Tusi Summer Retreat Village

Tusi Summer Retreat Village

Tusi Summer Retreat Village

“Mengwai” means “a place close to heaven” in the Dai language. It is said that Mengwai is the place closest to the heavens, where the first drop of water from the hair of Nado Nani, the water goddess in the heavenly palace, fell while she was combing her hair. Therefore, the Dai people of Menglian regard Mengwai as the source of water, making it the place with the richest Dai water culture. Nestled against mountains and beside flowing waters, every ditch running through the village is washed clean by mountain springs...

In 1492, Dao Paiyue, the seventh Tusi of Menglian, retired due to illness and chose this blessed land as his retreat. Since then, the water wheel at the village entrance has become a symbol. Successive tusis also sought refuge from the summer heat in Mengwai during the sweltering plains season, hence the name Tusi Summer Retreat Village. Today, Mengwai remains sheltered within dense forests, fully showcasing Dai water culture and religious traditions. More uniquely, it preserves a profound Tusi culture, making it an indispensable complement to the ancient town of Naxi.

Mengwai Tusi Summer Retreat Village was included in the tourism development plan in 2004 and now greets visitors with a brand-new look.

Tomb of Dao Paiyue

Dao Paiyue is the only Tusi of Menglian to have retired due to illness and the only one with a known tomb. He was also the Tusi who sent people to Mong Hkan Anwa, the ancient capital of Myanmar, to welcome Buddhist relics to Menglian. In 1492, this beloved Tusi retired due to illness and chose Mengwai as his retreat. After his death, he was buried on the Dragon Mountain of Mengwai.

Husband-Waiting Tree

By the Nanza River near the village of Mengwai stands a large white toon tree, directly facing the tomb of Tusi Dao Paiyue. Beneath the tree is a shrine, where Dai villagers often come to make offerings (“dan”) and pray for the tree spirit’s blessings. Legend says the tree is the spirit of Dao Paiyue’s wife. After his death, unable to bear the sorrow of separation, she often came here to gaze at his tomb. Over time, part of her soul lingered here and attached itself to the white toon tree, turning it into a tree spirit. Whenever there is any movement on the mountain where the Tusi’s tomb lies, the tree rustles—as if the wife is worried for her husband’s safety.

Liberation Pond

The first drop of water from the hair of Nado Nani, the water goddess in the heavenly palace, fell onto this sacred grove in Mengwai. The Dai people, knowing that water is the source of life and the foundation of all things—especially precious at its origin—carefully channeled the mountain spring here using bamboo gutters and tended to it with devotion. After Buddhism spread, the concept of liberating living beings to atone for sins and accumulate merit took deep root among the Dai. This pond thus became a liberation pond, further highlighting the vitality of life-giving water.

Couple’s Well

In the village of Mengwai, there is a well with two springs gushing forth side by side—this is the Couple’s Well. Legend says that after their deaths, Dao Paiyue and his wife, unable to forget their deep bond, transformed into two springs that remain together in companionship.

Every Dai village in Menglian has a Buddhist temple, and Mengwai is no exception. The temple is not only the center of Buddhist activities but also a hub for the spread of Dai culture. The exquisite architecture, sculptures, murals, and prayer flags meticulously crafted by devout Dai followers in the Mengwai Temple offer a glimpse into the unique significance of Buddhism in the hearts of the Dai people.