The Emerald Mirror of the Awa Mountains: Discovering the Sacred Mysteries of Mengsuo Longtan

The Holy Eye of the Awa Mountains

Hidden deep within the lush, primitive forests of the Awa Mountains in Ximeng Wa Autonomous County, Pu'er City, lies a natural treasure known as Mengsuo Longtan. This natural tropical rainforest freshwater lake sits at an altitude of approximately 1,100 meters, nestled in a valley just south of the Ximeng county seat. Recognized as a National 4A Scenic Spot, Mengsuo Longtan is far more than just a body of water; it is the spiritual heart of the Wa people. In the local Wa culture, "Longtan" signifies a sacred place where spirits dwell. The lake is revered as a "Holy Lake," believed to hold the lifeblood of the region. Unlike typical scenic lakes that offer merely visual beauty, Mengsuo Longtan presents a profound integration of landscape and spirituality, where the emerald water mirrors the devout faith of the indigenous people who have protected it for centuries.

A Realm of Myths and Legends

The name "Mengsuo Longtan" is steeped in mythology. In the Wa language, "Long" refers to the dragon, a deity of water. Legend has it that in ancient times, a tribal headman followed a golden sparrow to this location, discovering the abundant water and fertile land, and decided to settle here. The lake is believed to be the abode of the "Water Spirit" or Dragon. For generations, the Wa people have held grand rituals here to pray for rain during droughts or to give thanks for harvests. It is strictly forbidden to pollute the water or cut down the surrounding trees, as every stone and plant is considered to possess a spirit. This deep reverence has preserved the lake in its most pristine state, creating a sanctuary where humans and nature coexist in harmonious silence.

The Ecological Wonder

Geologically, Mengsuo Longtan is a natural lake formed by fault subsidence. The water covers an area of about 46.7 hectares and is renowned for its mesmerizing color changes—shifting from jade green to deep ink green depending on the sunlight and viewing angle. One of the most famous "strange phenomena" of the lake is that despite being surrounded by dense, lush primitive forests, the surface of the water remains impeccably clean, free of fallen leaves. Locals believe that birds act as the lake's guardians, picking up any leaf that falls onto the sacred water, keeping the "mirror" of the gods perpetually clear. A wooden boardwalk encircles the lake for about 5 kilometers, allowing visitors to walk through the "Dragon Morgan" (primitive forest), breathing in the oxygen-rich air and observing the symbiotic relationship between ancient trees, parasitic plants, and moss-covered rocks.

Connection to the Sacred Skulls

Mengsuo Longtan is intrinsically linked to the Longmoye Holy Land, which is located at the entrance of the scenic area. The lake and the holy land form a complete spiritual landscape of "Holy Water and Sacred Mountain." Visitors typically pass through the hauntingly beautiful forest of Longmoye, where thousands of buffalo skulls hang from the cliffs, before reaching the serene waters of the Longtan. This transition from the solemn, mysterious atmosphere of the sacrificial grounds to the tranquil, life-affirming beauty of the lake offers a powerful narrative of the Wa people's cosmology—balancing the reverence for the spiritual world with the celebration of life and nature.