Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Autonomous prefecture in western Yunnan, China
Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture lies between the Cangshan Mountain range and Erhai Lake in western Yunnan. The region is divided into twelve administrative divisions, including one city and eleven counties.
This area was once the seat of the Kingdom of Nanzhao and later the Kingdom of Dali during the Tang and Song periods. The prefecture was established in 1956 to protect the autonomy of the Bai people.
The Bai people have inhabited these lands for centuries and shaped daily life through their distinctive customs and crafts. Their influence remains visible in traditional architecture, local markets, and religious practices that continue to this day.
The administrative center is located in Xiaguan, Dali City, serving as a good starting point for visitors. The region offers multiple access points for those exploring its various counties and areas.
The Jianchuan Grottoes contain more than 130 Buddha figures carved into rock, created over more than a thousand years. These artworks reveal layers of belief that have remained preserved in this region.
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