On a sunny Yunnan day, old residents and colorful characters gather outside the Yuantong Temple in Kunming. They have come to play mahjong, sell strawberries or simply sit back and watch the world go by. Having experienced Kunming life in all its facets, every face has a story to tell. One such person is an elderly man with more wrinkles than anyone should possess. His Chinese style overcoat and wide brimmed hat could easily place him back 100 years. He simply sits rolling his wooden prayer beads, hoping for someone to tell his story to. The old man shies away from the lens as I attempt to capture the moment. After an encouraging smile, he glances up at me. His warm smile shows a friendly side to him, which he tries to keep hidden beneath his big hat. Not a second after I take his picture, he returns to daily life, joined by his neighbor who squats beside him, smoking a pipe.

　　Text and photo by Sahra Malik