Ancient Town Relics of Longyushan Mountain in Weishan County, Dali

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Overview

The Longyushan Mountain Ancient Town Relics (垅圩图城遗址, Lǒngwēitú Chéng Yízhǐ) are located in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County (巍山彝族回族自治县, Wēishān Yízú Huízú Zìzhìxiàn), Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州, Dàlǐ Bái Zìzhìzhōu), at the summit of Longweitu Mountain (垅圩图山, Lǒngwēitú Shān) west of Tuanshan Village (团山村, Tuánshān Cūn). Established in the first year of Yonghui during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (唐高宗, Táng Gāozōng) in 650 AD by the Nanzhao Kingdom’s founder, Xilunluo (细奴逻, Xìnúlùo), this site is recognized as the first capital city of the Nanzhao Kingdom.

The site covers an area of approximately 48,500 square meters. The city walls are constructed along the edge of the flat mountain summit in an inverted U shape, with various functional areas designated within the site: the Torch Mountain area serves as a viewpoint, the flat land area functions as the city site, and the Quarry Ridge serves as a temple area. Numerous construction materials, including tiles, stone bases, and lotus column bases, have been unearthed here, alongside statues of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, heavenly kings, and arhat heads. The stone carvings found at this site exhibit distinct characteristics of Tang Dynasty (唐代, Tángdài) artistic style, providing significant physical evidence for studying the history of Nanzhao and its relationship with Buddhism.

On May 25, 2006, the Longyushan Mountain Ancient Town Relics were designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Key Information

• Chinese Name: 垅圩图城遗址 (Lǒngwēitú Chéng Yízhǐ)
• Location: Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County (巍山彝族回族自治县, Wēishān Yízú Huízú Zìzhìxiàn), Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州, Dàlǐ Bái Zìzhìzhōu), at the summit of Longweitu Mountain (垅圩图山, Lǒngwēitú Shān) west of Tuanshan Village (团山村, Tuánshān Cūn)
• Historical Period: Tang Dynasty (唐, Táng)
• Area: Approximately 48,500 m²
• Protection Level: National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit (第六批全国重点文物保护单位, Dìliù pī Quánguó Zhòngdiǎn Wénwù Bǎohù Dānwèi)
• Approval Authority: State Council of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国国务院, Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó Guówùyuàn)
• ID Number: 6-0187-1-187

Historical Background

According to historical records from the Yuan (元, Yuán) to the Qing (清, Qīng) dynasties and various local chronicles of Yunnan (云南, Yúnnán), after establishing the Dali Kingdom (大蒙国, Dà Méngguó), Xilunluo built a city on Longweitu Mountain in the first year of Yonghui (永徽, Yǒnghuī) during the Tang Dynasty. This site represents the first capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom.

The name Longyushan (龙于山, Lóngyú Shān) first appeared in the “Illustrated Chronicle of Nanzhao” (南诏图传, Nánzhào Túzhuàn) during the late Nanzhao period. In the “Yunnan Gazetteer” (云南志略, Yúnnán Zhìlüè) by Li Jing (李京, Lǐ Jīng) in the Yuan dynasty, it is referred to as “Longyutu” (龙于图, Lóngyú Tú), indicating that Xilunluo used it as the capital due to the mountain’s name. Historical records suggest that the city was fortified with walls; however, by the last century, no traces remained above ground.

Archaeological excavations began in 1956, and significant findings were made in subsequent years, confirming that the site was indeed the early capital of Nanzhao, consistent with historical accounts.

Site Features

The Longyushan Mountain site is situated in the southern half of an area known locally as Dapingdi (大平地, Dàpíngdì). Investigations revealed walls on the east, north, and west sides but no southern wall. The walls on the east and west are constructed at the junction of steep slopes and flat summits, while the northern wall is located where the flat area meets the gentle slope outside the city. The walls follow an irregular inverted U shape and span about 48,500 square meters.

Cultural Relics

• Type of Relics: The main relics at Longyushan Mountain include architectural remains and traces of white sand paving.
• City Walls: The north wall measures approximately 85 meters, the east wall about 380 meters, and the west wall approximately 460 meters, totaling around 925 meters. The west wall is constructed from weathered sandstone and earth, while the northeastern walls primarily use crushed white sand.
• Architectural Remains: Numerous remains have been found, including large deposits of rubble below the surface. Significant architectural remains were discovered in the Torch Mountain area, with a pillar hole measuring 1 meter in diameter, indicating the site’s grandeur. The entire ground of the city site is uniformly paved with white sand.
• Statues: Over 180 statues, including Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, heavenly kings, and arhat heads, were excavated, with 7 complete pieces and 42 relatively intact statues.

Cultural Significance

The statues unearthed from the site exhibit distinct Tang Dynasty artistic features, providing important material evidence for studying Nanzhao’s history and its connections to Buddhism.

Protection Measures

On May 25, 2006, the site was officially listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Travel Information

• Location: Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County (巍山彝族回族自治县, Wēishān Yízú Huízú Zìzhìxiàn), Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州, Dàlǐ Bái Zìzhìzhōu), at the summit of Longweitu Mountain (垅圩图山, Lǒngwēitú Shān) west of Tuanshan Village (团山村, Tuánshān Cūn).
• Transportation: The Longyushan Mountain Ancient Town Relics are approximately 50 kilometers from the People’s Government of Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, accessible by car in about two hours.

How to Get There

• By Car: The most convenient way to reach the site is by driving. From Dali, head towards Weishan County and follow local signs to the Longyushan Mountain Ancient Town Relics.
• Public Transport: Check local bus services that may offer routes to Weishan County, though direct access to the site may be limited.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Consider visiting during spring or autumn for pleasant weather.
• Local Guides: Hiring a local guide can enrich your understanding of the site’s historical context and significance.
• Bring Water and Snacks: Facilities near the site may be limited, so it’s wise to bring your refreshments.
• Respect the Site: As a cultural relic, please adhere to guidelines and maintain the site’s integrity during your visit.