Yuan Yang

Yuan Yang, a county south of Kunming in Yunnan Province, China, is renowned for its rice terraces. During winter, farmers flood the paddy fields with water. I was inspired by the light reflected from these fields, which transforms them into colourful terraces and creates an abstract work of art.

My photographic expeditions to Yuan Yang usually take place in winter, when the paddy fields are at their most interesting. I find it captivating when a sea of clouds hangs above the terraces. Sometimes it dances with the wind; at other times it stands still in tranquillity. I am equally moved when the clouds break and the sun shines through, creating an exhilarating phenomenon that lasts only for a fleeting moment.

By exploring a variety of lighting situations and weather conditions, and by observing the colours, patterns, and lines of the paddy fields, this panel showcases the sea of clouds, remarkable rays of light, and reflections that make Yuan Yang unique.