Yunnan Xinhua Village Silver Museum in Heqing County, Dali
Overview
The Yunnan Silver Museum (云南银器博物馆), also known as the Heqing County Xinhua Village Silver Museum (鹤庆县新华村银器博物馆), is located in Xinhua Shizhaizi (新华石寨子) in Heqing County (鹤庆县). It is the first specialized silver museum in China, covering an area of over 10,000 square meters. The museum houses more than 2,000 pieces of handcrafted silver artifacts from the Tang (唐) and Song (宋) dynasties, including religious items, accessories, and crafts.
Collection Highlights
The Yunnan Silver Museum’s collection is a cultural emblem of Heqing (鹤庆), showcasing the historical development of silver craftsmanship in the region. The silver artifacts are categorized into three main types: decorative items, everyday utensils, and religious tools, all crafted by master artisans throughout history. This museum is vital for studying the historical, economic, and cultural development of the Dali (大理) area.
Yunnan’s long history, diverse ethnic groups, and complex topography contribute to a vibrant array of decorative items, making it a treasure trove of ethnic craftsmanship.
Unique Features
During the Spring Festival (春节), the museum is open to visitors for free, allowing guests to explore exquisite silver bracelets, rings, ornaments, tea sets, and other pieces. Visitors can appreciate the incredible craftsmanship and immerse themselves in the charm of Heqing silver jewelry.
Development History
Xinhua Village (新华村) in Heqing has a history of silver craftsmanship that spans over a thousand years. Bai (白族) artisans began creating handcrafted gold, silver, and copper ethnic ornaments during the Tang Dynasty under the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国) and have passed down their skills through generations.
Recognizing the advantages of this industry, Yunnan Investment Group (云南一集团) invested 267 million yuan to develop Xinhua Village starting in 2003, followed by an additional investment of over 40 million yuan to establish the Yunnan Silver Museum, which occupies an area of 10,000 square meters.
Collection of Cultural Relics
The Yunnan Silver Museum features over 2,000 pieces of silver artifacts from the Tang and Song dynasties. These items include:
- Everyday Utensils: Bowls, cups, plates, and pots.
- Religious Items: Buddha statues, prayer wheels (转经筒), conch shells (法螺), and offering vessels (供器).
- Accessories: Headdresses, earrings, hat decorations, and waist ornaments.
In terms of craftsmanship, the artifacts showcase techniques such as gilding, enameling, cloisonné, and inlaying with glass, ivory, pearls, and various gemstones. The techniques displayed include relief carving, high relief, round carving, hollow carving, and fine engraving. The decorative themes encompass flowers, animals, figures, landscapes, and auspicious patterns like “two lions playing with a ball” (双狮戏球), “dragon and phoenix presenting auspiciousness” (龙凤呈祥), “blossoms representing wealth” (花开富贵), and “year after year with abundance” (年年有余).
The entire display covers every aspect of the functional use of silver products, featuring rare treasures from ancient silver craftsmanship.
Visiting Information
Location: Xinhua Shizhaizi, Heqing County, Yunnan Province, China (云南省鹤庆县新华石寨子)
Distance from Yunhe Town: 4 kilometers
Distance from Lijiang Airport: 12 kilometers
Experience at the Museum
Upon arriving at Lijiang Airport (丽江机场), head straight to the ancient village of Dali—Xinhua Village (鹤庆新华村). This hidden gem near Lijiang is part of Heqing County, Dali Prefecture. As you pass through the Caohai Wetlands (草海湿地), it feels like stepping into another world.
Inside the Yunnan Silver Museum, the first floor showcases numerous exquisite silver artifacts, each a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The second floor offers a tranquil tea space, while the third floor features a creative shop that dazzles visitors.
A special highlight is the metalwork studio, where the earrings are simply irresistible. The unique coloring techniques used in the silver products create vibrant and colorful pieces. Each earring is one-of-a-kind, with varying color effects resulting from different firing processes.
What was intended as a one-hour visit turned into three hours! If you love silver jewelry, this place is a must-visit!
How to Get There
To reach the Yunnan Silver Museum, you can take a bus or taxi from Dali City (大理市) to Heqing County. It is approximately 30 kilometers from Dali and 12 kilometers from Lijiang Airport.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring Festival for free entry; otherwise, spring is ideal for vibrant blooms.
- Comfortable Shoes: Wear comfortable footwear for exploring the museum and surroundings.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the stunning artifacts and beautiful scenery.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry water, especially if you plan to explore outdoors.
- Respect Nature: Help keep the area clean and beautiful.
- Pack Snacks: Bring light snacks for a break during your visit.
- Learn Local Culture: Familiarize yourself with Bai culture to enrich your experience at the museum.
