Yunnan is famous not only because the favorable weather and beautiful scenery, but also the rich ethnic culture and the religious culture. For most foreign students, this is an important reason why learn Chinese in Yunnan. There are many Buddhist towers in Yunnan, among which Snake Bone Tower is one of the famous towers in Dali. With the height of 30.7 meters, it is located in Yangping Village, just in front of Fotu Temple. It is a square brick hallow tower with thirteen floors. The constructing time and the pattern as well as architecture building techniques are mostly the same as Qianxun Tower.
There was a legend about the origin of the tower. In Nanzhao period, it was said that there was a huge snake nearby Yangping Village, eating people’s livestock and destroyed the corps, thus the villagers around there railed to live a stable and happy life. Duan Chicheng made up his mind to kill this beast and removed the evil from the people. When he brought sharp blades and swords to the snake, he was swallowed into the stomach by the snake and he took the chance to stab the inner organs. Finally, he died together with the snake.
In order to commemorate this hero, Bai people in Dali burn the bone of snake at the palce he died and constructed a temple. In addition, a cenotaph of him was built next to the temple. At present, the Snake Bone Tower is still standing between the Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Many foreign students have been there when they come to study in qualified Mandarin program in the city of Kunming. They said that the transportation to the scenic spot is convenient because the public bus can reach around it.
If you decide to stay at Dali, you have two choices about the accommodation, one of which is to stay in stars-level hotels in Xiaguan such as Manwan Hotel, Cangshan Hotel and Jinda Hotel. Since it is the political and economic center in Dali, the tourism reception facilities are relatively perfect. Another choice is in Dali Ancient Town which is famous for the traditional Bai people’s residential buildings. Along Huguo Road, there are many private hotels and guesthouses reconstructed from the former residential houses. If you stay there, it is more convenient for you to experience the ethnic culture in Dali and enjoy the elegant cultural atmosphere there.