Animal spirits
According to animist beliefs, nature is alive with spirits. That’s a problem when a mining boom is despoiling the landscape. The solution, as Alec Ash discovered in Mongolia, is to employ a shaman to intercede with the supernatural
According to animist beliefs, nature is alive with spirits. That’s a problem when a mining boom is despoiling the landscape. The solution, as Alec Ash discovered in Mongolia, is to employ a shaman to intercede with the supernatural
It may have history and secrets – but it also has smog. Alec Ash, an author and longtime resident, uncovers some lesser-known destinations beyond the big city
Young Chinese writers use science fiction to criticise their society. Alec Ash discovers a new dimension of fiction
Millions of Chinese children have been left behind in the countryside by parents drawn to the cities in search of employment. Alec Ash travelled to a remote village in the mountains of Guizhou to meet some of the victims of rapid development
Suffering withdrawal symptoms after season six? Time to brush up on your Mandarin
