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Summer Postcards

Postcard from Kunming, China

By Noor M.R. Beckwith

- China is a country on the cusp of modernity, and the old frequently runs alongside the new. Here, at the Da Guan Lou Imperial Retreat, the ancient sacred spaces established by Qing emperors are surrounded by a bustling metropolis that, unofficially, has five to ten million residents. By Noor M.R. Beckwith

- This old man doesn't say a word to me; he just revolves Baoding balls in his right hand and smiles when I tell him his beard is handsome. By Noor M.R. Beckwith

- The mountains surrounding Kunming are home to many Buddhist and Daoist temples. This architecturally stunning Buddhist temple called Hua Ting is home to spectacular art and sculpture. Unfortunately, photography inside these buildings is prohibited. By Noor M.R. Beckwith

- Two doctors at the Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine discuss an x-ray to determine what massage methods will be most therapeutic. Crimson photographer Noor M. R. Beckwith '11 is studying Mandarin and traditional Chinese Medicine this summer. By Noor M.R. Beckwith

- Many people in China make their living as artisans and salesmans in street stalls. This woman pauses for a moment to listen to a passerby as she is working on her Buddhas. By Noor M.R. Beckwith

- A traditional medicine doctor lectures students on the art-science of pulse reading. From pulses alone, this doctor was able to describe the respiratory, menstrual, and rheumatic ailments afflicting various students pictured. By Noor M.R. Beckwith

- The Stone Forest of Yunnan is a stunningly beautiful place with more visitors each year than the Great Wall. Formed over millions of years by the uneven disintegration of reef fossils, tree-like stone formations cover the landscape here. By Noor M.R. Beckwith

- China is home to more than 40 ethnic minorities, and Yunnan Province alone has 25 of them. This mother and child are of the Yi minority, which can be distinguished from the others by its elaborate style of dress. By Noor M.R. Beckwith

Crimson photographer Noor M. R. Beckwith '11 is studying traditional Chinese medicine and Mandarin in Kunming, Yunnan province in China, from where he sends this photo postcard documenting his experience.

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