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Explore the ancient cliff paintings in the Cangyuan Cliff Painting Valley. It's a unique archaeological site that showcases ancient ethnic art. Hiking the surrounding trails also offers great views of the valley.
Lincang Cliff Painting Valley, located in Menglai Township, north of Cangyuan County in the Lincang region, is renowned for its ancient cliff paintings dating back over 3,500 years. Eleven sites have been discovered, vividly depicting the Wa people's activities of hunting, herding, dancing, and rituals. These paintings are rich in content, concise in structure, and unique in style. Since 1965, archaeologists have discovered eleven sites of cliff paintings in Menglai, Dinglai, Mankan, Heping, Mangyang, and Mengsheng in the north-central part of Cangyuan County. Most of these paintings are located on vertical cliff faces 2 to 10 meters above the ground.
The Cangyuan Cliff Painting Valley Scenic Tourist Area is a comprehensive scenic tourist area that relies on cliff paintings and fully displays the folk culture of the Wa ethnic group. It integrates ethnic culture, ethnic customs, natural landscapes and cultural landscapes. It is 78 kilometers long and has a total planned area of more than 600 hectares. The scenic area is divided into the Canglong Valley Scenic Area, the Thousand-meter Chinese Painting Corridor Scenic Area, the Cliff Painting Scenic Area, the Mengdong Port Scenic Area, and the Yonghe National Gate Scenic Area.
The subtropical low-latitude mountain monsoon climate has a small temperature difference between the four seasons, distinct dry and wet seasons, and significant vertical changes. There is no severe cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
The cliff paintings range in size from 1 to 30 meters and feature figures, animals, houses, roads, various ideographic symbols, trees, boats, the sun, clouds, mountains, and the earth. Locals call them "Randianmu," meaning "rock paintings." Painted with ochre-red pigment on the gray limestone, the paintings depict a variety of lifelike figures, vividly recreating scenes from ancient human life.
The smaller paintings are composed of several scattered graphics, while the larger ones contain hundreds of images, including 187 animals, 25 houses, 13 roads, and 35 various ideographic symbols; there are also images of trees, boats, the sun, clouds, mountains, the earth, etc.
The colors of the Cangyuan cliff paintings change with factors such as sunlight and weather conditions. Locals say that they "change three times a day, red in the morning, light in the afternoon, and purple in the evening", which is quite magical.
15 yuan/person
08:00-18:00
Cangyuan Cliff Painting Valley is an important cultural and historical site in Yunnan. It features ancient rock art created by ethnic groups over 1,000 years ago, representing the cultural heritage of the region's indigenous people.
The valley is located in Cangyuan County, Lincang, Yunnan. You can reach it by taxi from Cangyuan town. Public transportation options are limited, so it's best to use a private vehicle or taxi to get there.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months to avoid the extreme temperatures of summer and winter.
The entrance fee is around 50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the site, as online booking options are not common for this attraction.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but it’s recommended to visit during weekdays for a quieter experience.
It typically takes about 2-3 hours to fully explore the cliff paintings and the surrounding area, depending on your pace and level of interest in the history of the paintings.
The cliff paintings are the main highlight of the site. Make sure to take time to view the various rock art depictions, some of which are over a thousand years old. The surrounding natural scenery is also worth exploring.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, but English-speaking guides may be limited. It is advisable to arrange a guide in advance if you require a tour in English.
The best viewpoints are along the trails that lead to the cliff paintings. The wide views of the valley below and the cliffs provide excellent opportunities for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Start at the main entrance, then follow the marked trail to the cliff paintings. Take time to observe the different styles of artwork along the way. End the visit by walking around the valley to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Currently, the Cangyuan Cliff Painting Valley does not offer night visits or light shows. It is best visited during daylight hours to fully appreciate the rock art and surrounding landscapes.
The site is generally not crowded, especially during weekdays. The least crowded times are during the early morning and late afternoon on weekdays, outside of Chinese holidays.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available at the site. There are no major food options or shops, so it’s advisable to bring water and snacks with you.
The attraction involves some walking on uneven terrain, so it may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can visit, but parental supervision is recommended due to the rugged nature of the area.
Cash is preferred for ticket purchases. Cards or mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay may not be accepted, so it’s advisable to carry cash with you.
There are no restaurants inside the Cangyuan Cliff Painting Valley. However, local restaurants in Cangyuan town offer basic Yunnanese cuisine, including rice noodles and steamed buns.
Vegetarian options are available in local restaurants, particularly in rural Yunnan, but vegan and halal food options may be limited. It is recommended to check restaurant menus beforehand.
Accommodations in Cangyuan County include guesthouses and small hotels. For a more comfortable stay, consider booking a hotel in Lincang, which offers more options and amenities.
Nearby attractions include the Cangyuan Ancient Town, known for its historical buildings and scenic views. You can also visit the Dulong River, famous for its remote villages and unique cultural experiences.
There are no souvenir shops at the Cangyuan Cliff Painting Valley itself, but you can find local handicrafts, such as woven baskets and ethnic jewelry, in nearby towns like Cangyuan.
The best transportation options are taxis or private vehicles to continue your journey to other parts of Yunnan. Bus services are available but may be less frequent, especially to more remote destinations.
