Travel Guide

Lianghe boasts a rich history, historically known as Nansong and later as Nandian. It is a shining gem along the ancient Southern Silk Road—and a vital passage that once connected China to South and Southeast Asia. The Nandian Xuanfu Temple Office, commonly referred to as the "Tusi Yamen," was first established in 1851 during the Qing Dynasty's Xianfeng era. Over the course of 84 years, under three generations of Tusi rulers, the complex underwent continuous expansion, making it one of the best-preserved Tusi administrative centers in China today. Often hailed as the "First Mansion in Western Yunnan" and even dubbed the "Dai Ethnic Group's Forbidden City," this site wielded significant influence among the frontier Tusi regimes in Yunnan's history. In 1996, it was officially recognized by the State Council as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, and in December 2004, it earned the prestigious designation of a National 4A Tourist Attraction from the China National Tourism Administration. The entire architectural complex of the Nandian Xuanfu Temple Office is meticulously divided into five main sections—each progressively elevated—comprising the Grand Hall, Second Hall, Third Hall, Main Hall, and an inner courtyard. Surrounding these central structures are 7 curved wings with 24 ancillary rooms, along with lush gardens, a Buddhist hall, a traditional opera stage, a residence for young ladies, servants' quarters, kitchens, granaries, stables, an armory, and even a prison—all seamlessly integrated into the layout. The entire compound showcases a harmonious blend of grandeur and functionality, with clearly defined primary and secondary spaces. Spanning a total area of 10,625 square meters, the complex features 47 individual buildings comprising 149 rooms, covering a built-up area of 7,780 square meters. Each of the grand halls stands out as a quintessential example of traditional wooden architecture: featuring a robust five-bay structure supported by thick beams and towering pillars, topped with elegantly curved tiled roofs adorned with ornate eaves. The roof ridges are elegantly embellished with glazed ceramic tiles, while intricate carvings grace the rafters, beams, and doors—depicting everything from lifelike figures and vibrant floral motifs to soaring birds, graceful beasts, swirling cloud patterns, intricate geometric designs, elegant calligraphy, and even scenes inspired by classical Chinese operas. Walking through this centuries-old architectural masterpiece, one can’t help but feel immersed in the profound cultural legacy of Han Chinese influence that has deeply shaped this region. Within this palace-like complex, the exquisite woodcarvings not only highlight the exceptional craftsmanship of the artisans of that era but also serve as a testament to the enduring artistic brilliance of traditional Chinese architecture.