Weishan Ancient Town

A famous Chinese historical and cultural city, it is also the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom. Weishan Ancient Town was built in the Yuan Dynasty and was reconstructed as a brick city during the Ming Dynasty, which is what visitors see today.

Weishan is a region with one of the longest histories implementing the chieftain system in Yunnan. Numerous temples have been built during its long history, blending with the natural landscape across great distances to complement each other.

Streets in Weishan Ancient Town have standard structure characteristics, with the Gongcheng Tower at its heart. There are 25 streets and 18 lanes, 14 km long, in the town and the buildings are of Chinese style.

Houses on the south to north principal axis are the architectural style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Weishan Ancient Town can be found in Weishan County, 50 kilometres away from Dali Ancient City, in the western part of Yunnan Province. The ancient town is situated at the foot of Ailao Mountain.

The whole city boasts white walls, grey tiles, carved wooden doors and stone roads, alongside the many well-preserved buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

You will find traditional folk customs here, profound culture and a favourable climate, all forming a tranquil environment that is home to the Weishan people.

Travellers can always find special agricultural products such as tea, walnuts, beef,  white kidney beans, fruits, herbs and so on. There are also plenty of local products on offer, such as tie-dyed cloth, ethnic snacks, preserved pickles and fruits.

Weishan has even won the title "the hometown of the art of Chinese tie-dyed cloth.” The cloth has been exported to Japan, Europe, America, countries in Southeast Asia and other places.

Paying a visit to Weishan Ancient City is a great opportunity to slow things down, sampling a calm pace of life and learning about local culture.

Main Attractions:

Xinggong Tower(星拱楼) & Gongchen Tower(拱辰楼)

There are four city gates in four directions in Weishan Ancient Town, which is shaped like a square seal. The Xinggong and Gongchen Towers are remarkable buildings.

Gongchen Tower is on the north gate, with a height of 23.5 metres. The whole building is supported by 28 large pillars. There are two boards with inscriptions hanging up on its south and north respectively. From the tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Weishan.

Gongcheng Tower suffered a fire in 2015, the structure has now been repaired.

The Xinggong Tower, constructed during the Ming Dynasty, stands 11 metres high and consists of a timberwork tower and brick foundation support.