Wase Town in Dali City
Wase (挖色, Wā sè), formerly known as Luchuan (鲁川, Lǔ chuān), is located on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake (洱海, Ěrhǎi), in the southeastern part of Dali City (大理市, Dàlǐ shì). It borders Shuanglang Town (双廊镇, Shuāng láng zhèn) to the north, Haidong Town (海东镇, Hǎi dōng zhèn) to the south, and is adjacent to Jizu Mountain Town (鸡足山镇, Jī zú shān zhèn) in Binchuan County (宾川县, Bīn chuān xiàn). Surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the lake on one, Wase offers a stunning view of Cangshan Mountain (苍山, Cāng shān) to the west and Jizu Mountain to the east. This region has historically been a beautiful and fertile area known as a “land of fish and rice,” and is one of the birthplaces of Bai (白族, Bái zú) culture around Erhai Lake.
Due to its unique geographical position, Wase has long been a hub for water and land transportation, connecting the eastern shore of Erhai Lake to surrounding areas. The town is vibrant with economic activities, rich in culture, and deeply rooted in local customs, making it one of the best-preserved areas of Bai culture. Wase Town covers an area of 110.4 square kilometers, with the town government located in Wase Village (挖色村, Wā sè cūn). It is approximately 25 kilometers by water and 40 kilometers by road from Xiaguan (下关, Xià guān). The terrain rises from northeast to southwest, with the highest point being Lion Mountain (狮子山, Shī zi shān) at an altitude of 3,320.3 meters and the lowest at Wase Village at 1,974.6 meters.
Historical and Cultural Background of Wase Town
Wase Town has a long and rich history, with numerous ancient artifacts and well-preserved sites. Excavations around Fengweiqing Desert Temple (凤尾箐沙漠庙, Fèng wěi qìng shā mò miào), Daguanshan (大官山, Dà guān shān), Jinyushan (金鱼山, Jīn yú shān), and others have uncovered many Neolithic stone tools and fishing nets. Following the Neolithic culture, Bronze Age artifacts were also discovered, indicating a continuous cultural lineage. In the 11th century BCE, during the reign of Emperor Xiao of Zhou (周孝帝, Zhōu xiào dì), the ancestors of Wase established the Luba Kingdom (鲁白王国, Lǔ bái wáng guó), which laid the foundation for Bai culture in the area, documented in historical texts from the Ming (明代, Míng dài) and Qing (清代, Qīng dài) dynasties. In 2000, a survey led by the Dali Political Consultative Conference concluded that Wase is a source of Bai culture in Dali.
Folk Culture in Wase Town
In Wase, temples are built at every famous mountain and scenic spot, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. Desert Temple (沙漠庙, Shā mò miào) is the main deity temple on the eastern shore of Erhai, while Chongfu Temple (崇福寺, Chóng fú sì) serves as the ancestral temple of Jizu Mountain. Wase is a cultural center for various religious beliefs, showcasing Bai traditions of harmony between humans and gods, idol worship, and celebratory activities for deities’ birthdays.
The local “March Street” (三月街, Sān yuè jiē), often referred to as “Small March Street,” was moved to Kanglang Village (康廊村, Kāng láng cūn) during the Ming Dynasty, and later relocated to Wase after the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty (清咸丰年, Qīng xián fēng nián). Wase still maintains a complete set of wedding and funeral customs, dietary habits, traditional clothing, classical music, and various folk dances and tunes, making it a vibrant cultural tapestry.
Geography and Terrain of Wase Town
Wase is characterized by its karst topography, featuring numerous lava caves and dramatic hills. The region offers stunning natural scenery, with Erhai Lake to the west, and breathtaking views of Cangshan Mountain, which is capped with snow year-round. The area is known for its “four wonders” of wind, flowers, snow, and moon, creating picturesque landscapes that attract countless visitors.
Prominent scenic spots include:
- Lion Mountain (狮子山, Shī zi shān)
- Goldfish Mountain (金鱼山, Jīn yú shān)
- Chicken Rock Mountain (鸡岩山, Jī yán shān)
- Desert Temple Reservoir (沙漠庙水库, Shā mò miào shuǐ kù)
Each site tells a story and contributes to the area’s allure, attracting tourists from both near and far.
Agricultural Development in Wase Town
Wase enjoys a mild climate, with no extreme heat or cold, making it suitable for agriculture. The fertile soil and abundant water sources allow for two crops a year, with yields surpassing the regional average. The area is renowned for its diverse agricultural products, including rice, wheat, beans, and various fruits like peaches, plums, and pomegranates, earning it the title “land of fish and rice.”
Erhai Lake is rich in fish, including oil fish, and the area boasts a variety of wild plants and valuable medicinal herbs. Local women are skilled in traditional embroidery, contributing to Wase’s reputation as the “homeland of Bai embroidery.”
How to Get There
Wase Town is accessible via various means of transportation:
- By Car: Drive from Dali City to Wase, approximately 40 kilometers.
- By Bus: Frequent buses run from Dali City to Wase Town, making it convenient for visitors.
- By Bicycle: For the adventurous, cycling from Dali to Wase offers a scenic route with picturesque landscapes.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather.
- Local Cuisine: Try Bai specialties like Erhai fish, local mushrooms, and traditional pastries.
- Cultural Respect: Be mindful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Accommodations: Consider staying in local guesthouses to experience Bai hospitality firsthand.
