Shizishan Cliff Painting in Qiubei County, Wenshan
Chinese Name: 丘北县Yuezhe镇Yuezhe村狮子山崖画
English Name: Shizishan Cliff Painting in Qiubei County, Wenshan
Overview
The Shizishan Cliff Painting is located on the cliff wall of Caiyun Cave in Shizishan, approximately 3 kilometers east of Yuezhe Village in Yuezhe Town, Qiubei County, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province. This ancient rock art site is an important cultural and historical landmark.
Description of the Cliff Painting
The cliff painting can be divided into two distinct sections, featuring a total of 20 images. The upper section, drawn with black pigment, depicts four warriors clad in armor and holding weapons, along with images of fish, trees, and rectangular shapes. This section dates back to the Song and Ming dynasties, reflecting the cultural elements of that era.
The lower section, created with red pigment (iron oxide), includes images of the sun, fish, humans, and human-like birds. These images are from the late Neolithic period. However, some images in the lower section have been partially covered by those in the upper section, indicating the site’s continuous use over time by different cultures.
Yuezhe Village, Yuezhe Town, Qiubei County
Chinese Name: 曰者村
English Name: Yuezhe Village
Overview
Yuezhe Village, located in Yuezhe Town, Qiubei County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, is the second-largest Hui ethnic group settlement in Wenshan. In July 2022, it was recognized as a historical and cultural village of Yunnan Province, a demonstration village for ethnic unity and progress, and a “Beautiful Homeland” demonstration village in Wenshan.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Yuezhe Village emphasizes the integration of cultural elements into its economic and social development. The village has successfully combined historical and cultural features, cultural relics, and ethnic customs to enhance its aesthetic and cultural value.
One of the key sites within Yuezhe Village is Hebian Village, a nationally recognized traditional ancient village under the Yuezhe Village Committee. It features 16 well-preserved traditional residences, including the former residence of General Ma Jiwu, a famous anti-Japanese war hero. The village is rich in cultural heritage, with traditional quadrangle courtyards that tell stories of its past, complete with well-preserved wood carvings and stone engravings.
Cultural and Tourism Development
Yuezhe Town has focused on creating a livable and culturally rich environment by restoring old quadrangle courtyards while preserving their historical features. Infrastructure projects have been implemented to improve the quality of life and promote cultural heritage, such as building an ethnic unity square, improving drainage systems, and enhancing landscaping.
Yuezhe Town is home to six officially recognized cultural relics, all located within Yuezhe Village. These include the Shizishan Cliff Painting, Songyunli Mosque’s Chaotang Hall, and the Hongqi Reservoir, all of which are well-known in the region. Yuezhe Town has highlighted its historical and cultural elements through targeted project funding, creating a cultural tourism route that includes “Camellia Village – Shizishan Cliff Painting – Baxin Fruit and Vegetable Base – Hebian Village – Songyunli Mosque Chaotang Hall – Hongqi Reservoir.” This route emphasizes the town’s historical and ethnic features while balancing industrial development and rural revitalization.
Ethnic Diversity and Cultural Activities
Yuezhe Village is a diverse community, home to Han, Hui, Zhuang, Miao, Bai, and Yi ethnic groups. The village is rich in ethnic festivals and folk customs. In recent years, Yuezhe Town has focused on preserving and promoting Zhuang culture in Chahua Village, a resettlement village near the Hongqi Reservoir. The town has incorporated elements of farming and bronze drums into wall paintings and the green and beautiful countryside construction. Through events like intangible cultural heritage embroidery training and the Zhuang Peach Blossom Festival, which includes cultural performances, folk food, and specialty agricultural product displays, the village aims to showcase its ethnic culture, develop rural tourism, and stimulate economic growth.
Cultural Events and Community Involvement
Yuezhe Village actively engages in cultural activities, using events like “Our Festival” and important anniversaries to host various community cultural activities. The village has participated in major county events such as the “Hualian Festival” and the “Peach Blossom Jellyfish National Dance Event.” Additionally, local cultural teams have spontaneously participated in various square dance competitions, maximizing the use of the comprehensive cultural service center to serve the community, enrich the people, and foster a strong sense of community.
