[2025 Dali Attraction] Travel Guide for Longwei Pass Historical and Cultural District (Updated Feb)

Dali Heilong Bridge: A Historic Thoroughfare in Western Yunnan 📍Location Heilong Bridge is located in Xiaguan, Dali City, and spans the Xier River. As the only outlet of Erhai Lake, the Xier River connects Erhai Lake and Yangbi River. Heilong Bridge is located at this key water flow node, making it an important part of Dali's transportation network and a vital thoroughfare in western Yunnan. 🏗️History The bridge was first built during the Nanzhao period and was originally made of bamboo and wood. It has since undergone multiple repairs and reconstructions. Over the years, the bridge has witnessed countless historical changes. During the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom periods, it was an important channel for military defense and trade, witnessing the exchange and integration of various ethnic groups. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, as the connection between the Central Plains and the southwestern border became closer, Heilong Bridge carried a continuous stream of caravans transporting tea, silk, and other goods, playing an indispensable role in the trade network of the Ancient Tea Horse Road. During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, as part of the western Yunnan thoroughfare, it played a crucial role in transporting war supplies, contributing to the victory of the war. 🌉Architecture The current Heilong Bridge is made of reinforced concrete but still retains its simple and elegant style. The bridge has smooth lines, and the railings are carved with exquisite patterns, including auspicious beasts symbolizing good fortune and landscape paintings depicting the natural scenery of Dali, showcasing the Bai people's superb carving skills. The bridge is [X] meters long and [X] meters wide, with [X] bridge holes. The design of the bridge holes is scientific and reasonable, effectively draining the floodwaters of the Xier River while enhancing the overall beauty of the bridge. 🌳Surrounding Scenery Standing on the bridge, you can enjoy the scenery on both sides of the Xier River. The river is clear and sparkling, with willows swaying in the wind along the banks. Boats often pass by on the river, creating ripples. One end of the bridge connects to the bustling Xiaguan city, while the other leads to the vast fields at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, perfectly blending the city's prosperity with the tranquility of the countryside. Nearby attractions include Tai'an Bridge and Longwei Pass. As the southern gate of Dali Ancient City, Longwei Pass has well-preserved ancient streets and alleys, complementing Heilong Bridge and together telling the history and culture of Dali. 🎈Cultural Significance Heilong Bridge is not only a transportation bridge but also an important carrier of Dali's history and culture. It carries the collective memory of the people of Dali and bears witness to the exchange and integration of various ethnic groups. From ancient times to the present, many poets and scholars have left poems and songs here, adding to the cultural richness of the bridge. In local folk culture, Heilong Bridge also holds a unique position. Every year, during specific times, traditional sacrificial activities are held, with people praying for good weather and safe travels. Whether for tourists or local residents, Heilong Bridge is an excellent place to experience the historical charm and cultural appeal of Dali.

We rented a shared electric bike and rode west along the south bank of the Erhai Lake to Zhongcheng Street. After crossing the Erhai Lake, we arrived at the Longwei Pass Historical and Cultural Block. Walking into this original old street, the houses on both sides are dilapidated, and there are vegetable vendors on the street. The street is not wide, but the slope is very steep, like climbing a mountain. Halfway up the mountain, there is an arched city gate with a "Longwei Pass" stone tablet embedded above. A two-story pavilion is built on the city gate, with a plaque of "Longguan Sunset" hanging on it, which looks majestic and magnificent. Longwei City is the site of the ancient city of Nanzhao, built by King Ge Luofeng of Nanzhao. Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom were the most prosperous periods in the development of ancient Dali, lasting for more than 500 years. Longwei City was the southern gate of Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom in history. Most of it has been destroyed, and only Shoukang Tower and a 100-meter-long city wall in the west remain. This site was the former north gate, and the south gate was located by the river at the entrance of the street, which has long since disappeared. Passing through the city gate and continuing uphill, the slope of the street becomes smaller, and drainage ditches are built on both sides, making it cleaner. The roofs of the old houses are covered with wild grass, showing their age. We walked all the way to Longquan Lane, where the Kuixing Pavilion at the entrance of the lane is a Qing Dynasty building, first built during the Chongzhen period of the Ming Dynasty. The east wall is inlaid with four large characters "Yanlv Lianbi" written by Ma Enbo, a scholar of the Qing Dynasty. We turned back from Longquan Lane and entered a nearby alley. Not far away, we saw the mountain gate of Puji Temple. Puji Temple was originally the Su Family Ancestral Hall, first built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. After entering, we found that it looked like a Taoist temple, with a painting of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea on the mountain wall. We continued to climb up the mountain along the path, passing by Amitabha Temple, and saw the sign of Xiaguan Confucian Temple. We climbed up the steps and finally found the Confucian Temple on the top of the mountain. There are two big green trees over 200 years old at the entrance, still lush and green. The mountain gate of the Confucian Temple faces east, and the trees in front of the gate are dense, blocking the view. Through the gaps between the trees, we could see the Erhai Lake at the foot of the mountain, the high-rise buildings in the city, and the continuous green mountains in the distance. During the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, Zhao Xueping, the imperial censor, returned to his hometown after retirement and built the Xiaguan Confucian Temple to promote local culture. After hundreds of years of wind and rain, it gradually became dilapidated, leaving only ancient banyan and cypress trees. To promote traditional culture and showcase the charm of the "land of literature," it was rebuilt on the original site in 2011. After leaving the Confucian Temple, we planned to take a taxi on the road behind, but it was too remote, so we had to return to Longwei Pass and accidentally came to Longquan Lane again. It turned out that there was really a Longquan Well in the lane, and residents were fetching water there.

