Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Wuxi County in Chongqing is known for its salt production, unique fish dishes, and the mysterious hanging coffins. Plan a visit to experience its rich history and culture. (1:29)
- Tip 2The hanging coffins are surprisingly close and accessible, offering a unique perspective on ancient burial practices. Be prepared for a challenging but rewarding hike. (2:05)
- Tip 3Explore the Daning River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, and learn about its role in the history and culture of the region. Consider a boat trip for a different perspective. (3:29)
- Tip 4Understand the Pu people's beliefs about the afterlife and their connection to the mountains. Research their history and customs to deepen your appreciation for the site. (5:15)
- Tip 5Learn about the archaeological methods used to retrieve and study the coffins. Visit local museums to see artifacts and learn more about the Pu people. (7:28)
- Tip 6Consider the practical and spiritual reasons behind the cliff burials. Reflect on the ingenuity and beliefs of the ancient Pu people. (10:57)
- Tip 7Explore the various theories about how the coffins were placed on the cliffs. Consider the challenges and skills involved in such a feat. (12:23)
- Tip 8Learn about the landscape's influence on the Pu people's culture and burial practices. Appreciate the connection between the people and their environment. (13:35)
- Tip 9Walk the ancient salt transport road and imagine the lives of the people who used it. Learn about the economic importance of salt in the region. (14:43)
Journey to the enigmatic cliffside coffins of Wuxi County, Chongqing, with Honglin Li! Explore the 2,000-year-old mystery of the Pu people's unique burial practices. Discover how these ancient rituals reflect their beliefs about the afterlife and their connection to the mountains as a stairway to heaven. A captivating blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery awaits!
Next travel video: ( 12 / 21 )
More about the current video:( 11 / 21 )
This video follows Honglin Li's exploration of the ancient cliffside coffins in Wuxi County, Chongqing, China. These unique burial sites, dating back over 2,000 years, are a testament to the Pu people's beliefs and customs.
The journey takes viewers through winding valleys to the Jingzhuba area, where the coffins are most concentrated. Honglin Li describes the dramatic landscape, emphasizing the height and steepness of the cliffs where the coffins are nestled. He highlights the sheer scale of the cliffs and the difficulty in accessing the coffins.
The video details the construction of the coffins themselves, noting their size, material (solid wood), and age. The coffins are described as being meticulously arranged and crafted with primitive tools. The narrative also explains the significance of the coffins within the context of Pu people's beliefs, emphasizing their view of mountains as a stairway to heaven and the coffins as a bridge to the afterlife.
The exploration extends to a discussion of the Pu people themselves, their history as an ancient tribe, and their connection to the Yi ethnic minority. The video delves into the beliefs surrounding death and the soul, highlighting the importance of ensuring the soul's journey to its heavenly destination. The methods used to place the coffins are explored, with several theories presented, ranging from manual labor and scaffolding to using natural river levels.
The video concludes with a reflection on the Pu people's legacy, emphasizing their connection to the land and the enduring mystery surrounding their burial practices. Honglin Li's personal observations and reactions throughout the journey add a layer of authenticity and engagement, enriching the viewer's understanding of this fascinating aspect of Chinese history and culture.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: How did they get the coffins up there?
- A: Nobody really knows for sure. Some say they used trees, scaffolding, or even the river. It's a mystery!
- Q: Why did the Pu people bury their dead in the cliffs?
- A: To protect them from enemies and animals, and because they believed the mountains were a stairway to heaven.
- Q: What kind of wood were the coffins made from?
- A: They were made from namu, a very expensive type of wood used for temples and palaces.
- Q: What was found inside the coffins?
- A: Bones, burial articles, and sometimes even bronze swords and bone-carved belt buckles.
- Q: How old are the coffins?
- A: Over 2,000 years old, some dating back to the Western Han Dynasty.
