Ye Ziyao, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine

Programme: Mojiang Hani Cultural and Rural Innovation Study Camp

Partner Institution: Yunnan University

Period: July 18 - 25, 2024

I am very happy to have participated in this Dali Cultural Tour; I gained a lot from this programme. I was able to see the beautiful mountains and rivers of our country, experience and learn about a lot of intangible cultural heritage, and meet a group of like-minded friends.

Most importantly, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the lives of local people in Yunnan and experience their cultural nuances, which I could not obtain from books and classrooms. I learned a great deal about the Bai people's culture, including their language, music, customs, and food. One of the most memorable experiences was learning the Bai tie-dye process. A group of us learned the process of tie-dyeing from a local craftsman, from designing the pattern to dyeing and washing. Step by step, we came to understand the complexity of creating handmade artefacts and the value they hold.

Secondly, the ecological environment in Yunnan is well preserved, and we were able to see the beautiful Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Sea and get up close with nature. The various ancient cities in Dali have different levels of commercialization, from the bustling Dali Ancient City to the more preserved Weishan Ancient City. Each offers a unique experience and allows us to understand Yunnan's economic development from different perspectives.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the project team for organizing such a wonderful event.