Muyiji Holy Valley and Cliff Painting in Ximeng County, Puer

Chinese Name:西盟县木依吉神谷
English Name: Muyiji Holy Valley and Cliff Painting in Ximeng County, Puer

Location

The Muyiji Holy Valley is situated on the back mountains of Mengsuo Longtan in Ximeng County, Puer City, Yunnan Province. It is located 4.8 kilometers south of Ximeng County.

Major Attractions

The Muyiji Holy Valley is a sacred site for the Wa people, embodying their beliefs in natural worship, deity worship, and ancestor worship. The Wa people believe that the world of spirits is as complex as the human world, with desires and needs for food, water, clothing, housing, and labor. They hold that all things were created by the deity Muyiji, who governs life and death and assigns different roles to various plants and animals. Rituals such as drum performances, ox sacrifices, and offerings of human heads are conducted to honor Muyiji. Displeasing this deity could result in poor harvests or natural disasters. Consequently, the Wa people annually perform rituals to seek blessings and protection from Muyiji.

Notable features of the Muyiji Holy Valley include ancient banyan trees, the Muyiji statue, head posts, and sacred ponds. The valley, along with Mengsuo Longtan, Longmo Temple, Sigangli, and Likang Waterfall, forms a scenic area that integrates nature worship, deity worship, ancestor worship, and natural beauty in Ximeng Wa Mountain.

The valley is nestled among mountains and near water, with a serene environment. Clear spring water flows from ancient forests, and various unique banyan trees can be seen throughout the area.

Free Admission Policy

In February 2020, to honor medical staff for their dedication during the pandemic, the site offered free admission to medical workers and two companions from the restoration of the scenic area until December 31, 2020. Visitors with valid medical credentials (physician or nurse certificates) could access the site by inquiring at the tourist center.

Cliff Paintings and Filming Location

The cliff walls of Muyiji Holy Valley feature red ochre rock paintings that narrate ancient Wa legends. The valley also served as a filming location for the movie Ghost Blows Out the Light: The Bug Valley of Yunnan, adding to its mysterious and fantastical allure.

Practical Information

• Transportation: The valley is just 2 kilometers from Ximeng Passenger Station. It can be easily reached by car or taxi.
• Address: Longtan Park, No. 40 Longtan Road, Ximeng Wa Autonomous County, Puer City, Yunnan Province.
• Admission: Free.
• Visitor Tips: Please respect local traditions, maintain quiet and reverence, and avoid touching sacred objects like the ox head.
• Recommended Tour Route: Mengsuo Longtan → Longmo Temple → Muyiji Holy Valley, to fully appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Wa people