Yunnan 2023

Over the Summer of 2023, I decided to travel back to the place where I fell in love with photography and the diverse Chinese cultures. I went on this trip in search of the traditional music cultures of minority groups, as well as to gain first-hand experience communicating and interacting with left-behind children of the Jinghpo ethnic group whose parents fell victim to the drug abuse problems prevalent in the region near the border of Myanmar and China. I was exposed to so many heart-warming stories and have gotten to know the incredible resilience and strength of these children whose lives were touched by the adversity of drug abuse. At another local middle school, I and my fellow photographers hosted a photography workshop for a class of six-graders who have just performed the traditional songs and dances of the Dai nationality for us. We shared some of our experiences attending school abroad, and listened to their dreams and aspirations, often expressing a desire for education and a better future. It saddened me to learn that due to their circumstances, many of them lacked access to quality education and faced significant challenges in pursuing their dreams. Reflecting on my journey, I realized that my love for photography had taken on a new dimension. It had become a powerful tool for storytelling, amplifying the voices of those whose stories often go unheard. Through my photographs, I would continue to shed light on the challenges faced by marginalized communities, advocating for their rights and inspiring change. Click on and open the first few pictures in this collection to view some of the heartwarming stories I've had the opportunity to encounter on this trip, as well as some photos of me with the people I met there.