Dali, a place full of legends!

When Dali is no longer Dali, but Nanzhao, what do you know about it?

The ancient name of "Nanzhao" was located in southwest China, specifically referring to Dali, Yunnan.

"Nanzhao" is a term for a dynasty that is even more unpopular than the "Wei, Jin, Southern and Southern Dynasties". Geographical factors make it a niche culture and can be jokingly called the "Dynasty that did not leave Yunnan."

The "Nanzhao" period lasted from 738 to 902, corresponding to the representative of the mainstream dynasties in ancient China from the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty to the demise of the Tang Dynasty. It experienced three periods: the prosperous Tang Dynasty, the middle Tang Dynasty, and the late Tang Dynasty. The history of Nanzhao is almost consistent with the entire Tang Dynasty.

"Nanzhao" did not unify the six edicts, but had been inherited for three generations. Later, in 738 AD, Piroge unified the six edicts and established the "Nanzhao State".

Nanzhao State has passed down through thirteen generations of Ge Luofeng, Yimouxun, Xunge Quan, Quan Longsheng, Quan Lisheng, Quan Fengyou, Shilong, Long Shun, Shun Huazhen. It has lasted for more than 250 years and has a long history.

Before 738 AD,"Nanzhao" was not called Nanzhao, but its full name was "Mengshe Zhao". Later, it was called "Nanzhao" because it was located in the south of the Five Zhao Dynasties.

At that time, in the Dali area, in addition to the "Mengshe Zhao", there were five other small countries: Mengshe Zhao, Yuexizhao, Langqiong Zhao, Yuexizhao, and Shilang Zhao. Each small country had a king under its command, and the six small countries were collectively called the "Six Edict".

The six zhao didn't only live in harmony, but also fought with each other for various reasons. Later, with the support of the Tang Dynasty, Piluge, the leader of the "Nanzhao", destroyed the other five zhao orders. From then on, the Erhai area was unified.

In 738 AD, Piluge was granted the title of "King of Yunnan". The following year, Piluge moved its capital to Taihe City (now Taihe Village, Dali, Yunnan).

In 794 AD, Yimouxun, the second leader after the unification of Nanzhao, was granted the title of "Nanzhao King" by the Tang Dynasty. From this time,"Nanzhao" was called "Nanzhao State" until the collapse of Nanzhao in 902 AD.

From then on, the word "Nanzhao" disappeared completely in people's lives. Only when traveling to and from Dali, they occasionally learned a little about tourist attractions from tour guides. Except for historians, no one seems to remember that period of glorious history, making "Nanzhao" more and more mysterious.

We first heard that "Nanzhao" came from the popular Xianxia drama "The Legend of the Sword and Fairy", which mentioned "Nanzhao State". This is the birthplace of Zhao Linger, a descendant of Nuwa, and belongs to the sphere of influence of the Moon Worship Religion.

When I first heard about "Nanzhao State", many people thought it was a fictional country. Only a few people knew that Nanzhao State referred to today's Dali.

With doubts and curiosity, we entered Dali again to look for traces of the "Nanzhao State".

In today's Dali, the word Nanzhao is not often used here. Looking at all the scenic spots, historic sites and tourist attractions in Dali, there is only one scenic spot-Nanzhao Style Island where the word "Nanzhao" appears.

Nanzhao Style Island is one of the three major islands in the Erhai Lake. There is a building "Nanzhao Palace" on the island. It is said that this island is the summer resort of the Nanzhao royal family.

Nanzhao Style Island is located directly opposite Shuanglang Wharf, facing Shuanglang Town across the water. It is also a typical attraction in the Erhai Lake.

Nanzhao Style Island is an offshore island. The only way to board the island is to board the island by boat. There are two types of cruise ships, corresponding to different routes, and you can reach Nanzhao Style Island.

Cruise ships are divided into Erhai Grand Cruise Ships and Ferry Ships. Long-term cruise ships run from Xiaguan Dali Port to Shuanglang Wharf and pass through Nanzhao Style Island. Short-term ferry boats shuttle between Shuanglang Wharf and Nanzhao Style Island.

Nanzhao Style Island is mainly famous for its natural scenery and culture. Although the island is not large in area and there are not many buildings, each one is very typical.

Nanzhao Palace, Bai Nationality Main Culture and Art Square, Beach Comprehensive Amusement Park, Taihu Lake Stone Landscape Community and Fisherman's Ao View, Shayimu Group Carved Wharf, thousand-year-old banyan trees, caves, although this place is called an "island", I think a more accurate description should be "an island with the essence of garden art."

Photo photographer: Zhao Kangcai

After disembarking from the boat and shuttling along the bluestone path, you can see flowers, plants, ancient trees, and characteristic buildings everywhere, allowing people to slowly experience the uniqueness of Nanzhao Island.

Looking into the distance from the beach on the island, you have already captured the magnificent scenery of the Erhai Lake. You will find that the boundary of the Erhai Lake is the towering mountains, as if the mountains and water have been connected, and the farthest point presents a shocking landscape of the sea and the sky.

When visiting the Bai Nationality Culture and Art Square, in addition to appreciating the lifelike sculptures, the deeds below the statues are also a way to understand Dali culture.

Photo photographer: Zhao Kangcai

Passing through the Bai Nationality Culture and Art Square, we came to a square building with white walls and black tiles. The distinctive architectural style made people's eyes shine.

At this time, I suddenly remembered that we came to Nanzhao Style Island because of the word "Nanzhao" and wanted to find some traces of "Nanzhao State" here.

At this time, if you have a better understanding of the culture of Nanzhao, you will know that Nanzhao corresponds to the Tang Dynasty, and Nanzhao at this time was influenced by Tubo culture and Tang Dynasty culture.

Looking up and observing the "Nanzhao Palace" carefully, you will find that the shape of the "Nanzhao Palace" has strong characteristics of Tang culture and Tubo architecture.

Nanzhao Palace is a building built in an antique imperial palace. It adopts the Tang Dynasty roof, Tubo walls and the colors of Dali buildings. The characteristics of the times and local characteristics are integrated.

After traveling all over the island, I later encountered the Shayimu carvings that tell the origin of the Bai people. The only trace on the island seems to be related to the "Nanzhao State" is the Nanzhao Palace.

Perhaps it was because of the many changes of political power in Dali area, and the "Nanzhao Period" was too far away and the cultural preservation was incomplete, so there was too little information about the "Nanzhao State".

Although not many traces were found, the mountains, water, and various cultural landscapes of Nanzhao Style Island have long been intoxicating, making everyone who has landed on the island or has not yet landed on the island.

Photo photographer: Zhao Kangcai

At this time, I especially wanted to describe Nanzhao Style Island to others. I only felt that the language and words were pale when I opened my mouth, because I didn't know what words to use to accurately describe it. I only felt that it was a "good place where people gathered together!"

Text typesetting: Reading Yunnan Yijing

Picture: Some pictures are provided by Dali Tourism Group. If there is any infringement, please contact and delete them.

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