Weekly Challenge – Inside the Ancient City of Ping Yao
“Darkness is just light turned inside out.”
Beelzebub
This week we have been challenged to look on the inside, to see past the obvious. As I was working with our tour company to put together our China itinerary, I stressed exactly that – an interest in looking inside the “real” China, which to me meant visiting some of the more remote, less modernized regions.
“Every moment is a crossroad in time. Consider that, as above so below and as inside so outside and live accordingly.”
Grigoris Deoudis
What I’ve learned thus far, as so aptly put by my husband, is that China is a dichotomy, a country in transition – bicycles and BMWs, ancient and modern, young and old, crazy crowded and peacefully solitary. As a UNESCO world heritage site, the ancient city of Ping Yao offers a look at China before the many cranes and expanding roadways began to change her look and feel.
“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Ping Yao region has been occupied since neolithic times, and has been an urban center since 800 BC; its walls were built in the 14th century. It was the home of the first draft bank in China and thus became a major center for trade and commerce.
“We are all alike on the inside.”
Mark Twain
As business and industry moved to more modern cities like Beijing and Shanghai, places like Ping Yao have begun to depend on tourism and local commerce for their livelihoods. The remarkable preservation of the walls and courtyards of Ping Yao make it a valid visit to China’s simpler past – but because it is off the beaten path it is not overrun nor spoiled by its tourism. Here then, a few examples of the walls and courtyards within them:
“Who looks outside dreams, who looks inside awakes.”
Carl Jung
And finally, a look at some of Ping Yao’s people going about their everyday lives – showing us that what’s inside is not about the walls, or the courtyards, or even the history. It’s about those upon whom China depends for her future, her people.
“In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.”
Deepak Chopra
China, to me, is a visual explosion. There are photographs just waiting to be made at every turn. During our travels in the countryside, the grasses are so green and the flowers so yellow, you just want to dive into them – but more on that next time 🙂 In the meanwhile, to see more entries on the Inside, click here.
What gorgeous shots of China.
Excellent series. It reflects the lifestyle of the people beautifully.
Thanks very much Britul – it was a fascinating visit!
Fabulous images Tina – all of them. I’m so glad you got off the beaten path.
Thanks BB, me too!!
Had to comment again! China’s future, boy in a basket and basic barbershop are incredible photos. Superb!
Thank you for both comments Amy :-). Each one warmed my heart as you’ve captured my intent perfectly! Happy weekend to you!
Your photos capture the feel of the region,which appears frozen in time. Remarkable photos – the boys, the walls, the doors, all timeless, all speak to me. Love love love the Emerson quote.
I have never been to China, and to see these very good photos and hear your story give me strong imrpessions. Very good, Tina!
Many thanks Bente! It’s so very different from my everyday life that its fascinating. Travel is good for the soul! China is beautiful and the people are very warm and welcoming. Not like the china of our youth! Thanks for your visit and comment.
Very nice street candids there!
Thanks very much! Lots to see and shoot here!
Every single shot is interesting in a different way – I must go see this China before it disappears…
Thanks so much! Yes, it’s changing at an amazing pace – rural China is more developed every day. I suppose progress is a good thing, right?!
Excellent gallery and tour. Your illustrated the dichotomy well.
Thanks for the likes on my blog.
Thanks Ruth – it’s such an amazing experience, seeing a country change before your very eyes! Thanks for stopping by!
Wonderful post, as always. I love how you weave quotes, narrative and amazing photos together.
Many thanks Bill, for your visit and lovely comment.
Wonderful shots!
Thanks Puglife!!
Beautiful pictures Tina…I loved how u have captured people …
Many thanks Nidheeshukla! Appreciate your visit and comment.
Thanks so much for your lovely compliment and visit! Happy New YEar to you.
a beautiful post Tina. Thank you so much for taking us inside this old city and for the accompanying quotes and thoughts .:-)
take care
sriram
Thank you Sriram! Thanks for joining me!
I have to tell you Tina…I’m really enjoying your trip to China…lol. Great shots as usual.
Many thanks Andy–me too 🙂 !
China seems to be made for street photography. I hear good things from people who travel there. Enjoy your trip and bring back lots of images.
Thanks Eduardo, I’m certainly enjoying it and doing my best to overload my disk storage LOL. Thanks for stopping by.
I almost feel a bit guilty adding one more comment to the 113 already posted … but not guilty enough to not comment 🙂 I like so many of these photos, in particular The Red Door, Past meets Present, and Happy Grandmother. Your comments about transition and old vs new reminded me of the book The Last Chinese Chef. My bookgroup read it this past year and very much loved the discussion of the old ways of chinese cooking and of course, the American tendency to “americanize” all ethnic foods. Have you by any chance read it?
I wrote about our experience of trying to find authentic chinese food in SWVA (i’m quite sure you’ll have no time to check out the post but do so if interested). Loved this post and your photography!
http://lifeonthebikeandotherfabthings.com/2012/10/28/the-search-for-authentic-chinese-food-in-swva/
Thanks so much LB! Loved your comment. Haven’t heard of the book but always looking for a good one so will check it out! And am saving your comment in my email to remind me to check out the post you mentioned. Loving the food over here 🙂 last night grilled yak skewers !!!
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All lovely but the boy in the boat was my favorite. As always, well done, Tina.
janet
Many thanks Janet! Appreciate your visit and comment!
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O my! How can you manage all the comments? Great incursion in a Unesco Heritage,I love your inside point of you of things!
LOL, it is a bit time consuming but I love hearing from others on my posts. Thanks Dana!
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Love, love the 1st image!
Many thanks Rick! He was a natural 🙂 couldn’t have put him in a better pose if I’d tried! Appreciate your visit and comment.
I just love that first shot.
Thanks very much, he has the sweetest little face doesn’t he? And I couldn’t have asked for a better pose if I’d tried. It was completely unposed. Thanks for your visit and comment!
Yes, that is one sweet face 🙂
Beautiful Photos!
Thanks very much!