The Nanzhao Kingdom was a historical state that existed from the 8th to the 13th century in what is now Yunnan Province, China. It was established by the Bai people and became a significant power in the region, known for its trade and cultural exchanges with neighboring areas, including Southeast Asia and Tibet. Nanzhao was characterized by its unique blend of Buddhism and local beliefs, which influenced its art and architecture. The kingdom was eventually conquered by the Mongol Empire in the 13th century, leading to its dissolution and the rise of the Dali Kingdom in its place.