Likan Nanduo Tower Scenic Area

　　The Likan Waterfall Scenic Area is referred to as "Likan Nanduo Da" in the Dai language. The Likan villager group is located to the northwest of Ximeng County and is a clustered settlement where 63 households, comprising 316 Dai people, live at an altitude of 840 meters, about 4.7? from the new county town. The main attractions of the scenic area include the majestic and spectacular Likan Waterfall; the Wa ethnic vine rope bridge, known as the ancestor of modern bridges; a Wa ethnic wooden bridge built using primitive, natural, and simple bridge-making techniques; the poignant, sorrowful, and moving legend of the Likan Waterfall; the long-standing legend about the origins of the Likan Village; and the well-preserved towering ancient trees and lush primeval forests in the surrounding area. From the waterfall viewing pavilion, you can observe the waterfall amid motion and stillness. When you’re tired from walking, you can rest and enjoy the Dai pastoral scenery at the Leisure Pavilion. Upon reaching the village, you can visit the local monastery to learn about the profound, extensive, and original natural religion and customs of the Dai people. If you’d like to try Dai cuisine, the hospitable locals will prepare unique and flavorful dishes for you.

　　Legend of the Origin of Likan Village: When the ancestors of the Dai people were fetching holy water from the Mengsuo Dragon Pool, they passed through Likan. At that time, the area was covered in dense forests and served as a paradise for various wild animals. As it was getting dark and they could not continue their journey, they stayed overnight in Likan. That night, an elder dreamed that four elephants were guarding them from all directions—east, west, south, and north—protecting them from attacks by other animals. The next morning, the elder shared this strange dream with everyone, and together they went to investigate. Sure enough, they found four stones (now referred to as Elephant Stones) around the campsite. Everyone believed these stones were the incarnations of elephants and that living here would ensure the protection of the elephants, making it a good place for a peaceful and prosperous life. So, they decided to move the entire village to settle in Likan, bringing the elderly and children along.

　　Legend of the Likan Waterfall: It is said that there was originally no waterfall in Likan. In the village lived a loving Dai couple, Yanxiang and Yuhan, who lived a happy and contented life with the man farming and the woman weaving. For some unknown reason, the once strong Yanxiang gradually became weaker and thinner, and despite many attempts, his illness could not be cured. Later, an elder told Yuhuan that Yanxiang’s illness could only be healed by drinking the holy water from the dragon pool. Upon hearing that the dragon pool’s holy water could cure Yanxiang, Yuhuan set out before dawn to fetch the holy water. After obtaining it, she hurried back, but when she reached the back hill of Likan, a group of mischievous monkeys ran out and snatched the holy water from her. There were too many monkeys, and they drank the water. Helpless, Yuhuan had no choice but to go back to fetch the holy water again. The second time she reached the back hill of Likan, the monkeys stole the water once more. Exhausted, hungry, and physically drained, Yuhuan thought of her husband’s illness and mustered the strength to make one last trip for the holy water. On the third attempt, as she reached the back hill of Likan, a group of monkeys rushed out again. In panic, she slipped and fell down the mountain, and the holy water in her bamboo tube continuously flowed out, eventually forming the present-day waterfall.

　　Her husband waited anxiously at the village entrance for days, but his wife never returned. A few days later, he passed away at the village roadside where he had been waiting. People say that the large tree at the entrance of the village grew after Yanxiang’s death. Its tall trunk stands in the distance, facing the waterfall as if it is waiting sorrowfully for the wife who never came back with the holy water.

　　Address: Ximeng County, Pu’er City, Yunnan Province