Dali-A Famous Historical City

Dali, an ancient city known as a "state of literature," has a long history and splendid culture. Historically it had produced numerous people of talents. The old town of Dali is one .of the national historical and cultural cities.

The present-day Dali City was built in 1382 during the Ming Dynasty to the west of the old town. The ancient city is laid out like a chessboard, and parts of the city wall are well preserved. On North and South gates were built with gate towers. In the city there are five east-west streets and eight northsouth streets. The roads were paved with pebbles and stone slabs. Residences were built in the style of the Bai ethnic group, featuring gray-tiled gabled roof, a screen wall facing the gate of the house, and a square courtyard. There are also such ancient buildings as stores, workshops, temples and academies, looking simple and elegant.