Page 16 - 文化旅游2024-8

15 NATURAL PHOTO STUDIO | 天然摄影棚

Eternalizing the splendor of mountains and rivers

定格山川河流之美

Yunnan’s terrain extends from towering snow- year, vast fields of rapeseed bloom in Luoping
capped mountains in the north to lush tropical County, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, creating a
rainforests in the south, and from patchwork rice ter- stunning landscape. The golden flowers, resembling
races in the east to the breathtaking depths of treach- a vast sea, draw many photography enthusiasts to
erous canyons in the west. With its rich and vibrant the area. In 2002, the rapeseed fields of Luoping
natural landscapes, Yunnan has become a magnet were recognized by the Guinness Book of World
for photographers, who journey across its countless Records as “the world’s largest natural garden.”
mountains and rivers to capture the fleeting interplay Each photograph of the sea of rapeseed flowers
of light and shadow. captured by photographer Mao Hong is beautiful in
“Lijiang holds a special place in my heart. I used its own unique way. When Mao first began photo-
to visit every year for both business and sightseeing. graphing rapeseed flowers, the scale of planting in
The mountains, rivers, grass, and trees here deeply Luoping was nowhere near what it is today; only
captivate me,” said Jiang Ke, a photographer born in dedicated photographers, equipped with various
the 1980s, reflecting on his emotional connection to cameras, would venture out to the fields. These pas-
Lijiang. sionate flower enthusiasts gradually attracted numer-
In Jiang’s view, Lijiang is a place where stunning ous visitors who came to appreciate the blossoms.
natural scenery and rich cultural heritage coexist, Over time, Luoping gained fame for its rapeseed
making it an enticing destination for exploration. flowers, yet the local cultivation remained limited,
“Not only is there the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, leaving many who traveled long distances to enjoy
which, despite being near the equator, is capped with the blooms feeling a bit disappointed.
snow year-round, but there are also vast expanses The rivers and lakes in Yunnan are also pho-
of untouched forests and vibrant local cultures. Ad- tographic hit spots. Jinsha River, Lancang River,
ditionally, the area boasts natural wonders such as Nujiang River, Dulongjiang River, Nanpanjiang
Haba Snow Mountain, the Jinsha River, and Tiger River, Yuanjiang River and other big rivers flow-
Leaping Gorge, all within easy reach,” said Jiang. ing through Yunnan, each of which has a unique
“Perhaps only majestic mountains and beautiful scenery. Moreover, Yunnan is abundant in natural
waters can create a paradise. Lijiang is not only plateau lakes, with nine of them covering an area of
home to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, but it is also over 30 square kilometers. “The wind of Xia Guan,
bordered by the Jinsha River. The remarkable in- the flowers of Shang Guan, the snow of Cangshan
dividuals from this region have added to its glory,” Mountain, the moon in Erhai Lake” in Dali, the
Jiang said. He aspires to showcase more than just the magnificent landscapes of Chengjiang in Yuxi, the
beauty of Lijiang. “For me, Lijiang holds countless various meteorological phenomena of Dianchi Lake
surprises waiting to be discovered and documented.” in Kunming, the enchanting fairyland of Lugu Lake
The sea of rapeseed flowers in Luoping is a true in Lijiang……Each lake here presents a splendid
symbol of spring. From February to March each and unique landscape.