Morning Light by Zhang Guangqi. [Photo provided by the Guizhou Photographers Association]

Located in the center of Western China, the Tibetan-Qiang-Yi corridor has long been an important channel for different ethnic groups in their travelling, reproduction, migration and communication.

With its unique natural ecological environment, diversified cultural forms and rich cultural resources, the region is praised as an important carrier of Chinese history and culture, thus holding a special position in the regional development and cultural construction of China.

The Yi ethnic group is one of the Chinese ethnic groups with a long history and an ancient culture. It is famous for captivating ethnic customs that can be traced back to ancient times.

Over its long course of development, the Yi formed a unique culture of food, costume, architecture and religion. The majority of the Yi people now reside in Bijie city in Guizhou province, Chuxiong city in Yunnan province and Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture in Sichuan province.

The following photographs vividly mirror the lives of the Yi ethnic group in Bijie city.