Village of StoneYunshan云山屯

(top) A decrepit house on the outskirts of Yunshan is overtaken by the jungle. Many homes have histories than span centuries, Traditional tunpubuildings have stone exteriors and wooden interiors, with the slate roofs having to be constantly replaced to avoid cave-ins. (bottom) Modern structures in a nearby town built on old stone foundations reflect the high rate of development caused by migration by young peopleaway from tunpu villages to more urban communities, many in search of employment and social interaction.

(above) A banner points the way forward on a path leading up towards Yunshan's 'Eagle Temple' (cover photo). Eagle Temple is the highest point of Yunshan village and it provides a bird’s eye view of the surrounding countryside.

(top) A view towards Yunshan’s rear wall. During the Ming Dynasty, Yunshan was a flourishing trading hub and a ripe target for banditry. However, according to locals, bandits couldn’t overcome Yunshan’s strategic positioning between two mountains. (bottom) A contemporary CCTV camera heralds Yunshan’s arrival into the modern age. A local tourism company has seized on Yunshan’s tunpu historicalsignificance and outfitted both Yunshan and the nearby tunpu village of Benzhai with modern amenities geared towards Chinese and foreign tourists. A five-starhotel is also being built near the center of the village.

(top) Farming is still a relevant source of income and sustenance for the villagers of Yunshan, However, it has become increasingly difficult to remainemployed due to the local tourist company purchasing local land.(bottom) Horses are still favored by locals and even the tourist company to carry loads of rocks and equipment because of the narrow, winding paths withinYunshan. Behind, the nearby forest overtakes a large stone house. Many buildings on the outskirts suffer similar fates.

(top) Residents of Anshun Prefecture make a pilgrimage to the top of the Eagle Temple during the annual Guanyin festival. The celebrations bring thousands of people, humongous for the usually tranquil village. (bottom) Technology in Yunshan and surrounding rural tunpu villages is limited to necessities. While television and radio are present, other modern convenienceslike washing machines and internet are restricted to city life.

(top) A construction worker restores one of Yunshan’s oldest buildings, a manor formerly owned by wealthy landowners. The Chinese character reads”sky”.(bottom) An abandoned section of the village. Not all Yunshan’s houses recieve as much attention, particularly ones that are off the main tourist thoroughfare.

(above) A modern security camera and lantern overlooking the main road are bolted to an aging traditional Tunpu home. Indicative of China’s approach to preservation in the Guizhou province, the national government encourages local officials toappeal to mainland Chinese and foreign tourists. This results in increased income opportunities for the locals in exchange for the dailypresence of the local tourist company and other agencies, who have effectively made the village into a living historical site. Opinionsare divided, and there have been accusations of local leaders misappropriating funds and taking advantage of the village. However, the village sees far mothe village sees far more activity than it would otherwise, and the national spotlight has lead to teams of foreign architects like the French REMPART embarking on arduous architectural restoration projects (top of Page 6) aimed towards restoring certain buildings to their former Ming dynasty glory (the village was founded in approximately the 15th century).

(top) A former townhouse built for wealthy landowners is being converted into a hotel for tourists. (bottom) The courtyard of an abandoned schoolhouse forms a makeshift dog pound.