Muslims of Arid Soil: Li Fan’s Silk Road Photos

By Li Fan

Designed by FanForm Studio

Published by China Art Publishing House, 2020

Printed by Artron Art Group in China

Tongxin, a county in northwest China’s Ningxia Autonomous Region, is known for its arid continental climate and harsh environment. In the frequently dust-ridden barren place, local people make a living with farming and herding, which in turn further deteriorates the ecology, and it is listed as one of the places least suitable for human existence by the United Nations. Chinese government, in an effort to restore the ecological environment, relocates the residents and prohibits farming and grazing here. Some of them return to breed cattle and goats, while some go out to be migrant workers. Vacant homes, left-behind elders and children, and disabled persons can be seen in the village. These photos document the ecological environment and living conditions of the local residents.