The Wooden Sanctuary by the Emerald River: Discovering the Pastoral Faith and Slab-Stone Architecture of Pukawang Church

A Hidden Gem in the "Land where Gods and Humans Coexist"

1.Located in the heart of: Bingzhongluo, Gongshan County, in the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan, Pukawang Church (often referred to as the Pukawang Catholic Church) is a serene spiritual outpost that perfectly embodies the unique cultural fusion of the Nu River Grand Canyon. Unlike the larger and more imposing Zhongding Church nearby, Pukawang is a quaint, intimate structure that sits quietly amidst lush cornfields and traditional wooden houses, directly facing the roaring, emerald waters of the Nu River. It is renowned as one of the most picturesque examples of the harmonious blend between Western religious influence and the indigenous architectural styles of the Nu and Lisu people. The church is situated in the Pukawang Village, a small hamlet located just across the river from the main town of Bingzhongluo, accessible via a thrilling suspension bridge or a scenic winding road, making it a favorite stop for travelers exploring the "Human and God Coexistence" valley.

Unique "Slab-Stone" Architecture

2.The most striking feature of Pukawang: Church is its architectural style, which is distinctly different from traditional Gothic or Romanesque churches found elsewhere. It is built primarily of wood and features a traditional Nu minority slab-stone roof (slate roof), a construction technique indigenous to the region to withstand the heavy rains and winds of the canyon. The walls are constructed from wooden logs and planks, giving it the appearance of a rustic log cabin, yet it is topped with a simple white cross, marking its religious significance. This fusion architecture symbolizes the successful integration of the Catholic faith brought by French missionaries like Ren Anshou in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the local lifestyle. The interior is simple and humble, often decorated with paper flowers and modest benches, reflecting the devout and unpretentious faith of the local villagers.

A Sanctuary of Peace and Nature

Pukawang Church is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Gaoligong Mountains and the Biluo Snow Mountain range. The surroundings are a pastoral dream: majestic mountains rise vertically on both sides, while the turquoise Nu River flows rapidly below. In the spring, the area is dotted with peach blossoms, and in the autumn, the surrounding fields turn golden with harvest corn. The church yard is often quiet, disturbed only by the sound of the river and the birds, offering a profound sense of peace. It serves as a community center for the local Lisu and Nu Christians, who gather here for mass, singing hymns in their native tongues—a polyphonic a cappella tradition that is hauntingly beautiful and unique to this region. Visiting Pukawang is not just about seeing a building; it is about stepping into a living history where diverse cultures and religions—Christianity, Tibetan Buddhism, and Animism—coexist peacefully in one of the world's most beautiful canyons.