Shundang Cremation Tombs in Yunlong County, Dali

Shundang Cremation Tombs in Yunlong County, Dali
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The Shundang Cremation Tombs (顺荡火葬墓群) are a significant historical site located in Shundang Village (顺荡村), Baishi Town (白石镇), Yunlong County (云龙县), Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Dating back to the Ming Dynasty (明代), the site was officially designated as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China on March 5, 2013.

Location and Size

  • Geographical Location: Shundang Village, Baishi Town, Yunlong County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
  • Historical Period: Ming Dynasty
  • Protection Level: National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit
  • Area: Approximately 15,000 square meters

Historical Background

The earliest inscriptions at the site date to the sixth year of the Yongle reign (永乐六年, 1408 AD) and the latest to the first year of the Wanli reign (万历元年, 1573 AD). In 1974, cremation urns were first discovered during construction work at Shundang Primary School (顺荡小学). The site has since become an important resource for studying ancient customs and ethnic cultures in the region.

Structure and Features

The tombs are oriented west to east and arranged in a terraced pattern. There are about 1,000 cremation tombs, 85 Sanskrit inscriptions, and 7 Sanskrit steles. A typical burial site contains two chambers: the main chamber for the cremation urn and the side chamber for accompanying vessels. The urns are mostly grayish-white ceramics, 30–40 cm tall, and often contain burial goods such as jade rings and copper swords.

Inscriptions and Artifacts

Many inscriptions are in Sanskrit, providing valuable material for research on ancient Chinese culture and language. The largest stele is 1.03 meters high and 38 centimeters wide, with bases decorated with intricate carvings of mythical creatures, lotus motifs, and other Buddhist symbols.

Cultural Significance

The Shundang Cremation Tombs are notable for:

  • Chronological Documentation: Inscriptions provide a clear timeline across different reigns of the Ming Dynasty.
  • Sanskrit Inscriptions: A rich source for the study of Sanskrit’s history in China.
  • Artistic Value: High craftsmanship with diverse styles and detailed designs.
  • Ethnic Culture: Offers insight into local ethnic customs and historical social practices.

Preservation Efforts

  • 1987: Designated a county-level cultural relic protection unit by Yunlong County People’s Government
  • 1988: Listed as a key provincial cultural relic by Dali Prefecture Government
  • 2003: Recognized as a key provincial cultural relic by Yunnan Provincial Government
  • 2013: Elevated to National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit status

How to Get There

From Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, take the Hanyi Expressway (杭瑞高速), then the Dayangyun Expressway (大漾云高速) and G215 highway to Shundang Village. The total distance is about 200 km.

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for optimal weather
  • Guided Tours: A local guide can provide valuable historical and cultural context
  • Cultural Respect: Treat the site with respect as it holds deep cultural and historical importance