The Genesis of the Wa People: Stepping into the Mystical Caves and Ancient Cliff Art of Cangyuan Sigangli

The Cradle of the Wa Civilization

Located in Cangyuan Va Autonomous County within Lincang City, Yunnan Province, Sigangli is not merely a scenic spot; it is the spiritual homeland and the mythological origin of the Wa people. In the local Wa language, "Si" means cave, "Gang" means to come out, and "Li" means people, translating roughly to "The place where humans came out of the cave." Nestled deep within the mystical Awa Mountains, this area is shrouded in primitive forests and ancient legends. It is believed to be the place where humanity first stepped into the world, guiding visitors back to a time of myth and wild nature. The scenic area encompasses the legendary creation cave, the internationally renowned Cangyuan Cliff Paintings, and the vibrant traditional villages that preserve the "living fossil" of human social evolution.

The Legend of the Creation Cave

1.At the heart of the: Sigangli legend is a massive karst cave hidden amidst the lush vegetation. According to the "Sigangli" epic passed down through generations of Wa people, in ancient times, human ancestors were trapped inside this cave. It was with the help of the divine sparrow (or spider in some versions) and other animals that the first humans were able to walk out and populate the earth. Visiting the Sigangli Cave, travelers can see the dramatic stalactites and the mysterious entrance that holds such profound weight in the local consciousness. The surrounding landscape features steep cliffs, sinkholes, and underground rivers, creating a geological atmosphere that feels truly prehistoric and sacred, perfectly befitting a creation myth.

The 3,000-Year-Old Cliff Paintings

A short distance from the creation myth lies the historical evidence of early human life: the Cangyuan Cliff Paintings (Cangyuan Yanhua). Dating back approximately 3,000 years to the Neolithic period, these paintings are drawn on vertical limestone cliffs using a mixture of hematite (red iron oxide) and animal blood. The images depict hunting, dancing, warfare, and daily life of the ancient Baipu people (ancestors of the Wa). Unlike the solemnity of many religious sites, these paintings are dynamic and full of life, showing figures with feather decorations and ox horns. They are considered an "Epic on the Cliffs" and provide invaluable insight into the early history of Southwest China, standing as one of the oldest and most significant rock art sites in the country.

A Land of Carnival and Passion

Cangyuan Sigangli is also the stage for one of Yunnan's most exuberant festivals: the Monihei Carnival. Held every May, this festival transforms the region into a sea of joy where people smear a special black mud on each other as a blessing. The darker you are smeared, the deeper the blessing you receive. This tradition is rooted in the Wa people's worship of the earth and their history of seeking health and longevity. Beyond the carnival, the region is alive with the rhythmic beats of the Wooden Drum Dance and the wild, energetic Hair Swinging Dance performed by Wa women. The combination of ancient rock art, deep mythological caves, and the unbridled passion of the Wa people makes Sigangli a destination that touches the soul with its raw, primitive power.