Yunnan

We just returned early this morning from a 12-day trip to Yunnan province, China. It was partly a tour and partly a chance to visit some Christian churches in and around Kunming, the provincial capital. Several students at Trinity Theological College are from Kunming, so my wife and I were invited to visit and share with them.

Yunnan is a beautiful region, both in terms of the breath-taking landscapes and the many tribal cultures of the region. Of the over 50 cultures in China, most are present in Yunnan, including Tibetan, Yi and Naxi. There are some very interesting societal patterns, including the matriarchal, communal society of Mugu lake. It is also a place of many diverse religious traditions, from Tibetan Buddhism to animism and, of course, ancestor veneration. It is common in the middle of rich agricultural fields to see prominent ancestor graves. I understand that also assured continued ownership of the land.

I will say more about Yunnan in coming days.

--georgos