Wilder than Dali! The Stunning Wood Carvings and Murals of Weibaoshan, a Yi Ancestral Worship Site Hiding a "Fairyland Life"

When Lijiang Old Town is packed with tourists holding selfie sticks, and Dali Erhai Lake is surrounded by trendy guesthouses, have you ever thought that deep in Yunnan there is a mountain older and more mysterious than both? This place is both a Taoist sacred site and the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom; it houses over 20 ancient Taoist temples hidden in the forest and carries legends of Yi ancestors drifting in the mist; even more amazing, the ticket is only 40 yuan, and you can encounter a century-old camellia king, free snack stalls, and air fresher than the city! This "immortal mountain" missed by 99% of tourists is Weibaoshan—a secret realm where you can touch history, faith, and nature all at once. 1. Why is Weibaoshan called "Yunnan’s Most Underrated Treasure"? Keywords: Living Fossil of Taoist Culture + Spiritual Homeland of the Nanzhao Kingdom + Natural Oxygen Bar While other places build "trendy spots" with faux ancient architecture, Weibaoshan presents over 20 genuine ancient Taoist temples. Qingwei Temple, Doumu Pavilion, Changchun Cave... behind these names lie Taoist buildings dating back to the Tang Dynasty. The most breathtaking are the wood carvings and murals in Changchun Cave: the carved lattice door depicting the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each cut reflecting the breath of Ming Dynasty craftsmen; the twenty-eight constellations painted on the coffered ceiling, with even the flowing ribbons of the stars vividly detailed. Standing inside looking up, you can almost hear the chanting of Taoist priests from a hundred years ago. Turning to the Nanzhao Earth Lord Temple, you encounter another chapter of history—this is the "Mecca" of the Yi people. The temple enshrines Xinuoluo, the founding ancestor of the Nanzhao Kingdom, who once farmed and herded here. Yi elders will tell you that touching the "Dragon Vein Stone" in front of the temple brings ancestral blessings. Even more remarkable is the seamless cultural fusion here: Taoist deities and Yi ancestors coexist on the same mountain, with the "Prince Hall" of Wenchang Emperor next to a mural corridor depicting Yi drum dances. 2. Three Must-Visit Cultural Landmarks (with Hidden Tips) 1. Changchun Cave: The Taoist Universe in Wood Carvings This temple is called the "Taoist Architecture Museum," with a triple-eaved Xieshan roof and wind chimes hanging from the eaves that sound like ancient music when the wind blows. Highlights: • Eight Immortals Wood Carvings: Lü Dongbin’s sword, Iron Crutch Li’s gourd, Han Xiangzi’s flute... each immortal’s expression is unique, and even the waves are carved with a dynamic flow. • Coffered Ceiling Constellation Map: Look up at the dome, the twenty-eight constellations arranged by position, with the Big Dipper especially prominent. Taoist priests say ancient people used this "star map" to determine farming seasons. 📸 Photo Tip: Use a wide-angle lens shooting from below to capture the depth of the carvings; wearing Hanfu or plain-colored clothes makes for better photos. 2. Nanzhao Earth Lord Temple: The Yi People’s "Spiritual Homeland" Touching the "Dragon Vein Stone" in front of the temple is a must, said to bring good luck. Inside, the most precious item is a Ming Dynasty stone stele engraved with the "Record of the Nanzhao Ancestor" in both Yi and Chinese scripts. A secret tip: every year on the eighth day of the second lunar month, a grand "Earth Lord Festival" is held here, with Yi people dressed in traditional costumes performing the "Drum Dance," more impressive than any folk show. 🎁 Hidden Perk: Buy handmade embroidery from the Yi grandma in the temple for just 20 yuan—a "dragon pattern" belt symbolizing good fortune. 3. Prince Hall: Finding "Human Answers" in a Taoist Temple This hall dedicated to the Wenchang Emperor hides a philosophical question: the lintel is carved with "Unity of Heaven and Man," yet inside is a statue of the "Prince"—is it the pursuit of transcendence or a return to human nature? Even better is the environment outside: ancient cypresses shading the sky, cicadas and stream sounds intertwining. Sitting on the steps eating a rose cake sold by a local auntie, you suddenly understand the meaning of "Tao follows nature." ⏰ Best Time: 7 AM, when sunlight filters through the trees onto the hall, creating a cinematic light and shadow effect. 3. Natural Scenery: The "Eight Great Views" More Beautiful Than Paintings Keywords: 2,569-meter-high Cloud Realm + Botanical Garden with Ever-Changing Seasons The main peak of Weibaoshan looks like a green pyramid, and its 2,569-meter elevation keeps summers cool. Must-walk route: the 2 km trail from the mountain gate to the Prince Hall passes: • "Beauty Gazing at Clouds": a rock shaped like a girl’s profile, looking like she’s doing her makeup when shrouded in mist • "Camellia Flowing Red": the century-old camellia king blooms every December, its petals red as if dripping blood • "Ancient Cypresses Listening to Waves": a 300-year-old cypress grove, the wind sounds like ocean tides 🌧️ Rainy Day Tip: If caught in light rain, don’t rush! Mist will rise from the valley, and the red walls of the temples appear faintly in the fog, making photos look like they have a "fairy filter." 4. Local Insider’s "Foodie Map" 🍜 Three Must-Try Dishes: 1. Weishan Braised Pork with Ersi Noodles: Ersi noodles cooked in pork bone broth with a spoonful of secret meat sauce, filling for 10 yuan 2. Rose Cake: freshly baked with crispy crust and local rose jam filling, 3 yuan each 3. Yi Sour Soup Fish: crucian carp cooked in mountain spring water with sour soup made from fermented wild tomatoes, 30 yuan per pot 📍 Hidden Snack Stall: "Granny Zhang’s Snacks" at the Prince Hall entrance sells cold rice jelly (a sweet made from rice batter) with a secret family recipe, 5 yuan a bowl, more fragrant than city dessert shops. 5. Transportation and Accommodation Guide 🚗 Self-Drive: 1.5 hours from Dali, 4 hours from Kunming, free parking at the scenic area 🚌 Bus: Take the "Weishan Express" from Dali Bus Station to Nanzhao Town, then a 10 yuan taxi to the mountain gate 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations: • Luxury: "Cloud Immortal Residence" at the foot of the mountain, each room with a viewing terrace, 500 yuan/night in peak season • Cost-Effective: "Yi Family Courtyard" in Nanzhao Town, 80 yuan/night with a chance to experience the fire pit culture • Backpacker: "Taoist Temple Dormitory" inside the scenic area, 30 yuan/bed, eat vegetarian meals with Taoist priests 6. Itinerary Planning (One-Day/Two-Day Versions) 🌞 One-Day Highlights: Morning: Mountain Gate → Changchun Cave → Nanzhao Earth Lord Temple Noon: Eat Braised Pork Ersi Noodles at the foot of the mountain Afternoon: Prince Hall → "Camellia Flowing Red" → Wenchang Palace to see the "Tage" mural Evening: Explore Nanzhao Town night market, buy embroidered souvenirs 🌙 Two-Day In-Depth: Day 1: Same as above, stay overnight in the Taoist temple dormitory, listen to Taoist stories Day 2: Early morning sea of clouds → hike the "Ancient Cypresses Listening to Waves" trail in the back mountain → afternoon experience Yi tie-dyeing 7. Practical Information 📍 Address: Nanzhao Town, Baoshan Township, Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province ⏰ Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM) 🎫 Tickets: 40 yuan/person, half price for children/students, free for seniors over 60