Donglianhua Village

Donglianhua Village is a habitat for Hui Minority. In ancient times, it was a gathering place for people who were engaged in horse transportation. Since the bustling horse transportation activity led to economic prosperity, villagers built many intricate Islamic-style buildings, which are well preserved.
 

Caravan culture is the most colorful and unique charm of Donglianhua Village. During the Republic of China period (1912-1949), Donglianhua Village was famous for horse transportation. There were more than 350 horses in the village during that time. Even today, visitors can see horses in some villagers’ houses.

Yunnan Caravan Culture Museum was the first caravan cultural museum, as well as the largest and best preserved one in Yunnan. With a size of 724 square meters (866 sq yd), this museum was once a horse-trading market, and retains many relics of the previous time, such as the accounting room, manger, warehouses, and so on. In order to offer visitors a vivid scene of that bustling era, the museum has tried to recreate the market as authentically as possible.
 

Most of the buildings were built during the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912) and the Republic of China period. There were 10,064 square meters (12,036 sq yd) of buildings constructed during the Qing dynasty and 17,966 square meters (21,487 sq yd) built during the Republic of China period. Today, there are five well-preserved turrets and 22 courtyards. 

Among them, the Maruji Courtyard, built in the Republic of China period, is representative. Maruji was a legendary leader in horse transportation. Within this big courtyard, there is a screen wall, two yards, three gates, four attics, five halls, six dooryards. Each corner of the courtyard, from the lintel of a beautiful window, still make a person feel the verve and unique glamour of the past.
 

Founded in the early Qing Dynasty (1636 - 1912), Donglianhua Mosque makes a major contribution to spreading Hui national culture around this area. The courtyard is shaded by trees and fragrant flowers. When visitors step into the mosque complex, the first thing they see is the main palace, decorated with delicate embellishments and ornate carved patterns. The whole mosque perfectly combines traditional Chinese architecture and Islamic style. 
 

If you are lucky enough, you may have the chance to take part in important festivals in the village, such as Corban Festival, held on Dec. 10 according to Islamic calendar, and Lesser Bairam, also called End of Ramadan and celebrated during the beginning of the tenth month on the Islamic calendar. Moreover, local snacks and dishes are quite delicious and should not be missed. 
 

From Dali: Take the bus to Dacang from Dali Xiaguan Passenger Station and get off at Donglianhua Village. Passengers need to tell the bus driver their destination in advance.

From Weishan Ancient Town: Take the bus to Yongjian Town from Weishan Passenger Station, and get off at the terminus. Then, you need to walk west for about 20 minutes, or hire a motorbike or tricycle. A chartered motorbike or tricycle costs CNY 10-15. 

 Nearby Attraction: Weishan Ancient City