China, the unknown and vast country

From 26 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, two friends and I travelled through China: ten days in Shanghai, five in Chongqing, and a high-speed train to Hangzhou. We wanted a country completely different from ours, with few Western tourists and food we had never really eaten.

From Europe, China mostly reaches us as a headline. What I found first was the size: cities that keep going in every direction, very modern, with a lot of nature around them. Then the people, kind and curious about foreigners even where English isn't spoken. The regional food, from the Shanghai dishes to the spices of Chongqing. And a nightlife that was quiet in winter but fun, with people sharing their drinks with us.

These five series follow that trip. Shanghai by day, where traditional temples stand alongside the glass towers, and by night, under lanterns and LEDs. 1933 Old Millfun, an old slaughterhouse turned into a concrete labyrinth, in black and white. Chongqing, the cyberpunk city of stairs, neon and red bridges. And the Matcha lake near Hangzhou, a forest standing in green water.

Everything was shot on an X-T5 with two primes, a 25mm f/1.7 and a 56mm f/1.8.

The full story is in the journal: Shanghai, Chongqing, Hangzhou: China beyond the headlines.

Album · 6 photosDark side of Hù→ Album · 14 photosChongqing lights→ Album · 35 photosDaylight in Shanghai→ Album · 6 photosMatcha lake→ Album · 9 photos1933 OLD MILLFUN→