🌿 Slow time in the ancient town | A cup of coffee and a college in Weishan

📍 Dali Weishan Ancient Town When visiting Dali, many people immediately think of the shimmering Erhai Lake or the bustling Dali Old Town. But if you'd like to take a slower, deeper journey and experience the rich cultural heritage of this land, Weishan Ancient Town is a great choice. Unlike the bustling Dali Old Town, its tranquility embodies a sense of simplicity and wonder. ⸻ 🏯 Traveling back in time in a college Walking into the deep alleys of the ancient town, I was captivated by a well-preserved college. Its towering gatehouse and rustling plaques evoke the sound of students reading centuries ago. Entering the courtyard, a bluestone path leads to the lecture hall, where several old trees stand quietly. A wooden desk is covered with brushes, ink, and scrolls. Sitting in the porch, the wind blowing across the tiled eaves, accompanied by birdsong and the faint fragrance of wood, brings a rare sense of tranquility. Locals say this was once where students from Weishan pursued their studies and set their goals. While no longer filled with students toiling day and night, the academy remains the most immersive place in the ancient town. Some read and write here, while others simply sit and feel the weight of time. 📖 ⸻ ☕ Afternoon in a Café Not far from the academy, I stumbled upon a café hidden within an ancient house. Pushing open the wooden door, I was greeted by a small courtyard, where vines climbed the gray tiles, and greenery and flowers filled the space with vibrant life. The interweaving of wooden beams and glass windows conveys the old house's skeleton while exuding a modern air of lightness. I ordered a pour-over coffee and found a seat by the window, where sunlight filtered through the carved wooden windows onto the tabletop. The aroma of the coffee blended with the woodsy fragrance of the air, making it hard to tell whether I was transported to ancient times or modern times. Soft music drifted by my ears, and outside the window, the voices of the ancient town lingered. At that moment, I suddenly realized the true meaning of travel—finding one's own rhythm in the interweaving of past and present. ⸻ 🌸 A Fusion of Ancient Charm and Coffee Aroma What surprised me most about Weishan Ancient Town is its ability to combine the ancient and the modern in the same space. The academy carries thousands of years of cultural memory, inspiring reverence; the cafe represents a contemporary lifestyle, inviting us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the present moment. The two are not contradictory, but rather coexist in a wonderful way. Like two parallel rivers, they converge here, allowing us to both contemplate history and enjoy life. ⸻ ✅ Summary If you visit Dali, consider spending a day in Weishan Ancient Town. It's free from over-commercialization, yet offers a truly "slow" experience. • In the academy, read ancient poetry and feel the weight of time; • In the cafe, sip a cup of fragrant coffee and savor the laziness of the present moment. Travel isn't just about checking in; it's about finding a moment of peace for the soul. Weishan is a place where you can slow down. 🌿 ⸻ ✨ Recommended route: Morning tour of the ancient town → Sit for a while at the academy → Lunch in the ancient town with a Bai ethnic cuisine → Afternoon coffee at a cafe → Watch the ancient town lights up in the evening. #WeishanGuzhen #YunnanWeishan