Nanzhao Fengqing Island

Introduction & Historical Significance
Nestled in the heart of Erhai Lake in Dali City, Yunnan Province, Nanzhao Cultural Island is a 5A-level scenic area and national cultural heritage site tracing its roots to the 9th-century Nanzhao Kingdom. As the "Cradle of Ancient Dali Culture," it embodies the fusion of Nanzhao history, Bai ethnic traditions, and Buddhist-Taoist cosmology. The island was originally a royal retreat for Nanzhao kings, later transformed into a cultural hub showcasing Yunnan’s "South Silk Road" heritage. Today, it is a UNESCO-recognized sanctuary where ancient stone carvings, temple complexes, and natural landscapes converge to tell the story of Southwest China’s historical grandeur.

Architectural Layout & Design
The 128-acre island harmonizes natural beauty with human craftsmanship:

• Nanzhao Palace Complex: A reconstructed Tang-Dynasty-style palace with timber-framed halls, intricate dougong brackets, and courtyard gardens, featuring the 18m-high "Nanzhao King" bronze statue.
• South Sea Guanyin Pavilion: A Ming-Qing-era Buddhist pavilion housing a 6m-tall jade-carved Guanyin statue, surrounded by lotus ponds and stone-carved "Eight Trigrams" patterns.
• Ancient Stone Inscriptions: Over 300 Tang-Song era stone tablets inscribed with Buddhist sutras, royal decrees, and poetic verses, including the famed "Nanzhao Stone Casket" inscription.
• Ecological Corridors: Bamboo-lined paths, wetland boardwalks, and flower gardens connecting nine themed zones, from the "Tea-Horse Road Museum" to the "Bai Ethnic Village."
• Modern Integration: Glass-domed exhibition halls, eco-friendly docks, and solar-powered facilities blend with traditional Bai timber architecture.

Major Attractions

• Nanzhao Cultural Museum: Showcases over 1,000 artifacts including Nanzhao royal seals, bronze drums, and silk manuscripts, with interactive displays on ancient Yunnan governance.
• South Sea Guanyin: Iconic 12m-tall statue overlooking Erhai Lake, offering panoramic views at dawn and dusk.
• Ancient Shipyard: A replica of Nanzhao-era wooden warships, alongside the "Water Moon Cave" with natural karst formations.
• Bai Ethnic Village: Traditional courtyard houses with rammed-earth walls, demonstrating Bai weaving, Tie-dye, and three-course tea ceremonies.
• Night Lantern Festival: Seasonal illuminated displays featuring floral sculptures, lantern-lit pavilions, and traditional dance performances.

Ticket Information

• General Admission: ¥60 (adults), ¥30 (students/seniors), free for children under 1.2m.
• Bundled Tickets: ¥120 for island+cable car; ¥180-280 for combined tickets with Erhai Lake boat tours.
• Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 daily; extended hours during Festivals.
• Special Venues: Separate tickets for museums (¥20-40) and cultural performances (¥50-100).

Transportation Guide

• Ferry Services: Departures every 30 minutes from Dali Ancient City’s Longkan Wharf (¥20 round-trip, 15-minute ride).
• Bus: Routes 2/3 to "Erhai Dock," then 10-minute ferry ride.
• Self-Drive: Parking at Dali Ancient City (¥10/day); taxis to wharf (¥15).
• Bike/E-Scooter: Rentals available at wharf for coastal rides; shared bikes operate via app.
• Cable Car: Optional ¥50 round-trip from island summit to mainland.

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: March-June (wildflower blooms) and September-November (mild weather); avoid summer monsoons and winter fog.
• Photography: Sunrise over Erhai from South Sea Guanyin; golden-hour lighting on ancient stone inscriptions.
• Cultural Etiquette: Remove hats in temples; greet locals with "Xing hao" (good morning).
• Packing: Light layers, sunscreen, hats, and sturdy shoes; bring cash for artisan markets.
• Dining: Must-try dishes include "Bai-style Acid Fish," rose-flavored pastries, and seafood at lakeside stalls.

Nearby Attractions & Itineraries

• Combined Tours:
  • Morning: Nanzhao Museum exploration + South Sea Guanyin sunrise.
  • Afternoon: Visit Chongsheng Three Pagodas (10km) for Buddhist heritage or Xizhou Village for Bai crafts.
  • Evening: Jinma Biji Square night market or Cangshan Mountain sunset hike.
• Cultural Synergy: Pair with Longkan Wharf for romantic legends or Shaxi Ancient Town for historic trades.

Nanzhao Cultural Island is a living tapestry of history and nature—where ancient stones whisper tales of kings, and Erhai’s waves carry echoes of a bygone era. As a UNESCO-recognized gem, it continues to inspire global travelers seeking cultural depth and natural beauty in China’s Southwest.