Our second outing with Zhang Xuelin and Dai Hui was another research trip to an area called “Dongchuan hongtudi” (red soil). This mountainous area north of Kunming is covered with clay-rich red soil that has been a bane to local farmers but now a boon to photographers, who flock here every spring.

The cherry and plum trees were in bloom.

Local farm tools and childrens’ toys are mostly unmechanized.

We had some excellent meals prepared in this kitchen by the owner of a local homestay.

She also sold us a good supply of locally distilled baijiu (more than 50% alcohol).