil fairyland. Each family loves door carving and wall-decoration; every household has a flower garden. While it is freezing season in the north, hundreds of flowers are in blossom here. Among them, camellia, azaleas and orchids are the most fascinating and enchanting ones.
The name of Dali is originated from that of a local regime in history called Kingdom Dali, meaning a state of great order. Many of the architectures of the city were built of marble from the ore nearby, and that is why it is also called a city of Dali Stone (marble). Both Chinese writing and pronunciation of 'great order' and 'marble' are the same. Marble buildings, marble streets, marble wall foundations and marble wells make the city so bright and limpid as if it is a tranquil fairyland. Each family loves door carving and wall-decoration; every household has a flower garden. While it is freezing season in the north, hundreds of flowers are in blossom here. Among them, camellia, azaleas and orchids are the most fascinating and enchanting ones.
Dali Ancient Town
about 13km away from Xiaguan in Dali City and is one of Dali's Three Ancients-ancient city, ancient pagoda and ancient steles. History of Dali can be dates back to 1382 during the Ming Dynasty and it has been listed among the top historic cities of China. The town's layout was uniform, with five main streets from south to north and eight main streets from east to west, while marketplaces were neatly arranged within the town, which has remained unchanged to this date. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
about 13km away from Xiaguan in Dali City and is one of Dali's Three Ancients-ancient city, ancient pagoda and ancient steles. History of Dali can be dates back to 1382 during the Ming Dynasty and it has been listed among the top historic cities of China. The town's layout was uniform, with five main streets from south to north and eight main streets from east to west, while marketplaces were neatly arranged within the town, which has remained unchanged to this date. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Three Pagodas
They are standing at the east foot of the tenth peak of the massive Mt. Cangshan and facing the west shore of the Erhai Lake. Three Pagodas are made of brick and covered with white mud. As its name implies, the Three Pagodas comprise three independent pagodas forming a symmetric triangle. The elegant, balanced and stately style is unique in China's ancient Buddhist architectures, which makes it a must-see in the tour of Dali. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
They are standing at the east foot of the tenth peak of the massive Mt. Cangshan and facing the west shore of the Erhai Lake. Three Pagodas are made of brick and covered with white mud. As its name implies, the Three Pagodas comprise three independent pagodas forming a symmetric triangle. The elegant, balanced and stately style is unique in China's ancient Buddhist architectures, which makes it a must-see in the tour of Dali. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Xizhou Bai Houses
Bai minority are much in evidence at Xizhou, 18 km north of Dali Ancient Town. Green mountains, winding creeks and fertile land make here a lyrical and carefree life. The history of Xizhou can be dated back to the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD). At that time, it was called the city of Dali. It was later conquered by General Shi Wansui, so it also enjoys the name of Shicheng (Shi City). People nowadays regard Xizhou as a town that is famous for the Bai minority culture. The old houses and streets are well preserved, through which visitors may still find some traces of past glory. At the entrance to Xizhou, a magnificent structure catches the attention of visitors. It is a two-storey building made of wood and brick. The second floor is an attic of horizontal inscribed board. The first floor is a corridor, leading people into the history. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Bai minority are much in evidence at Xizhou, 18 km north of Dali Ancient Town. Green mountains, winding creeks and fertile land make here a lyrical and carefree life. The history of Xizhou can be dated back to the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD). At that time, it was called the city of Dali. It was later conquered by General Shi Wansui, so it also enjoys the name of Shicheng (Shi City). People nowadays regard Xizhou as a town that is famous for the Bai minority culture. The old houses and streets are well preserved, through which visitors may still find some traces of past glory. At the entrance to Xizhou, a magnificent structure catches the attention of visitors. It is a two-storey building made of wood and brick. The second floor is an attic of horizontal inscribed board. The first floor is a corridor, leading people into the history. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Mt. Cangshan
extend 50km north to south in their column formation like a screen. The peaks, straight and magnificent, are overgrown with primeval forests, and 18 springs and streams filled with crystal-clear waters serpentine among them. Waterfalls and surging rivers emit thunderous roars. Malongfeng, the main peak, shoots up into the sky with its top clogged with dazzling snow all the year round. 'Clouds, Snow, Peaks and Streams' are four spectacular views of the Mountain. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
