Dali

CCTV.COM (06.11 2003 17:28)

    For hundreds of years, Dali has been the heart of Yunnan. Now it's historic heritage, stunning natural beauty and diverse cultures have made it a must-see in this part of China.

    This is where two powerful minority dynasties, the Nanzhao and the Dali centred their empires. The city of Dali is the central focus of the most southwestern tip of China and its character is both rugged and delicate. The magnificent walls surrounding the city point to the status the city once enjoyed. They were originally more than seven metres high and surround a city laid out much like a chessboard.

    Cradled between the mountains and the lake, the ancient city is a record of the vicissitudes of powerful dynasties and ordinary people.

    To get to this place, you have to come from Xiaguan, a city used to playing second fiddle to Dali. You can reach Xiaguan by plane, bus or train railway, from Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province. Xiaguan used to be a gateway to Dali, guarding the capital and the emperors who lived here.

    Dali is also protected by two natural barriers, Canshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Cangshan Mountain towers more than 4,000 meters and it's said the peak's snow melts to form 18 brooks, which eventually merge into Erhai. Er means ear in Chinese. The lake gets its name from its narrow shape, like an ear.

Editor:Han