Taihe City Ruins of Nanzhao Kingdom in Dali
Overview of Taihe City Ruins (太和城遗址)
The Taihe City Ruins, located in Taihe Village (太和村) of Xiguan Town (下关镇), Dali City (大理市), Yunnan Province (云南省), lie at the foot of the Buddha Peak (佛顶峰) of Cangshan (苍山) mountain range. It is situated 6 kilometers south of Xiguan and 7 kilometers north of the ancient city of Dali. This site serves as a crucial geographical point between Cangshan and Erhai Lake (洱海), acting as a vital passage from Longwei Pass (龙尾关) into Dali’s ancient city.
The name “Taihe” means “city built on the hillside” in the Yi language (夷语山坡之意).
The Taihe City Ruins is the first capital established after the founding of the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国), a local kingdom of ethnic minorities during the Tang Dynasty (唐朝). It is one of the best-preserved ancient city sites among the three capitals of Nanzhao. From 739 AD, when it was established as the capital, until its relocation to Yangjiumie City (羊苴咩城, the ancient city of Dali) in 779 AD, it served as the capital for 40 years. During this time, Nanzhao unified Yunnan for the first time in history, laying the geographical foundation for the Nanzhao, Dali, and later Yunnan Province during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties.
On March 4, 1961, the Taihe City Ruins were announced as one of the first national key cultural relics protection units by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
- Chinese Name: 太和城遗址
- Location: 大理市下关镇太和村 (Taihe Village, Xiguan Town, Dali City, Yunnan Province)
- Ticket Price: Free
- Protection Level: First batch of national key cultural relics protection units
- Approval Authority: State Council of the People’s Republic of China
- Code: 157
- Era: Nanzhao (649 AD—902 AD)
Historical Development
During the Tang Dynasty, there were six chieftain states surrounding Erhai Lake, collectively known as the “Six Zhao” (六召). The Mengshe Zhao (蒙舍诏) state, originating from Weishan, unified the Six Zhao with the support of the Tang Dynasty and relocated its capital to Taihe City in 739 AD.
- 747 AD: Construction of Vajra City (金刚城) was added within Taihe City.
- 766 AD: The Nanzhao King Ge Luofeng established the Nanzhao Dehua Stele (南诏德化碑).
- 779 AD: The capital was moved to Yangjiumie City, ending Taihe City’s role as the capital.
Archaeological investigations were conducted in the ruins during various periods, including excavations in 1964, 1997, 2005, and 2016.
Site Characteristics
The Taihe City Ruins comprise three sections: the inner city, the imperial city, and the outer city. The inner city features a semi-circular moat city, while the imperial and outer cities are primarily constructed of stone. Vajra City is a small city located at the top of Taihe Mountain, built mainly with rammed earth. It is named after the “Diamond Sutra” (金刚经), which was granted to Nanzhao by the Tang Dynasty.
Cultural Relics
Numerous artifacts have been excavated from the Taihe City Ruins, including tiles (瓦片), glazed ceramic bricks (釉陶砖), and various other relics. Significant finds include:
- A large area of paving bricks measuring 14 meters long and 1.6 meters wide.
- Stone bases for pillars and remnants of architectural foundations.
- Artifacts from the Bronze Age, including bronze ceremonial objects.
The Nanzhao Dehua Stele, which stands at 3.02 meters tall, documents the early establishment of the Nanzhao regime and its relations with the Tang Dynasty.
Research Value
The Taihe City Ruins play a significant role in understanding the history and culture of the Nanzhao Kingdom. The site offers valuable archaeological materials for studying social systems and ethnic relations in Yunnan during the Nanzhao period.
Protection Measures
Since its designation as a key cultural relic, protection and management measures have been taken, including comprehensive archaeological plans initiated in 2014 and the establishment of a dedicated archaeological work station in 2023.
Historical Culture
The Nanzhao Kingdom was a local state in southwestern China during the Tang Dynasty. Its establishment and expansion included the spread of Buddhism, which became the dominant religion during its rule. The conflicts known as the “Tianbao Wars” (天宝战争) were significant historical events that solidified Nanzhao’s power in Yunnan.
Travel Information
Location
The Taihe City Ruins are located 7 kilometers south of Dali City in Taihe Village, at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, making it an accessible destination for visitors.
How to Get There
- From Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, take Liuhexiang, Cangshan Road, Renmin North Road, and National Road 214 to reach the Taihe City Ruins.
Travel Tips
- Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy the site at a leisurely pace.
- Bring water and snacks, as there may be limited facilities nearby.
- Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the historical significance of the ruins.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the extensive site.
Location: 大理市下关镇太和村西的鹤顶峰麓
