Ruins of Baiya City and Baizi Kingdom in Midu County, Dali
Overview
The Ruins of Baiya City (白崖城遗址, Bái Yá Chéng Yízhǐ), also known as Caiyun City (彩云城, Cǎi Yún Chéng) or Wen’an Cave City (文案洞城, Wén’àn Dòng Chéng), is a historical site located in Midu County, Dali (大理, Dàlǐ). Commonly referred to as Hongyan Ancient City (红岩古城, Hóng Yán Gǔ Chéng), it was designated as a key cultural relic protection unit by the Revolutionary Committee of Midu County in 1979.
Historical Significance
- First-Level Cultural Relic Protection: In 1988, it was recognized as one of the first state-level cultural relics by the Dali Prefecture People’s Government. By 2004, it became part of Yunnan’s sixth batch of cultural relic protection units.
- Geographical Location: The site is located approximately 2 kilometers northwest of Hongyan Town, near the ancient village of Gucheng (古城村, Gǔ Chéng Cūn), on the northern side of the ancient road and at the southern tip of Dingxi Ridge (定西岭, Dìng Xī Lǐng). It is said to have been built by Longyouna (龙佑那, Lóng Yòu Nà) in the 3rd century AD and served as the gateway to the core area of the Nanzhao (南诏, Nán Zhāo) Kingdom, particularly around Erhai Lake (洱海, Ěrhǎi).
The Historical Evolution
- Early History: Baiya City was crucial for the Nanzhao Kingdom in consolidating power, acting as a defensive stronghold against external threats, particularly during the Tang Dynasty (唐朝, Táng Cháo).
- Key Events:
- In 751 AD, the Tang general Xianyu Zhongtong (鲜于仲通, Xiān Yú Zhòng Tōng) attempted to invade Nanzhao but was repelled at Baiya City.
- The city underwent renovations under the leadership of Geluofeng (阁罗凤, Gé Luó Fèng) to strengthen defenses against the Tang Dynasty.
Cultural Context
The historical records surrounding Baiya City are scarce and confusing, leading some experts to question the actual existence of the Baizi Kingdom (白子国, Bái Zǐ Guó). However, the prevailing view is that it was indeed a significant entity, known by various names in ancient texts, including Baiya Kingdom (白崖国, Bái Yá Guó), Kunmi Kingdom (昆弥国, Kūn Mí Guó), and Jianning Kingdom (建宁国, Jiàn Níng Guó).
Archaeological Findings
- Site Layout: The archaeological investigations in 2017 by the Yunnan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology revealed that the ruins extend eastward from the southern side of the ancient village, confirming that the site dates back to the early Nanzhao period.
- Topography: The remnants of the city appear roughly in the shape of a gourd and cover an area of about 41,000 square meters, with a perimeter of approximately 1,070 meters.
Key Features
- Ancient Structures: The walls are notably well-preserved on the northern and western sides, while the eastern and southern walls have been mostly leveled.
- Water Bodies: Nearby, there are two ponds known as “Ancient City Upper Sea” (古城上海, Gǔ Chéng Shàng Hǎi) and “Ancient City Lower Sea” (古城下海, Gǔ Chéng Xià Hǎi), originally part of the city’s moat.
Baiya New City (白崖新城, Bái Yá Xīn Chéng)
Located south of the old city, Baiya New City was constructed during the reign of Geluofeng and exhibits a more level terrain compared to the ruins of the old city. The site measures approximately 104,500 square meters and features well-defined walls.
Important Sites Nearby
Nanzhao Iron Pillar Temple (南诏铁柱庙, Nán Zhāo Tiě Zhù Miào)
Located about ten kilometers from Baiya City, this temple is a significant cultural relic, designated as a key national cultural protection unit. The temple houses a prominent iron pillar erected during the Nanzhao period, symbolizing the kingdom’s power and political identity.
How to Get There
- By Car: The site is easily accessible by car, located about 60 kilometers from Dali City (大理市, Dàlǐ Shì). Follow local signs to Midu County and then to Hongyan Town.
- Public Transport: Local buses frequently run between Dali and Midu County, offering a budget-friendly option.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild and conducive for exploration.
- Bring Essentials: Ensure to bring water, snacks, and sun protection, as the site may have limited facilities.
- Respect the Site: As a cultural heritage site, visitors are encouraged to respect the surroundings and follow local regulations.
Summary of Attractions and Names
- Baiya City (白崖城, Bái Yá Chéng)
- Caiyun City (彩云城, Cǎi Yún Chéng)
- Wen’an Cave City (文案洞城, Wén’àn Dòng Chéng)
- Hongyan Ancient City (红岩古城, Hóng Yán Gǔ Chéng)
- Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏, Nán Zhāo)
- Erhai Lake (洱海, Ěrhǎi)
- Longyouna (龙佑那, Lóng Yòu Nà)
- Xianyu Zhongtong (鲜于仲通, Xiān Yú Zhòng Tōng)
- Geluofeng (阁罗凤, Gé Luó Fèng)
- Baizi Kingdom (白子国, Bái Zǐ Guó)
- Nanzhao Iron Pillar Temple (南诏铁柱庙, Nán Zhāo Tiě Zhù Miào)
This comprehensive overview provides insights into the historical, cultural, and archaeological significance of the Ruins of Baiya City and the surrounding areas.
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