Nuodeng Dali - known as the ‘one-thousand year old’ Bai ethnic minority village
Last Update: 20th October 2020
Situated around 170 kilometers northwest of Dali, Nuodeng Ancient Village is home to the Baipeople for hundreds of years. The whole village is located in valley. Since the Nanzhao Kingdom (738 – 902), the name of Nuodeng has been called for more than 1,000 years. Few modern buildings could be found in the village while many old buildings from the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) through the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912) to the Republic of China (1912 – 1949) scatter across the village. All the old buildings feature the characters of Bai’s building.
Nuodeng Dali Fast Facts
- Chinese Name: Dali Nuodeng Gucun (大理诺邓古村)
- Location: in the northwest of Yunlong County, Dali
- Things to do there: Photography, Architecture, Bai Customs and Traditions
- Who visits: Photographers, Adventure Enthusiasts, Architects, Chinese Culture Lovers
- Time required: 5-6 hour
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Nuodeng Dali, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.
What to expect at Nuodeng Dali
Nuodeng Dai is dotted with hundreds of old buildings in the style of Bai’s building. You will find more than 60 houses in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, more than 40 houses in the Republic of China and more than 20 old temples around Nuodeng Village. More than 200 old trees have witness the history of village for more than 100 years.
In some of local houses, old furniture in the Ming and Qing Dynasties make the houses more attractive. Doors, windows, poles and eaves are decorated with different fine carvings. Most of the houses are built on the hillside.
The ancient salt well was developed in 109 BC. It is 21 meters deep. Five more old salt wells were developed in the Ming Dynasty. You could also explore the ancient salt office in the Ming Dynasty. Ruin of Wanshou Temple is the oldest building in the village. Sihe Wutian Jing (四合五天井) is the largest house in the village. The house offers a large courtyard in the middle with four smaller courtyards in the four sides.
The wooden carvings at the former residence of Huang Shaokui, a Jinshi in the period of Qianlong Emperor (1736 – 1796) are the most exquisite in the village. More than 10,000 pieces of old things, such as paintings, horizontal inscribed boards, old furniture and other antique are well-preserved by villagers.
Due to the location of the village, the local market was held on the stone steps in ancient times. Therefore, it was also called Step Market. You will find several temples and old pavilions in the village as well. Lingxing Gate of the Confucian Temple is the oldest wooden archway in the west of Yunnan. It was originally built in the early Qing Dynasty. If lucky enough, you will appreciate the grand ceremony of worshiping Confucius. In addition, you could find several Taoist buildings at the village. Yuhuang Taoist Temple, the 3 – storeyed loft-style building offers a caisson ceiling with stunning painting on the top of the main hall. If you are interested to explore all types of the scenic spots and experience local life, it is suggested that you stay overnight at the village.
Best time to visit Nuodeng Dali
If you are interested to explore local life and some of the old houses, you could explore the village from morning to afternoon.
The best months to visit are from April to October.
There is no direct bus from Dali to Nuodeng. Therefore, the only option is to rent a vehicle to the village.
- Opening hours: 24 Hours
- As at 20th October 2020, the entrance ticket to the village is free of charge.
- As visitors need to hike up the village on stone steps, some visitors who had explored it thought it would be tiring to take much luggage to walk on the steps.
- The villagers often offer the luggage-carrying service for an extra charge. They will arrange a mule to carry the luggage to the hotel you are staying.
- Please take care of yourself when walking up the steps.
- Please wear the sunscreen cream and sunglasses.
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Nuodeng Dali, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.