the simpler life
Female Singapore|June 2023
Pas Ditching the big city for more rustic pastures that allow for a slower, more intentional way of living might sound like the stuff of Disney+ movies. For the individuals featured here though, it has become not only a reality, but also a calling that sees them parlaying their mindfulness mantras into unique lifestyle experiences that others can also get a taste of. From a photographer who built her own abode from scratch in a Yunnan village to a pair of reformed club kids who've found serenity and community in Koh Phangan, Keng Yang Shuen discovers more about their expedition happiness.
Keng Yang Shuen
the simpler life

TING WANG - THE 39-YEAR-OLD PHOTOGRAPHER SIGNED UP FOR A NATURAL DYEING COURSE IN SHAXI VILLAGE IN YUNNAN, CHINA, TWO YEARS AGO AND LOVED THE PLACE SO MUCH, SHE DECIDED TO BUILD A HOUSE THERE. NOW, SHE'S FINE-TUNING HER ENTIRE EXPERIENCE FOR A YET-TO-BE-NAMED GETAWAY PROGRAMME THAT'LL LAUNCH NEXT JANUARY.

For starters, tell us more about how you ended up building a house in Shaxi?

"I'd been practising principles of slow living and natural dyeing for about two years back in Singapore when I heard about this village. I was immediately attracted to its rustic environment, and after spending three months here documenting and learning from a local dyer (Yunnan is said to boast the largest diversity of plants in China, in turn offering plenty of resources for natural dyeing), I decided that I wanted to stay on, as I've always wanted to live surrounded by nature as well as delve deeper into the art of natural dyeing ... Starting with the sloping landscape around me, I drew inspiration from ancient Chinese sensibilities about structure, lighting and space division. For example, the house should be comfortable to all senses: warm in winter and cooling in summer. I also wanted it to blend harmoniously with the neighbouring houses that were here before me. This should be a space that initiates connections; where people can bounce ideas off one another, and friendships and community can grow."

What's a normal day for you like here?

Denne historien er fra June 2023-utgaven av Female Singapore.

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Denne historien er fra June 2023-utgaven av Female Singapore.

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