Since the 7th century in China, Opium was ingested for medicinal purposes and never smoked. Then in the 17th centurycame the Europeans and introduced the mixing of opium with tobacco to be smoked making it the most addictive practice among the Chinese. This led to the two famous opium wars and after several attempts from the Chinese to ban the import of opium, attacks on the shores of China by the British and eventually several treaties that according to historical accounts marked the beginning of the century of humiliation of this Asian nation.
Today, everywhere you look, people, young and old are smoking tobacco on the streets of China.
7 replies on “Day 30~ October 30th~ Yunnan”
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Fascinating image.
Wow.
That is one huge pipe. At first I thought it was the Chinese version of a didgeridoo and this guy’s music was so hot it started to smoke – but then I read your description. Great work. Incredibly fascinating image. You captured the smoke perfectly.
🙂 Man, that’s one colossal cigarette! Re the opium trade__before the American invasion of Afghanistan, the Taliban had eliminated the opium trade and poppy fields.
Now, the Americans reintroduced the opium trade. In fact, they protect the poppy fields of the Afghan farmers. And, as in the past, the same power brokers are the hidden hands behind this lucrative trade.
Interesting history and a fascinating picture.
Fascinating shot, Mimo and interesting history lesson.