Feng Yu: 100 Portraits of Bai Women

China · Yunnan ·Dali · Fengyu Town and Fengxiang Book Yard
November 1st-30th

01. Meet Fengyu

Fengyu town
The name Fengyu (“Phoenix Feather”) originates from an ancient legend:
A colorful phoenix once soared over the western mountains, and those who saw it regarded the sight as a divine omen.

Nestled behind Yunlong Peak of Cangshan Mountain, at the very source of Erhai Lake, the ancient town of Fengyu lies quietly embraced by mountains and crossed by flowing waters. Its shape resembles a phoenix spreading its wings—thus earning its name.

Fengyu is one of China’s first officially recognized National Historic and Cultural Towns, and the only well-preserved Bai ethnic settlement along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Surrounded by the forested Birdiao Mountain, the clear waters of Cibi Lake, and the misty warmth of Eryuan Hot Springs, this 1,000-year-old town offers a 360° sanctuary where one can drift freely between the healing embrace of nature and the vibrant life of the old streets.

02. The Story of we begin Feng Yu Exhibition

Connections
“Driven solely by that pure desire within to “participate”, “witness”, and “connect”,
over 100 volunteers from all corners of the country stepped forward to contribute to this collection of life narratives. Seeing with equal regard, experiencing with selfless devotion.
The very act of “participation” quietly transforms relationships and forges connections, transforming everyone into mutually referential “life samples.”

Connecting with the Fengyu Grandmas
Breaking the rigid interview outline, we use a chatty style to connect the life paths of these grandmas, one story at a time. Whether they are doctors welcoming new lives, teachers with students around the world, or merchants on the ancient Tea-Horse Road, their courtyards are always filled with flowers; their eyes sparkle, and when they are excited, they burst into song and dance. Despite their own setbacks, they simply say, "I will not waste every day of sunshine." The passage of time has brought them great wisdom in facing life.

When we are able to "see" the happiness, abundance, and open-minded optimism of the Fengyu Grandmas, we are actually nourished ourselves, and the vibrant vitality overflows from our hearts.

Connections Among Volunteers
Leaving behind the conveniences of city life, they journeyed to villages without food delivery services or public transport; overcoming language barriers and cultural differences, they immersed themselves in the daily lives of Bai ethnic grandmothers. This group of strangers, brought together by a shared commitment to participation, swiftly coalesced around a common purpose. To listen more deeply, they trekked through the countryside together; to organise the intricate tapestry of stories, they sat in late-night discussions; to structure their efforts more effectively, they refined their interview processes time and again...

The tacit understanding and trust born from ‘accomplishing something meaningful together’ proved profoundly precious. Volunteers ‘saw’ each other's strengths, witnessed mutual dedication, moments of profound feeling, and personal growth – thereby continually expanding their own horizons and the boundaries of their lives.

03. Ba Wang Bian with Blue Belts across Borders

Yi Crafts connect with Fengyu