I love taking photos at night, and in the unlikely circumstance that they don't blur, aren't overexposed or underexposed, aren't grainy or I get to use a tripod, they are my absolute favourite. Everything to me is heightened at night-time; the most familiar bland places become mysterious and creepy, shadows lengthen, and cities look beautiful all lit up. I'm pretty sure I look better in the dark.

Anyway, sorry to bombard with more holiday photos but here are some photos (most taken with a borrowed tripod, it's amazing what a difference it makes) of Guangzhou at night.

A family friend and photography enthusiast gave me a few pointers while I was taking these and I think slowly and surely, I am getting better. It's quite odd to be standing in the midst of a bustling city square with a tripod, but well worth it. 

The atmosphere was pretty amazing because all the people come out at lights on, all the stores are open and its very lively. Much like at Vivid Sydney, but every night! It's a bit bizarre though how they shut off all the lights at 10 (to conserve power) and the place is plummeted into near darkness and everyone leaves...

Some photos from the first few days of my trip. Most of these were taken in Guangzhou (Canton), in the streets near where my mom's family lives. A home base of sorts.

For all the many times I have been in Canton, I am struck by how little things change on a local level. The little market we always visit, the group of shirtless old men playing mahjong at night (I think I have a picture of that somewhere...), the little alleyways and smoky doorways and a few more very intimate details made me realise only now how familiar it is to me.

The familiarity is of a different kind however, halfway between 'home' and a 'regular place I visit'. This is illustrated by my apparent fascination in taking photos of the most 'ordinary' things on the street;  this is frequently met with strange stares. Still a foreigner after all. 

The second half of the photos are from a temple nestled in the mountains and its surrounding areas a few hours coach drive away, the name of which I can't remember (for shame!) though I suppose it is better if I don't burden you with the details.

More later!