extend 50km north to south in their column formation like a screen. The peaks, straight and magnificent, are overgrown with primeval forests, and 18 springs and streams filled with crystal-clear waters serpentine among them. Waterfalls and surging rivers emit thunderous roars. Malongfeng, the main peak, shoots up into the sky with its top clogged with dazzling snow all the year round. 'Clouds, Snow, Peaks and Streams' are four spectacular views of the Mountain. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Erhai Lake
Since the lake has a shape of an ear, it gets the name Erhai (Ear Lake). It is ranked the second in Yunnan Province and the seventh freshwater lake in China by area and water storage. It is reputed as the pearl on plateau for its beautiful scenery. Looked from Mt. Cangshan, the lake is just like a crescent lying between Mt. Cangshan and Dali City. In a sunny day, the crystal water of Erhai Lake and the snow mantled Mt. Cangshan radiate with each other forming a beautiful picture. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Since the lake has a shape of an ear, it gets the name Erhai (Ear Lake). It is ranked the second in Yunnan Province and the seventh freshwater lake in China by area and water storage. It is reputed as the pearl on plateau for its beautiful scenery. Looked from Mt. Cangshan, the lake is just like a crescent lying between Mt. Cangshan and Dali City. In a sunny day, the crystal water of Erhai Lake and the snow mantled Mt. Cangshan radiate with each other forming a beautiful picture. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Jinsuo Island
located at the southwest part of Haidong Village in Dali in the Erhai Lake, is 250 – 600 m from the east bank of Erhai Lake and facing each other across the sea with Qiliqiao Village at west. The island is wide at each end and narrow in the middle, just like a gourd floating in Erhai Lake, and more like a weaving shuttle, hence the name Jinsuo Island. After 1950, the villagers on the island discovered relics when they bring wasteland into cultivation. Later, after archaeological excavations, the island unearthed Neolithic pottery shards, copper swords, copper spears, Iron handle bronze swords and other relics of Qin to Han Dynasties. And also lots of word tiles and woven design tiles of the Kingdom of Nanzhao. At the north of the island, there are living 100 families of Bai Minority. In this fishing village, there are buildings with Bai minority architectural features, fertile fields, beautiful flowers, green trees, which constitute a beautiful village scenery. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
located at the southwest part of Haidong Village in Dali in the Erhai Lake, is 250 – 600 m from the east bank of Erhai Lake and facing each other across the sea with Qiliqiao Village at west. The island is wide at each end and narrow in the middle, just like a gourd floating in Erhai Lake, and more like a weaving shuttle, hence the name Jinsuo Island. After 1950, the villagers on the island discovered relics when they bring wasteland into cultivation. Later, after archaeological excavations, the island unearthed Neolithic pottery shards, copper swords, copper spears, Iron handle bronze swords and other relics of Qin to Han Dynasties. And also lots of word tiles and woven design tiles of the Kingdom of Nanzhao. At the north of the island, there are living 100 families of Bai Minority. In this fishing village, there are buildings with Bai minority architectural features, fertile fields, beautiful flowers, green trees, which constitute a beautiful village scenery. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Zhoucheng Town
It has earned the nickname 'the Hometown to Tie-dyeing'. The delicate and colorful dyeing process appeals to many travelers at both home and abroad. Tie-dyeing is the traditional folk art of the Bai ethic minority. It can be dated back to 1,000 years ago. At the very beginning, the Bai make tie-dyeing in their own houses, and gradually home-based workshops appeared, becoming so common that almost every family had one. The material originally used was pure white cotton cloth with blue dye, but today the choices in both color and design are richer and more varied than before - greens, reds, and browns have been introduced in addition to the traditional blue. The designs are simple, inferring an idyllic pastoral life, and are made with dye that will never fade. However, even though the designs are simple, the process is anything but, as procedures are becoming more and more complicated with increased demand. Watching how the Bai people make their tie-dyed pieces is absolutely a must-see. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
It has earned the nickname 'the Hometown to Tie-dyeing'. The delicate and colorful dyeing process appeals to many travelers at both home and abroad. Tie-dyeing is the traditional folk art of the Bai ethic minority. It can be dated back to 1,000 years ago. At the very beginning, the Bai make tie-dyeing in their own houses, and gradually home-based workshops appeared, becoming so common that almost every family had one. The material originally used was pure white cotton cloth with blue dye, but today the choices in both color and design are richer and more varied than before - greens, reds, and browns have been introduced in addition to the traditional blue. The designs are simple, inferring an idyllic pastoral life, and are made with dye that will never fade. However, even though the designs are simple, the process is anything but, as procedures are becoming more and more complicated with increased demand. Watching how the Bai people make their tie-dyed pieces is absolutely a must-see. more at: www.topchinatravel.com