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Women from the Yi ethnic group wear traditional costumes and headwear. Photo by He Qinming. [Photo provided by cpanet.org.cn] |
The 7.76 million people from the Yi ethnic group mainly live in the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou, as well as, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.
Most Yi people are scattered in mountainous areas at high altitudes, while only a small number live on flat land or in valleys.
Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture in Sichuan province is the largest community of Yi people in China and it was also the only route for the "Ancient Tea Horse Road".
Butuo county is the hinterland but also the least developed area in Liangshan, with an altitude of 2,385 meters.
Yi people in Butuo are simple, honest, and unspoiled. The natural scenery is beautiful and enchanting.
In order to capture the real life of Yi people, three photographers - Wu Xiaopeng, He Qinming, and Liu Jianming - traveled to Butuo more than 10 times in the last five years.
They went into Yi villages and spent time with families to capture the lives of Yi people in black and white photos.
Their work reflects the traditional homes, customs, and lifestyles of Yi people, as well as the natural landscape in Butuo.
The photos are natural, vivid, and touching, with great humanistic and artistic value.
