Muege Old Town in Bijie

Here’s a comprehensive English guide to Mu’ege Old Town (Mu’ege Ancient City) in Dafang County, Bijie, Guizhou—home of the legendary Yi female leader Madame Shexiang, a national cultural heritage site blending ancient Yi traditions and Han architectural influences.

Core Information

• Location: Northeast suburb of Dafang County, Bijie City, Guizhou (within Yunlong Village, near the county seat)
• Area: 4.56 km², with an altitude of 1650–1800m and an average annual temperature of 11°C (excellent summer retreat)
• Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00 (varies slightly by venue; Shexiang Museum is free with ID card)
• Transport: Shuttle buses from Dafang County; self-driving via navigation to "Mu’ege Ancient City/Guzhou Xuanwei Mansion"
• Ticket: Free entry to the old town & Shexiang Museum; separate ticket for Guizhou Xuanwei Mansion

History & Name Origin

"Mu’ege" is a transliteration from the Yi language, meaning "Royal City under the Sky". Founded in the Shu-Han period (225 AD), it served as the capital of the Luodian Kingdom. In the early Ming Dynasty, Madame Shexiang—an outstanding Yi female politician—set her administrative center here, built post roads connecting Yunnan, Sichuan and Guizhou, and promoted ethnic unity. The original city was destroyed by war in the late Ming (1624), and the current complex was restored in 2008–2009 as the filming base for the TV drama Madame Shexiang毕节市人民政府.

Must-Visit Highlights

1. Guzhou Xuanwei Mansion (The Core Palace)

   The main filming location of Madame Shexiang, a grand restored complex following ancient Yi and Han combined architectural styles. Arranged along a central axis, the nine-tiered courtyard reflects the hierarchy of the Shuixi Yi Tusi regime. Stone dragon pillars, carved wooden beams, and fire-patterned decorations (a sacred Yi totem) are prominent features.

2. Shexiang Museum & Shexiang Tomb (National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit)

   The museum is the first thematic museum dedicated to an ethnic historical figure in Southwest China, displaying the history of the Shuixi Yi people, cultural relics, traditional costumes, and wax printing works. Next to it lies the Shexiang Tomb, with a solemn stone archway, stone statues, and a round mound-shaped tomb, honoring her contributions to national unity and the opening of post roads.

3. Qingyun Tower & Doulao Tower

   Ancient architectural remains rebuilt on the original sites. Qingyun Tower is a classic Ming-Qing-style pavilion with a unique octagonal structure, offering panoramic views of the old town. Doulao Tower features Buddhist cultural elements and quiet courtyard scenery.

4. Yi Cultural Street & Ancient Post Road Relics

   A pedestrian street lined with Yi-style shops, where you can buy handcrafted Yi lacquerware, silver ornaments, and taste local snacks. The remaining sections of the ancient post road built by Madame Shexiang are covered with moss, telling the story of ancient trade routes.

Travel Tips & Itinerary

• Recommended Duration: 3–4 hours (including the mansion, museum, tomb, and strolling the cultural street)
• Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–August, cool weather) or Spring (flowering season, good for photography); avoid rainy days as the stone paths can be slippery
• Etiquette: No flash photography in the museum; respectful behavior at Shexiang Tomb
• Combine with nearby attractions: Baili Azalea Scenic Area (47 km away), Zhijin Cave (88 km away)

English Copy for Promotion

Mu’ege Ancient City: Where Yi Legends Meet Time

Step into Mu’ege, the ancient royal city of the Yi people in northwest Guizhou. Walk through the nine-tiered courtyards of Guizhou Xuanwei Mansion, pay tribute to Madame Shexiang at her solemn tomb, and explore the rich Yi cultural heritage in the museum. The carved beams, fire-patterned totems, and quiet stone alleys will lead you back to the glorious era of the Shuixi Tusi. It’s not just a restored ancient town, but a living legacy of ethnic harmony and cultural prosperity in Southwest China.