Photo Journey: Hidden Gems and Crowded Alleys of Nanluoguxiang
A scooter flies through the narrow back alleys of Nanluoguxiang Hutong in Beijing, China.
Beijing is a city where the pulse of modern life beats vigorously against a backdrop of ancient history. I have tried to capture that in my photography.
Among its many enchanting localities is Nanluoguxiang, an 800-metre stretch of living history woven into the fabric of the Dongcheng district. On a warm and sunny St. Patrick's Day, I embarked on a photographic exploration of this beautiful hutong.
Locals walk through Nanluoguxiang Hutong in Beijing, China.
It is far more than just an alley—it's a timeline of living history I sought to capture with my lens. Built during the Yuan Dynasty, this slice of Beijing is a layered narrative continuing the trend of weaving modern and ancient together to form the rich tapestry of the local culture.
On this afternoon, the streets were abuzz with local life; the lack of expats in the crowd hinted at this hutong's authentic day-to-day vibrancy. Families, scooters zipping by, and the kaleidoscope of traditional Chinese fast food coalesced into a singular visual feast distinct to hutongs. It was in the narrow side streets, however, where a quieter story unfolded—one that allowed my camera to focus on scenes less traveled.
This photo journey through Nanluoguxiang was not merely about collecting snapshots; it was an intimate dialogue with the city. Each photograph is a story that tries to reflect the thousands of footsteps that grace these spaces. These visual souvenirs are my testament to the enduring splendor of Beijing's hutongs—a homage to the hidden gems and crowded streets that characterize the city.
I was trying something new. For the first time, I shot exclusively with my FujiFilm XT200, a mirrorless digital camera. After doing some research on how to improve my photography, I set my camera’s ISO to 100–it was a bright, sunny, cloudless day. This would allow me to capture sharper and more vibrant photos than before. But my confidence in the photos waned, and something felt off.
As my day in Nanluoguxiang ended, I felt grateful for this experience, which allowed me to immerse myself in Beijing's vibrant culture and history. But nothing could shake the feeling that these photos would not turn out well. However, when I got home and began looking through them, picking the shots I would include in the photo gallery, and editing them to fix slight defects, I realized this might be my favorite gallery to date.
Some More Photos from Nanluoguxiang Hutong in Beijing, China
Through my photographs, I aim to inspire others to explore this hidden gem and see for themselves the beauty and stories that await in every corner. From local life to traditional architecture, from narrow streets to bustling scooters, Nanluoguxiang offers much to discover and photograph. So grab your camera, put on your walking shoes, and embark on a photo journey through this enchanting hutong's crowded streets.
It is a dimension where time is both preserved and ephemeral. For those who seek to witness the heart of Beijing, explore Nanluoguxiang, and experience the pulse of hutong life with every click of the shutter, this is your invitation to wander, wonder, and capture the tale for yourself.
Find the full gallery here.