Cliff Inscriptions of Zanziyan in Luquan County, Kunming

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🌟 Why You’ll Love It

🏺 Rich Historical Significance

The site features two Han Chinese inscriptions — “武定军民府土官知府凤世袭脚色记” and “凤公世系” — as well as a Yi-script inscription. These carvings document the history of the Feng family and the Luo Wu Yi clan over 300 years, offering far more detailed genealogical information than some historical texts like Mingshi Tusi Zhuan. Scholars and history enthusiasts alike will find this site invaluable for studying Yi culture, language, and heritage.

🎨 Remarkable Artistic Value

The cliff carvings are monumental, intricately engraved, and elegantly scripted, exuding grandeur against the natural cliff backdrop. Their craftsmanship elevates the site from a mere historical relic to a masterpiece of stone-carving art, enriching the scenic beauty of the area with human creativity.

🗺 Visitor Info

• Opening Hours: Open all day.

• Entry Fee: Free.

• Getting There:

  • By Car: From Kunming, drive along Fengyuan Road → Hangrui Expressway → Jingkun Expressway → Xiangshui Road → G108 → Xiuping Road → Dongshan Road for ~150 meters to reach Pu Ming Village, Luquan Yi & Miao Autonomous County.

  • By Bus: Take a Kunming–Luquan county bus from the Kunming North Bus Station (≈2 hours).

💡 Travel Tips

• Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with Fengjia Ancient Town, Puduhe Nature Reserve, and Jiaozi Snow Mountain Scenic Area for a richer experience of Luquan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

• Cultural Immersion: Experience local Yi and Miao traditions such as Yi rituals and Diejiao dance, or the Miao Lusheng dance. Don’t miss tasting local specialties for a full sensory journey.

• Photography Tips: The stone inscriptions sit dramatically against cliff faces — early morning or late afternoon light gives the best contrast for photos.

• Respect the Site: Avoid touching or climbing the carvings to preserve their delicate structure and cultural value.

Conclusion on Yi Ancestral Worship

The essence of Yi ancestral worship, referred to in their language as “Naime,” emphasizes gratitude to ancestors for their protection, recounting genealogy, and guiding the spirits home. During these ceremonies, all members of the same clan, regardless of status, have both the obligation and right to participate, generally occurring every thirteen years on auspicious days. In primitive religious beliefs, the soul’s immortality was paramount, leading to the concept of ancestor worship.

The Zanziyan Yi inscriptions reflect the Yi people’s belief that ancestral spirits protect their descendants, significantly linking warfare successes to ancestral blessings. Thus, Feng family ceremonies were expressions of gratitude and recognition of ancestral contributions to family prosperity. This broader understanding of Yi ancestral worship provides insights into their religious, cultural, and historical contexts, serving as a vital aspect of studying Yi society.