Yunnan Yi, the First Place Called Yunnan

🌈This is Dali Old Town - Yunnan Yi, also the first place called Yunnan. 📍Yunnan Yi was an important station on the ancient Southwest Silk Road. During the Western Han Dynasty (109 BC), Yunnan County was established here. In 225 AD, Yunnan Yi served as one of the seven counties in the southern part of the Shu Kingdom, and the governing body was located here. 📍During the Nanzhao Kingdom, Yunnan Yi was the seat of Yunnan and housed military facilities. 📍Its heyday was during the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty. 📍In the Yuan Dynasty, the government established Yunnan Prefecture here, and Yunnan Yi was the second largest prefecture in western Yunnan. 📍In the Ming Dynasty, a new city was built in present-day Xiangyun County, ending Yunnan Yi's 1,500-year history as the seat of administrative or military institutions. However, the name Yunnan Yi has been retained. 📍Chronologically, "Yunnan Yi" was the first place to use "Yunnan" as a place name, and it is the origin of Yunnan Province's name. In 1918, the county name was changed to "Xiangyun County," but Yunnan Yi retained the name "Yunnan." 📍Spanning over 2,000 years, Yunnan Yi, though now deserted, still retains many relics and cultural landscapes from its time as a station. The ancient town features residential houses, shops, inns, and stables, along with remnants of the ancient Silk Road and Tea Horse Road. 🚃Transportation: 🚙By car: about 1.5 hours from Dali Old Town. 🏕There is a tourist spot nearby with free parking and restrooms. 🎫Tickets: 💰Free entry to Yunnan Yi Ancient Village. ☀Highlights: 🏯This place fulfills people's fantasies about traditional ancient villages and the Tea Horse Road. History and culture are embodied here. Upon entering the village, the old stone roads and mottled walls instantly transport you back in time. 🎊Tour Route: 👉After entering the village, take photos at the ancient post station along the main road. The ancient buildings and stone road create a strong sense of the old horse caravans. 👉Continue walking to the Tea Horse Road Museum. Free admission! The museum houses a large collection of tools used by horse caravans, from exquisite saddles and reins to worn but sturdy pack frames, as well as yellowed maps and account books. Each exhibit tells the story of that arduous and passionate era. A detailed visit will deepen your understanding of the Tea Horse Road. 🏕Yunnan Yi has only one main street, which is very short. There are a few small shops on both sides of the street, selling daily necessities by local residents. There are no inns, no specialty shops, and no music. There are only local residents buying groceries, children playing on the road, and some locals farming. The scene is as familiar as returning to one's own rural home. Although I grew up in the countryside, I always love such quiet and simple ancient villages. ⚠️Tips: 🏕There are no restaurants on the street! Remember to bring your own food or eat outside. This is where locals live and eat at home; there are no restaurants for tourists. 🎊Besides Yunnan Yi, Xiangyun also has Xiangyun Ancient Town, a place many people haven't visited. If you have time, you can visit both.