Tiger Leap - The Tiger Clan

　　In the Lisu language, Tiger Leap is called "Lakailuo," and it is said to be the birthplace of the Tiger Clan of the Lisu people. Tiger Leap is 58.5 kilometers from Liuku. The canyon features towering peaks on both sides, with steep cliffs as if cut by a knife. The gorge stretches 10 kilometers in length and is as narrow as just 10 meters at its tightest point. Strange rocks stand in the river, and listen — the turbulent water fiercely crashes against the reefs, producing a deafening roar, much like a tiger’s growl. Look — that 2-meter-wide rock lying in the middle of the river is Tiger Leap. Even today, there are still two tiger paw prints on the stone, left behind when the tiger once pursued true love. It is said that during the conscription drives of the Republican era, recruits even leaped from the east bank to the west bank. That’s why some call it "Human Leap."

　　This is said to be the legendary birthplace of the Tiger Clan of the Lisu people. The story goes like this: Long, long ago, at the foot of the Gaoligong Mountains, a father and daughter lived, making a living by hunting and fishing. The girl grew up deep in the valley forests, surrounded by flowers, grass, birds, and beasts. She was both intelligent and beautiful, as well as kind and gentle. By the time she turned eighteen, she had become a very pretty young woman. On the Biluo Snow Mountain lived a tiger — actually a prince cursed by magic. He had watched the girl on the west bank of the river grow up, and his affection for her grew day by day. Meanwhile, the girl on the west bank also sympathized deeply with the prince’s plight. They gazed at each other all day long, their feelings growing ever stronger. But the surging Nujiang River blocked their path, preventing them from meeting. Finally, one day, the tiger decided to cross to the other side. So he traveled for three days and three nights. When he reached the narrowest part of the river, where a rock in the middle provided a possible foothold, he fearlessly leaped onto the rock in the river, then made another powerful jump and finally reached the other side, where he reunited with the girl he loved. The heavenly gods witnessed this touching scene and lifted the magic curse from the tiger, allowing him to regain his human form. From then on, they settled here, lived happily, and started a family. They are the ancestors of the Tiger Clan. On every Tiger Day and Tiger Year, the clan elders and chieftains organize ceremonies to worship the tiger, typically offering prayers to a wooden carving of a tiger. The whole clan also holds grand singing and dancing events to remind their descendants not to forget that they are of the Tiger Clan.