Things to do in Weishan

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Weishan

Weibao Mountain

Weibao Mountain, also called Weishan, is located about 10 kilometers southeast of Weishan county in Dali. It was considered auspicious within the Nanzhao kingdom and is a Taoist sacred land and one of the 13 famous Taoist mountains in China. Its peak is 2569 meters above sea level, with Cangshan in the distance, and the ancients believe there was treasure hidden inside the mountain. It attracts many visitors with its magnificent beauty and sacred importance. On the north and south sides of the main peak there are more than 20 panoramic viewing points. There is also Nanzhao Temple where sacrifices can be made to the ancestors of the Nanzhao kingdom.

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Weishan

Weishan Ancient City

Weishan Ancient City is the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom and once served as its early capital. Its layout is square like a seal, with streets and alleys crisscrossing in a chessboard-like pattern, and the Xinggong Tower, located in the center of the city, resembles the handle of the seal. Most residences are earth-and-wood structures, still retaining the Ming and Qing dynasty style of three sides with a screen wall and four-sided courtyard with five patios. Walking through here, you can see bluestone roads, wooden shops, and traditional buildings with local characteristics, with the overall space maintaining a relatively quaint and historic appearance. Its streets are moderately scaled, with main streets and alleys crisscrossing, lined with shops, restaurants, teahouses, and residences. Traditional buildings mostly adopt the courtyard-style layout common in Yunnan, and the building facades have distinct regional characteristics.

Wenhua Academy

The predecessor of Wenhua Academy was Yuhuang Pavilion, which was once a large-scale palace in Weishan during the Qing Dynasty. It was first built in the Ming Dynasty and destroyed in war in the eighth year of Tongzhi in the Qing Dynasty (1869). Wenhua Academy was established on the site of Yuhuang Pavilion in the first year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty (1875). The academy was changed into a high school in the 29th year of Guangxu. It covers an area of ​​more than 4,000 square meters and consists of nine courtyards, including the main gate, the second gate, the Panchi, the Yantafang, and the Kuixing Pavilion. Now there are only the library, the Kuixing Pavilion, the Yantafang and some wing rooms. Wenhua Academy originally had 10 steles, which were notices of the early years of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty to raise funds for the academy from the "rebellious property" of Du Wenxiu's rebel army, which have certain cultural and historical value.

Sun Palace

Sun Palace is located within the Nanzhao Museum and is the core structure of the Weishandengjue Temple, a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level. It is also the essence of the ancient architecture within the Nanzhao Museum's "museum-temple integration" layout. Sun Palace, or the Mahavira Hall of Weishandengjue Temple, is one of the few remaining early Ming Dynasty wooden structures in Yunnan Province. The building features a single-eave hip-and-gable roof and a post-and-lintel structure, spanning five bays wide and four bays deep, with corridors on all sides. The eaves on the front and sides are adorned with five-step dougong brackets with double ang, while the rear eaves are decorated with hanging pillars and decorative panels. The entire structure uses massive timber, appearing dignified and simple, while retaining the architectural style of the Song Dynasty. It serves as an important physical example for studying early Ming Dynasty architectural techniques. In front of the hall stands a tall, ancient cypress from the Ming Dynasty, which complements the ancient architecture and exudes a sense of historical depth. The hall also preserves exquisite wood carvings, such as the Qing Dynasty "Hundred Longevity" screen doors, which are rare treasures of wood carving art in Yunnan. To the east and west are the Lin Gong Shrineand Zhaozhong Shrine, respectively, both built during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, which together form the Weishandengjue Temple architectural complex.

Nanzhao Museum

Nanzhao Museum features several areas, including the cultural relic exhibition area, Sun Palace, Zhaozhong Temple, Lin Gong Temple, and Weishan Ancient City - Stele Corridor. Among these, the cultural relic exhibition area is divided into three main parts: "Tracing the Origins of Nanzhao," "The Great Nanzhao Kingdom," and "Treasures of Nanzhao."

Zhujun Pavilion - Prince's Palace

The Prince's Hall, located in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, is a religious structure steeped in history and culture. As one of the mountain's most prominent attractions, the Hall attracts numerous tourists and pilgrims with its exquisite architecture and rich religious culture. Dedicated to Taoist guardian deities, the Hall's architectural style blends Taoist and local ethnic characteristics, embodying a unique religious artistic charm. The exquisite carvings and murals within the hall vividly depict Taoist myths and rituals, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The religious activities and temple fairs held at the Hall attract large numbers of believers and tourists. These events are not only a manifestation of religious faith but also an integral part of local culture, offering visitors an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and experience local traditional culture. For those interested in religious culture and historical architecture, the Hall offers a wonderful opportunity to explore and appreciate it.

Changchun Cave

Confucian Temple

Xinggong Tower

Mengyang Park

Mengyang Park, commonly known as the Great Park. In the east of the park are Yantafang and Chongsheng Temple of Yuanyuan Temple. There are many ancient trees in the whole park, among which the humanities courtyard is well preserved. It's a good place for recreation.