Cangyuan Cliff Paintings 沧源崖画

About Cangyuan Cliff Paintings

Red mineral pigment forms small human figures, animals and other symbols, with scenes interpreted as hunting, gathering, dancing and conflict. The Sigangli Rock Painting Valley visitor area provides a practical introduction, while the wider protected group contains multiple sites that are not one continuous public trail. Look at the relationship between the painted forms and the rock surface from designated viewing positions.

The paintings were discovered in January 1965 by Wang Ningsheng (汪宁生) and Li Laowu (李老五). The protected group encompasses 17 sites on mountains at elevations from 1,200 to 2,000 metres. No painting tools have been found at the sites, and finger painting has been proposed as the method used.

In 2020, high-precision uranium-series dating of samples from eight locations placed the paintings between 3,800 and 2,700 years ago. Local protection regulations were approved in 2011, and the group is a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level (全国重点文物保护单位). Baseline data collection and panoramic three-dimensional scanning had been completed by September 2024.

What to look for

• Red-painted human and animal figures occupy the limestone cliff surfaces.
• The surrounding gorge landscape gives context to the dispersed rock-art sites.

Location & getting there

Getting to Cangyuan Cliff Paintings

Travel to Sigangli Rock Painting Valley scenic area in Menglai Township, Cangyuan. Use its designated visitor access for the paintings; the other protected cliff sites require individual access confirmation and should not be approached across village land or steep slopes.