Shaman

A Glimpse Into the World Beyond

Shaman offers an intimate look into the spiritual traditions of Inner Mongolia through the work of shaman master Bai Aolao. In a secluded basement room of a clinic in Hohhot, Bai Aolao performs rituals that bridge the visible and invisible worlds.

A shaman serves as an intermediary between the human and the divine — one who seeks guidance, healing, and understanding from the spirit realm. Bai Aolao’s practice combines chanting, rhythmic movement, and deep trance states, culminating in moments of physical exhaustion and spiritual transcendence.

This work explores the enduring presence of shamanic belief in contemporary China, revealing how ancient rituals of healing and communication with the spirit world persist within modern life. Through its documentation, Shaman invites reflection on faith, embodiment, and the human pursuit of connection beyond the material world.