On the Statelets between Nanzhao and the Dali Kingdom
After the demise of Nanzhao 南诏, the Buddhist kingdom that integrated the tribes of the Erhai region in the second half of the first millennium, local strongmen proclaimed a succession of short-lived statelets before Duan Siping 段思平 in 937 CE established the Dali Kingdom 大理国.
The old town of Weishan 巍山 at night.
C. Patterson Giersch: Asian Borderlands: The Transformation of Qing China's Yunnan Frontier
Yunnan was not always China: indeed not so long ago large parts of Yunnan were only nominally part of the empire. To make Yunnan, outside the main Han cities, a Chinese province required significant effort. Here Giersch's study on Yunnan's hinterland makes an interesting if academic read.
Yunnan Tours
We can put you in contact with personally vetted, experienced tour guides, speaking Chinese, English, Dutch and German, for southwestern China. They can help you plan a trip matching your personal interests and requirements and accompany you on your trip. We just provide the introduction, we do not charge any commission or fees.
For enquiries email tours@yunnanexplorer.com.
Donglianhua is a Muslim caravan town with plenty of historic architecture.
With its well-preserved architecture and tranquil atmosphere, Weishan's capital is Yunnan's most beautiful county town.
Ronald G. Knapp: China's Old Dwellings
Few people know as much about Chinese architecture as Knapp: from palaces to humble homes he explains important building principles; the connection between environment and housing styles and the development of style over time. A section on minority housing styles complements the book.
An ancient exorcism ritual in Nanjian county.
An unspoilt Tibetan area along the Zhibaluo River.
Upcoming Festivals
| Name | Date |
|---|---|
| Third Month Fair | 23 Apr |
| Migan Festival | 24 Apr |
| Baitan Temple Fair | 26 Apr |
| Benzhu Worship (Jianchuan Area) | 27 Apr |
| Lingbao Mountain Fair | 28 Apr |
| Kunming Cultural Tourism Festival | 29 Apr |
| May Day | 01 May |
| Twin Festival | 01 May |
| Yangmei Festival | 01 May |
| Monihei | 01 May |
| Sizhuang Pond Fair | 02 May |
| Benzhu Worship (Jianchuan Area) | 02 May |
Markets this Saturday
| Dali | 大理 |
|---|---|
| Duomei | 朵美 |
| Junhua | 均化 |
| Zhoucheng | 州城 |
| Yongping | 永平县 |
| Paiying | 排营 |
| Lijiao | 力角 |
| Shijing | 师井 |
| Liuhe | 六合 |
| Diannan | 甸南 |
| Heqing | 鹤庆县 |
| Zuòyì | 作邑 |
| Jiangwei | 江尾镇 |
| Honghe | 红河 |
|---|---|
| Zhemi | 者米拉祜族乡 |
| Xinansuo | 新安所镇 |
| Daheishan | 大黑山乡 |
| Leyu | 乐育 |
| Shalatuo | 沙拉托 |
| Xinxian | 新现乡 |
| Longwu | 龙武镇 |
| Tongchang | 铜厂 |
| Panzihua | 攀枝花 |
| Zhaotong | 昭通 |
|---|---|
| Shuanghe | 双河 |