The Forbidden City of the Dai People: Exploring the 660-Year Legacy of the Menglian Xuanfu Chieftain's Office

The Last Dai Tusi Seat in China

1.Located in the heart of Nayun Ancient: Town in Menglian Dai, Lahu, and Wa Autonomous County, Pu'er City, the Menglian Xuanfu Chieftain's Office (Menglian Xuanfu Sishu) stands as a magnificent testament to the history of the Dai people in the borderlands of southwest China. Often referred to as the "Forbidden City of the Dai," this architectural complex is the best-preserved and most historically significant Tusi (native chieftain) government office remaining in Yunnan. For over six centuries, from the Yuan Dynasty to the Republic of China era, 28 generations of hereditary chieftains ruled from this seat, spanning a period of 660 years. As a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, it offers a rare glimpse into the feudal history, political structure, and cultural fusion of the border ethnic groups.

A Masterpiece of Architectural Fusion

The Chieftain's Office is renowned for its unique architectural style, which harmoniously blends Dai, Han, and Tibetan elements. Covering an area of 1.2 hectares, the complex is built on a high foundation, characteristic of the traditional Dai "stilt" style (Ganlan) to avoid dampness. However, the upper structures incorporate the intricate Dougong (bracket sets) and flying eaves typical of Han Chinese palatial architecture, while the decorations and color schemes reflect Tibetan influences. The main hall, or "Yishiting," is particularly striking, supported by 47 massive golden nanmu pillars. This grandeur symbolizes the authority of the chieftain and the successful integration of central Chinese culture with local border traditions.

A Living Museum of History

Today, the Xuanfu Chieftain's Office functions as a museum, housing a vast collection of historical artifacts that narrate the saga of the Menglian chieftains. Visitors can view the official robes, seals, weapons, and musical instruments used by the ruling families, as well as documents recording the political and economic exchanges between the central government and the border region. The exhibits provide a vivid picture of the "Gold, Silver, and Robe" diplomatic relations and the daily life of the aristocracy. The site is not just a cold relic but a space where the past feels palpable, surrounded by the living culture of the local Dai people who still reside in the adjacent ancient town.

The Heart of Nayun Ancient Town

The Chieftain's Office is the core of Nayun Ancient Town, the last remaining ancient Dai city in China. The town is laid out in a strict social hierarchy, with the "Upper City" for the chieftain's clan, the "Middle City" for officials, and the "Lower City" for commoners. Walking out of the Chieftain's Office, visitors step directly into the winding alleys of Nayun, where traditional bamboo and wood houses stand amidst lush banyan trees and banana groves. Nearby, the Shangcheng Buddha Temple and other religious sites showcase the deep-rooted Theravada Buddhist faith of the region, making a visit here a comprehensive journey through politics, religion, and daily life.