Words and images by Jen Seiser


It began with an overnight train to Guilin; followed by a long, bumpy van drive; and then rafting trip down the Yulong River via a man powered bamboo raft. This is the way to the natural wonders of the karst limestone mountains. Eventually, I came upon the last few fifth-generation cormorant fishermen deep in a farming province. I then traveled the Li River and explored the exotic markets of Xingping, my days beginning with sunrise hikes and ending with tea in small, local guesthouses. From here I made way to the Longsheng Rice Terraces, which take on unique character depending on the season. En route back to the train station, I was able to stop and visit with the long-haired women.


It’s no secret that China is transforming at record speed. The West fixates on the progress of its rising economy, urbanizing people, and increasing demand for luxury goods. While this swift shift to modernism dazzles the world, it’s easy to ignore the consequences. This photo essay, an immersion into rural China, explores parts of this special culture that are forever slipping away.

Cormorant Fisherman on the Li River

  

Rice Terraces of Longsheng.Rice Terraces of Longsheng.

 

 Traditional Dress on a Young Girl in Ping An

 

Cormorant Fisherman on the Li River casting his nets

 

Dried Snake Barter in the Street Markets of Xingping.

 

Views Overlooking the Valley Near Xingping

 

I was told this lovely lady of Ping An is 103 years old.

 

Smoked Bat Snacks

 

Layers of Mountains Outside Guilin

 

 Twin Pagodas on Fir Lake 

 

Eastern Medicine on Display in the Xingping Market

 

The long-haired women of Longji

 

Sunrise giving way to the foggy craggy mountains

 

Comments

Linda Anderson:

This is fabulous, Jen! Keep up the good work.

Oct 08, 2016

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