Northwest Sichuan I 

The carvings record the temple鈥檚 history and states that the Han emperor, in order to promote peace between the ethnicities, ordered its construction.

The dragons on the walls, combined with lions also symbolize this harmony. The dragon is a symbol of royalty and the Han emperor, while the lion is the highest animal to be worshipped in Tibetan religion.

But what exactly are they doing? Practicing martial arts?

Debating scriptures is when the monks gather and test each other on the principles of their religion. They clap their hands to emphasize their main points as they challenge the other person.

	A few local women working in the fields.

Monastery life is rigorous, but life for women means work, too. Along the way to the center of the county, I saw a few women working in the fields. What they are doing is beating the crops so that they can get the seeds for vegetable oil.

Closer to the center of the city, I got a glimpse of the local Tibetan houses.

I caught a motorcycle to take a better look.

We鈥檙e going to Doiji鈥檚 house. Actually this is a friend of mine, who lives in a traditional Tibetan house. Today we鈥檙e going to visit him.

	A visit in local residence

The buildings almost look like temples or museums. However, they are actually ordinary residences. The family built the house and they have resided there for over 10 years. It will be passed on from generation to generation.

Woman: This is Qinke alcohol.

Yin: Thanks. So the alcohol is a gift to the gods.

Woman: Drink some more. Please sit.

Yin: What is this?

Woman: These are mooncakes.

Woman: Ok, I鈥檓 going to go cook. You stay here and rest.

Yin: Wow, so we have a lot of snacks here. So many delicacies. Let鈥檚 look around this place. The architecture is really, really amazing. First of all, the colors are so striking. If you take a look at these walls here, a mix of red and blue and green. And here, you can see, signs of the Tibetan culture. And also, this house is made 100% of wood and no nails. Yet it鈥檚 still very sturdy, although this is an earthquake-prone region.

The realistic carvings and hues of the house remind me of being outside in nature with grasses, waters, and birds. Is it possible to bring all the colors of the rainbow indoors? The house becomes a fantastic indoor garden!