During my trip to Hebei last summer, I spent two peaceful days exploring the historic temples and markets of Baoding.

Baode is a county of Xinzhou, Shanxi, noted for its traditional handicrafts and rugged loess landscape.

She carried a small velvet pouch containing her Baoding balls to the park for afternoon practice.

I twirled the Baoding ball in my palm during the meeting to ease stress and keep my fingers nimble.