Weishan Ancient Town: Experience the Slow Life of Six Hundred Years of Nanzhao Time

Yunnan Weishan Ancient Town Travel Guide: Ancient Capital of Nanzhao + Slow Life with Local Flavors (Budget Reference) Weishan Ancient Town, a hidden gem near Dali, the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom, is more authentic than Dali Ancient Town and quieter than Lijiang. There are no commercial bars here, only Ming and Qing dynasty ancient houses, authentic snacks, and tie-dye workshops. It’s perfect for a 2-3 day deep trip with a very low budget! Recommended Itinerary (2 days 1 night) Day 1: Ancient Town Stroll + Snack Street Food Morning: Xinggong Tower (ancient town center landmark, free) → Nanzhao Museum (free, learn about Nanzhao history) Mengyang Park (local spot for tea and chess, full of local life) Noon: Must-try "One Stick Noodles," "Braised Pork Ersi," "Green Pea Cake" (about 20 RMB per person to eat until full) Afternoon: Wood Carving Jiama Experience (intangible cultural heritage, 30 RMB/person) → Visit Tie-Dye Workshop (DIY available, 50-100 RMB) Confucian Temple (Ming and Qing architecture, 10 RMB entrance) → Dengjue Temple Twin Pagodas (free, Tang dynasty ancient pagodas) Evening: Stay in an ancient town guesthouse (100-200 RMB), night stroll on the quiet old street Day 2: Weibao Mountain + Donglianhua Village Morning: Weibao Mountain (famous Taoist mountain, 40 RMB entrance, 2-hour hike to see ancient temples and sea of clouds) Noon: Farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain for "Wild Mushroom Hotpot" (about 50 RMB per person) Afternoon: Donglianhua Village (ancient Hui ethnic village, free, horse caravan culture + mosque) Buy "Weishan Preserved Fruits" and "Pickles" as souvenirs before leaving Budget Reference (for 2 people traveling together) Item Cost Notes Transportation 100-200 RMB Dali ⇆ Weishan carpool/bus round trip (1.5 hours one way) Tickets 50-100 RMB Weibao Mountain + Confucian Temple + activities Accommodation 100-200 RMB Guesthouse/inn inside the ancient town Food & Drink 100-200 RMB Snacks + meals + coffee Souvenirs 50-100 RMB Tie-dye, preserved fruits, pickles Total 400-800 RMB 200-400 RMB per person, incredible value! Travel Tips Must Experience: Go to Nanzhao Alley at 7 AM to see locals at the early market and eat freshly baked baba bread. After 3 PM, the slanting sunlight in the ancient town makes the old alleys perfect for photos. Transportation: Take a bus from Dali Xiaguan Bus Station to Weishan (20 RMB/person, frequent departures). The ancient town is fully walkable, no transport fees needed. Best Seasons: March to May (spring blossoms) and September to November (clear autumn weather). The Yi ethnic ancestral festival on the 8th day of the second lunar month is lively and festive! Money-Saving Tips: Snacks are concentrated on North Street and South Street, 5 RMB fills you up. You can do a day trip from Dali without staying overnight (but you’ll miss the Weishan night view). “The land of Nanzhao, where time stands still.” Weishan is perfect for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle and seek authenticity! You can also combine it with a “Dali + Weishan” 5-day tour.