An Evening with Beijing Guoan: March 29th, 2025
Welcome to my photography gallery! I’m excited to share the thrilling experience of Beijing Guoan's home opener against Chengdu Rongcheng. This was my sixth match in nearly two years, and I could feel the electricity in the air as the stadium filled with nearly 53,000 passionate fans, all ready to support their team.
Sitting in the Nord Curva, just behind the most vocal supporters, I felt the energy surge with every chant and cheer. The atmosphere was incredible—loud, boisterous, and undeniably intimidating for the rivals. It was this kind of environment that I aimed to capture with my Fujifilm XT-200, followed by some editing in Lightroom to bring out the vivid emotions of the day.
This gallery is more than matchday moments; it tells the story of my journey to and from the stadium, showcasing the sights, sounds, and excitement that surrounded me. Each photograph reveals a slice of the vibrant soccer culture that one can find in Beijing. Despite what folks say, soccer’s not dead in China.
I invite soccer fans, travelers, groundhoppers, and photojournalists to dive into this collection. Whether you’re reliving the match or exploring the passionate spirit of Chinese soccer, I hope you find something to latch on to in these images as much as I have over the last two years.
Thank you for browsing the gallery, and feel free to share your thoughts or favorite shots!
Posted up in Maizidian
Crossing Gongrentiyuchang just west of the 3rd Ring Road. Beijing.
At the intersection with the 3rd Ring Road. Beijing.
The 3rd Ring Road blocking the sun. Beijing.
Headed to the match. Beijing.
Checking WeChat, waiting to cross. Beijing.
Anticipating the green light. 3rd Ring Road, Sanlitun, Beijing.
Green means go!
Go. Go. Go. Sanlitun, Beijing.
Light shining brightly on the westside of the 3rd Ring Road. Traffic still heavy. Sanlitun, Beijing.
Bike delivery!
Headed into the Sanlitun shopping district. Always busy on the weekend.
Waiting to cross the street last block before the stadium.
Keep up with the folks in front of you.
Waiting for friends.
A couple that cheers together...
Entering the Worker's Stadium Grounds.
It's a family affair, but everyone is looking in a different direction.
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Warm ups. Beijing Guoan in green.
More warm ups.
Bring out the water spray and flags.
More flags.
Guoan, Guoan, Beijing Guoan.
Team entrance.
Light show. Pretty intense actually.
Showing the proper scarf holding technique.
More joining in.
Checking messages pre game.
Recording things now.
Hands up for the team anthem.
Prematch huddle. Final words of encouragement.
A dangerous attack, maybe...
Bad guys attack down the left wing.
Attack continues.
Chengdu players surround the referee and request a VAR review to overturn a clear PK.
Fans anticipating the call being confirmed.
Fabio's PK.
More of the PK.
Fans cheering going 1 goal up.
East side of the stadium.
The ball down in the right corner.
A shot of the scoreboard. Gotta have that.
The run of play.
Controversy! Chengdu #9 steps on Guoan's defender. He should have been sent off, but instead stays on, no booking, only to score the equalizer.
Halftime photo. The ground level.
Checking his messages before the 2nd half kicks off.
Attacking again.
More attacking
Beijing left winger caused them fits all match.
Brother's watch the match together.
Corner kick!
A short clearance.
Goalie punts it up field.
Transition.
Fans waving flags.
Beijing trying to attack in the second half.
Trying to keep possession in the attacking third
Father and son heading home.
On the move.