Dali history

The history of the city of Dali, located in the picturesque Yunnan Province, spans several millennia and is closely intertwined with the powerful kingdoms that once flourished on these lands. The city emerged as a significant political, cultural, and trade centre in Southwest Asia.

The founding of the city and the formation of the first kingdoms marked a key stage in its development. Although archaeological findings indicate human activity in this region as early as 4,000 years ago, the history of Dali in its modern sense begins in the 8th century AD.

• The Nanzhao Kingdom: In the 8th century, local tribes, predominantly the Bai people, united into the powerful Nanzhao Kingdom. Around 738 AD, Dali became its political centre, controlling vital trade routes.
• The Dali Kingdom: Following a period of instability, in 937, Duan Siping founded the Dali Kingdom, making the eponymous city his capital. This period lasted for over 300 years, until the Mongol conquest in 1253.

Key factors in the establishment and prosperity of Dali included several important elements:

• Strategic Location: Situated between the Cangshan Mountains to the west and Erhai Lake to the east, the location created a natural fortress, providing excellent defence.
• Trade: The city served as a gateway on the southwestern section of the Silk Road, acting as a key hub for caravans travelling to South and Southeast Asia.
• Political Influence: For nearly 500 years, Dali was the capital of two influential states, making it the administrative and military centre of the region.

The early history of Dali shaped its unique cultural and economic characteristics, leaving a rich heritage that remains visible today.

• Religion and Culture: Buddhism held the status of the state religion, which is reflected in the architecture, such as the famous Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, built in the 9th-10th centuries. The culture of the Bai people, who dominated the region, blended with Chinese and Indian influences.
• Urban Planning: The ancient city possessed a clear layout with formidable walls and towers. The modern Dali Old City that tourists see today was largely rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty (starting from 1382) but has preserved its historical structure.

Key Milestones in the History of Dali

The history of Dali is a kaleidoscope of dynasties, kingdoms, and cultural eras. From a powerful capital to a vital trade hub, the city has traversed a long path that has left a rich legacy.

• 109 BC — During the Han Dynasty, Emperor Wu establishes centralised authority in the region, incorporating the lands of future Dali into his empire.
• 738 — Dali becomes the political centre of the Nanzhao Kingdom, founded a year earlier; the city transforms into a crucial hub on trade routes to Southeast Asia.
• 902 — The ruling dynasty of Nanzhao is overthrown, leading to a period of instability and a succession of short-lived regimes.
• 937 — Duan Siping founds the Dali Kingdom, making the city of the same name his capital and initiating a new dynasty that ruled for over 300 years.
• 1095 — A temporary usurpation of power occurs under Gao Shengtai, who renames the state Dazhong, but the Duan dynasty reclaims the throne just a year later.
• 1253 — Mongol forces led by the future Kublai Khan invade the region and conquer the Dali Kingdom, incorporating it into their expanding empire.
• 1382 — Following the expulsion of the Mongols and the establishment of Ming Dynasty rule, a massive reconstruction of the city begins, shaping the appearance of the modern Dali Old City.
• 1856 — Dali becomes the capital of a rebel Sultanate during the Panthay Rebellion led by Du Wenxiu, directed against the rule of the Qing Dynasty.
• 1873 — Qing troops suppress the rebellion and capture Dali, resulting in significant destruction and casualties among the population.

Stages of Modern Development and Urban Transformation

In recent history, Dali has transformed from a remote trading outpost into one of the main cultural and tourism centres of China. The economic and urban development of the city in recent decades has been defined by a balance between preserving unique heritage and the necessity for modernisation.

• Designation as a Historical and Cultural City (1982)

  Dali was included in the first list of 24 historical cities of the PRC, approved by the State Council. This event marked a turning point: the vector of development shifted from industrial to cultural tourism, laying the foundation for the large-scale restoration of the Old City.

• Opening of Dali Airport (1995)

  The launch of the airport broke the region's geographical isolation. The establishment of regular flights to major metropolises gave a powerful impulse to the economy, turning the city into an accessible resort for mass tourism and investors.

• Urban Division: Old and New City

  Authorities made a strategic decision to separate the city's functions. The Xiaguan district (New City) became the administrative and business centre with modern high-rise buildings, while historic Dali was preserved as an open-air museum, where construction violating the traditional architectural style of the Bai people is prohibited.

• Integration into the High-Speed Rail Network (2018)

  The opening of a high-speed line connecting Dali with Kunming reduced travel time from 7 hours to 2. This led to a "weekend effect," sharply increasing the flow of tourists and stimulating the development of the service sector and hospitality industry.

• Ecological Programme to Save Erhai Lake (2016–Present)

  The realisation that the environment is the city's main asset led to unprecedented measures. A "red line" was created along the coast, hundreds of illegal structures near the water were demolished, and the sewage system was modernised. This has allowed for the preservation of the unique ecosystem, which is a magnet for travellers.

• Commercialisation of Traditional Crafts

  The cultural heritage of the Bai people, specifically the "tie-dye" fabric colouring technique (batik) and wood carving, has transformed into a full-fledged industry. The creation of craft villages around the city has provided jobs for the local population and created a unique trade brand for the region.

