Iron Pillar of Nanzhao Kingdom in Midu County, Dali
Overview
The Iron Pillar Temple (铁柱庙, Tiězhù Miào) is located about 6 kilometers west of Taihua Township in Midu County (弥渡县, Mídù Xiàn), Dali (大理, Dàlǐ), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng). It is the most famous ancient monument in Midu County. Known as the Nanzhao Iron Pillar Temple (南诏铁柱庙, Nánzhào Tiězhù Miào), it gained fame from the iron pillar within the temple, which stands 3.3 meters tall, has a circumference of 1.05 meters, weighs approximately 2 tons, and dates back over 1,100 years. Various legends surround the reason for the pillar’s construction. The most popular tale suggests that Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Zhūgě Liàng) subdued the southern tribes, seized their weapons, and cast the iron pillar to commemorate the victory, later honored by Nanzhao’s ruler.
Every year, on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the Yi people (彝族, Yízú) gather at the Iron Pillar Temple to participate in a traditional festival celebrating the pillar.
Key Details
- Chinese Name: 铁柱庙 (Tiězhù Miào)
- Location: 大理市弥渡县 (Dàlǐ Shì Mídù Xiàn), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng)
- Current Name: 南诏铁柱庙 (Nánzhào Tiězhù Miào)
- Dimensions: Height: 3.3 meters; Circumference: 1.05 meters; Weight: approximately 2 tons
- Climate: Temperate continental climate
- Topography: Mountainous
Basic Introduction
The Nanzhao Iron Pillar, cast during the Tang and Nanzhao periods, is not only one of the six nationally protected cultural relics in Dali Prefecture (大理州, Dàlǐ Zhōu) but also a unique and invaluable artifact in China. It serves as a tangible witness to the development of local ethnic minority regimes in western China during the Tang and Nanzhao periods, as well as the history of their culture and technology. The temple complex covers over 6,000 square meters, consisting of a main gate, a screen wall, an arch bridge, a stone tablet pond, mountain gate, two side performance stages, two leisure corridors, five wings, and seven halls, creating an ancient architectural ensemble.
In 1977, the national government invested over 120,000 yuan to comprehensively restore the temple complex, reinstating its elegant Qing Dynasty (清朝, Qīng Cháo) architectural style, exquisite paintings, and intricate carvings. The various decorative motifs entice many visitors and scholars, who come to explore the temple’s rich historical ambiance.
The annual festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month sees the local Yi people dressed in traditional attire, conducting solemn rituals led by the “A Tuan” (阿团, Ā Tuán). After the rituals, they engage in vibrant and joyous singing and dancing. Additionally, local flower lantern performances add to the festivities, drawing over ten thousand tourists.
Recognizing its historical, artistic, scientific, and cultural significance, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China designated the Nanzhao Iron Pillar Temple as a key cultural relic in 1988. In 1999, it was recognized by the Yunnan government as a provincial patriotic education base, symbolizing the mutual integration and development of local ethnic groups.
Geographical Location
Historically, this area was known as Baishiyu (白崖赕, Báiyá Tān). The current Midu Basin (弥渡坝子, Mídù Bàzi) was called Baishiyu in ancient times. The name changed in the Qing Dynasty (清朝, Qīng Cháo) to avoid the negative connotations of “white” (白, bái). The ancient Baishiyu had a city, believed to be the center of the legendary “Baizi Kingdom” (白子国, Báizǐ Guó). After Nanzhao’s rise, King Ge Luofeng (阁罗凤, Gé Luófèng) occupied Baishiyu and constructed a new city to house his family. The records detail that Baishiyu was fortified, with a height of ten zhang and surrounded by water, featuring only two gates to the south and north.
Historical Research
The Iron Pillar Temple was established before the Yuan Dynasty (元朝, Yuán Cháo). During the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty (清康熙, Qīng Kāngxī), it underwent renovations. The current structure consists of a large main hall, a screen wall, and other buildings. The iron pillar, centrally located in the main hall, stands as a significant relic of the region.
The pillar, a round iron column, is approximately 2,069 kilograms in weight and 3.3 meters in height, constructed in five sections. The inscription reads: “Established on the 14th day of the 4th month of the 13th year of the Jianji era.” The pillar originally featured statues representing the ruler and his consort, believed to be King Shilong (世隆, Shìlóng) and his queen.
Temple Structure
The Iron Pillar Temple consists of a main hall flanked by various supporting structures. The main hall features a sloping roof and measures 14 meters wide by 15 meters deep. The entrance is adorned with a golden plaque, with a couplet composed by local scholar Li Jucun (李菊村, Lǐ Júcūn) highlighting the temple’s historical significance.
Rituals and Cultural Heritage
The pillar is associated with ancient religious practices among the Yi and other ethnic minorities in Yunnan. Rituals such as the annual pillar worship involve local communities slaughtering animals and hosting festive events, reaffirming cultural traditions and community bonds.
How to Get There
To reach the Iron Pillar Temple in Midu County, take a bus from Dali city to Midu County and then a local taxi or ride-sharing service to Taihua Township. The temple is well-signposted and accessible.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The temple is most vibrant during the annual festival on the 15th of the first lunar month.
- Local Cuisine: Try traditional Yi dishes available in local eateries.
- Respect Local Customs: Participate in rituals respectfully and be mindful of the local culture.
- Weather Considerations: Dress in layers as mountain weather can change rapidly.
