Yaks June 2020
Yaks are viewed as family members by locals in Tibet, and that is why they never lock yaks in farms. Yaks can walk freely on grass and mountains, and locals have their ways to distinguish the owners of each yak. People’s lives in the pastoral area depend heavily on yaks. Yak’s fur can be used to build tents or make clothes; milk can be drunk or used to produce other products like yogurt, and meat is an essential source of protein. Each adult yak can be sold for about 20,000 RMB (about 3,000 dollars), but locals would not easily sell one unless they seriously lack money.
Woman Picking up Yak Excrement June 2020
The modern civilization changes the lives of the locals in Tibet, but they still maintain some traditions. The woman in the picture is picking yak excrement, which can be used to lit fire. The fresh poop stinks, but after being exposed to strong sunlight for a long time, poop will dry out with no smell at all. Furthermore, a good piece of poop can be lit for a long time. Yaks are not kept on farms but live freely in nature, and that is why locals need to walk everywhere to pick up excrement.
Woman Making Flour June 2020
This photo was taken in a village next to the tourist route. People came to the village because the guide said that the village was the most traditional and primitive one near the tourist route. Tourists seemed to have entered the zoo, and they looked at every place to find Tibetan life that only existed in their imagination. I saw an open door, and in it was the lady grinding flour with a machine. Others were surprised to see the machine. Tibet is a very backward place, and such modern agricultural equipment should not appear in their imagination. The lady was a little at a loss in the face of a large crowd and had to bow her head to continue with making flour.
The Supporting Vehicle June 2020
I saw many people who kowtowed all the way to Lhasa. Every three steps, they will kneel to the ground and worship in the direction of Lhasa. In the picture is a backup car on the road. The tricycle carried all the daily necessities of the four people who kowtowed in front. They would sleep in the street and camp on whatever spot when it's dark. Tourists on the road will give them money, but they only use the money to ensure the minimum needs of life. This kowtowing life will last for months, and when they finally arrive at Lhasa, they will give all money to Buddha. It is difficult for us to see such a firm belief in busy modern life. Though it seems like part of the stereotype people have on Tibet, yet the kowtowing believers can inspire us with the confidence to face the future.
Pilgrimage July 2020
These are three Tibetan women who are making pilgrimages outside the Potala Palace. Tibetans are widely distributed, not only living in the Tibet Autonomous Region but also in other regions. Because many Tibetans still make lives mainly on grazing and farming, it is difficult for those living outside Lhasa to have a real opportunity to worship temples and palaces in Lhasa. This photo represents people's inherent impression of Tibetans that pilgrimage is the only thing in their lives. In fact, after the pilgrimage, Tibetans will visit scenic spots, watch movies, and taste all kinds of food like ordinary tourists.
A Branch of Paroling Zangbo River June 2020
I am often attracted by all kinds of relics, whether it is the relics of human activities or nature. If no one records it, the traces of nature will slowly change until they die. Therefore, each photo is a moment of existence or the existence of a moment. Traces of existence transcend the boundaries of geography and time and are traces of nature's interaction with people. Today, with the rapid development of science and technology, the whole society and human beings far away from nature, I wish to use photos to retreat to mountains and rivers, trace the interaction between human beings and nature, regain the energy of mountains and rivers, and find the confidence to deal with extinction and existence in the past and present for the future.