• Formation of a Creative Cluster

  In recent years, Dali has become a point of attraction for artists, writers, and "digital nomads" escaping from megacities. This phenomenon, known as "Dali-style gentrification," has enriched the city with art spaces, coffee shops, and festivals, making it a centre of modern bohemian culture.

The architectural appearance of Dali represents a unique combination of traditional Chinese imperial urban planning and the distinctive architecture of the local Bai people. The city's development over centuries has formed several key stylistic eras that define its look today.

Heritage of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms (8th–13th Centuries)

During the period when Dali was the capital of the powerful Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms, architecture was predominantly monumental and religious in nature. The brightest example of this era is the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, located northwest of the Old City. The central and tallest pagoda, Qianxun, standing nearly 70 metres high, was erected in the 9th century during the Tang Dynasty and was one of the tallest structures of its time in China. Its style bears a resemblance to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, indicating cultural links with the Tang capital. The other two octagonal pagodas were built approximately a century later. This ensemble, constructed of brick and covered with white clay, demonstrates the high skill of ancient architects and is an iconic symbol of Dali.

Urban Planning of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (14th–19th Centuries)

The modern look of Dali Old City, which so attracts travellers, was largely formed after 1382, during the Ming Dynasty. The city was rebuilt in accordance with classic principles of Chinese urban planning: it received a rectangular layout, was surrounded by a massive wall about 6 kilometres long, and had four gates oriented to the cardinal points. The street network was organised as a grid, with main streets running north to south and east to west.

It was during this period that the residential architecture of the Bai people flourished, which still dominates the Old City today. It is characterised by the following features:

• White Walls and Grey Tiles: Most houses feature whitewashed walls and roofs covered with dark tiles, creating an elegant contrast.
• Wood and Stone Carving: Gates, window frames, and eaves are richly decorated with intricate carvings featuring traditional motifs.
• Screen Walls (照壁, Zhaobi): A decorative screen wall is often placed opposite the entrance to the courtyard, which, according to beliefs, protects the home from evil spirits and serves as an ornamentation.

The Modern Era: Preservation and Development

Nowadays, Dali is divided into two parts. The Old City is carefully protected as historical heritage; modern construction is prohibited here, and traffic is restricted, allowing it to preserve its authentic atmosphere. It has become a tourism hub, where traditional Bai houses have been converted into cosy hotels, shops, and restaurants. The administrative and business centre is the New City (Xiaguan), located further south, where modern development is concentrated.

Distinguished Personalities Associated with Dali

The history of Dali is rich with the names of rulers, thinkers, warriors, and artists who left a significant mark on the culture of not only the city but the entire region. From the founders of ancient kingdoms to modern talents, these people shaped the unique character of Dali.

• Piluoge (皮罗阁, reigned 728–748)

  Role: Founder and ruler of the Nanzhao Kingdom.
  Historical Significance: Piluoge, with the support of the Chinese Tang Dynasty, united six tribal principalities (Zhao) around Erhai Lake and founded the powerful Nanzhao Kingdom in 738. He moved the capital to Taihe, near modern-day Dali, laying the foundation for the region's future prosperity. His reign marked the beginning of a nearly 500-year period during which Dali was the political centre of Southwest China.

• Geluofeng (阁罗凤, reigned 748–779)

  Role: Ruler of the Nanzhao Kingdom, son of Piluoge.
  Historical Significance: Geluofeng continued his father's work, significantly expanding the territory and influence of Nanzhao. He proclaimed independence from the Tang Dynasty and, in alliance with Tibet, successfully withstood Chinese armies. Under him, the kingdom reached its zenith, controlling vital trade routes and spreading its cultural influence.

• Duan Siping (段思平, reigned 937–944)

  Role: Founder and first emperor of the Dali Kingdom.
  Historical Significance: After the fall of the Nanzhao Kingdom and a period of instability, Duan Siping, hailing from the Bai aristocracy, founded a new state — the Dali Kingdom. He made Dali the capital and initiated a dynasty that ruled for over 300 years, right up to the Mongol conquest. His reign became an era of revival and cultural flourishing; in particular, Buddhism was consolidated as the state religion.

• Du Wenxiu (杜文秀, 1823–1872)

  Role: Leader of the Panthay Rebellion, Sultan.
  Historical Significance: In the mid-19th century, Du Wenxiu led a rebellion of the Muslim peoples (Hui) against the ruling Qing Dynasty. In 1856, he captured Dali and proclaimed it the capital of his Sultanate, which existed for nearly 17 years. This dramatic period in the city's history ended with its capture by Qing troops and the death of Du Wenxiu.

• Yang Liping (杨丽萍, born 1958)

  Role: Dancer, choreographer, director.
  Historical Significance: A native of Dali and a representative of the Bai people, Yang Liping is one of the most famous dancers in modern China. She gained worldwide fame thanks to her unique style based on the traditional dances of the Yunnan peoples, and especially the famous "Peacock Dance." Her work has attracted immense attention to the culture of Dali and Yunnan Province, making her a living symbol of the region.