Longwei Pass is located on the north bank of the West Erhai River in Taihe Street, Dali City. It is an ancient pass with a history of nearly 1,300 years. Compared with the bustling Dali Ancient City, Longwei Pass is low-key and simple, and is a place where locals often go. The streets here are full of the bustling life of old Dali, retaining the lifestyle of the indigenous people, and is the "hometown" in the memory of Dali people. Recommended route: Heilong Bridge - Zhongcheng Street - Longwei Pass Gate - Longwei Street - Puji Temple - Amitabha Temple - Xiaguan Confucian Temple 1. Longwei Pass Ancient City Gate: Walk into Longwei Pass, along the stone road, ancient wells, ancient temples, Confucian temples, schools, cultural residences and other historical sites will be presented in front of you one by one, and the ancient streets and alleys make people feel like they are traveling through time. 2. Time-honored snack bar: Visit the traditional snack bar on the street and taste authentic local delicacies, such as stewed pot dishes, cold shrimp, chicken pea flour, etc. 3. Vegetable market and handicraft shop: Stroll around the vegetable market in Longwei Pass, you can find fresh ingredients and handicrafts, and learn about the lifestyle of local people in Dali. Don't forget to visit tailor shops, barber shops, Chinese medicine clinics and other places to feel the life of old Xiaguan. 4. Coffee shop break: If you are tired, you can choose to sit in the Internet-famous coffee shop on the street, enjoy a cup of coffee, and feel the slow life of this small city. Best time to visit It is recommended to go on a sunny day, the sun is bright, the photo effect is better, and you can better appreciate the details of the ancient buildings. The play time can be arranged for about 2-3 hours, and slowly savor the history and culture here. Food recommendation There are many authentic snacks near Longwei Pass, so don't miss it. It is recommended that you try the local crispy baba, the outer skin is crispy, the filling is fragrant and soft, there are two flavors of sweet and salty, both are very good. There is also the Bai ethnic specialty sour and spicy fish, the fish is tender, sour and spicy, very appetizing. Photo spots In front of the ancient building, wearing ethnic-style clothes to take pictures, it is very charming. The light and shadow in the alleys are intertwined, and the photos taken are super atmospheric. The place with red lanterns hanging at the door is also a good place to take pictures. With red lanterns as the background, the photos are full of ancient meaning. Practical information 🎫All attractions are free of charge 🚌Transportation: Take bus No. 10 from Dali High-speed Railway Station and get off at Heilong Bridge Station. Take bus No. 4 from Dali Ancient City and get off at Meideng Bridge North Station. In addition, shared bicycles can be ridden throughout the area, self-service travel, walking and stopping, very convenient.

Xiaguan Treasure: Hidden in the bustling city, the 1,300-year-old ancient city ruins of Longwei Pass. Located on the west bank of the Erhai River under the Xieyang Peak of Cangshan Mountain, it was the southern gate of the ancient capital of Nanzhao, witnessing the entire process of the "Tianbao War" and the decline of the Tang Dynasty. This place retains the most rustic appearance of old Dali to the greatest extent, with ancient stone roads, old men sitting idly at the door of old houses, dim European-style street lamps, and the shouts of small vegetable markets separated from the city by a line. Old brand snack shops, tailor shops, barber shops, Chinese medicine halls... stepping into it from the fast-paced hustle and bustle, it feels like traveling back to your hometown and returning to your childhood. I love the heavy sense of history and the warm atmosphere of this old street. Recommended Route Start from the Suoshui Pavilion in Erhai Park - Heilong Bridge - Stroll along the lower section of the old street - Longwei Pass Tower - Stroll along the upper section of the old street - Puji Temple - Xiaguan Confucian Temple Attractions 1. Heilong Bridge: A bridge connecting modernity and history; 2. Lower section of the old street: There are many city tower buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and the main road is full of shops, including old tailor shops, barber shops, embroidery shops, as well as new-style cafes, bars, and the famous "Li's Roast and Marinated" is here. 3. In addition to the main street, don't miss the alleys in the lower section. Walking in will surprise you with more historical sites and residential buildings. Standing on the upper section, looking down, on one side are eaves covered with weeds, and in the distance are tall buildings. The sense of history and modernity is embodied here. 4. Puji Temple and Xiaguan Confucian Temple: There are many temples and ancient sites in this area, one after another, dazzling. If you have enough time, you can visit them one by one. 5. Coffee break: If you are tired, you can choose to sit in an internet-famous cafe on the street, enjoy a cup of coffee, and experience the slow life of this small city. Practical Information 🎫All attractions are free of charge 🚌Transportation: Take bus No. 10 from Dali High-speed Railway Station and get off at Heilong Bridge Station. Take bus No. 4 from Dali Ancient City and get off at Meideng Bridge North Station. In addition, you can ride a shared bicycle throughout the area, which is very convenient for self-guided tours, walking, and stopping.