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All aboard please — commercial and documentary photography by Grant Maiden, Wellington, New Zealand.

Posts tagged China

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Here’s a series of documentary photos I shot in China exploring the cultural phenomenon known as Hanfu photography. Also known as “Guachao” or “National Trend” photography, the picturesque Hunan town of Fenghuang is one of China’s epicenters, and its streets and riverside are awash with participating domestic tourists.

This hugely popular activity is kind of part fashion spectacle, part cosplay adventure and part love letter to 5,000 years of culture. Every day, thousands rent elaborate traditional outfits and after professional hair and makeup, spend hours striking dramatic poses in the ancient cobblestone alleys and stone bridges chasing the perfect shot for Tik Tok and Xiaohongshu (China’s Instagram).

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I’ve been like a wounded bird for most of 2025 after shoulder surgery and haven’t been able to use my dominant left arm for anything, let alone pick up my camera, until recently. So I definitely needed a good shot in the arm to lift my spirits as well as my camera again, and what better place than China.

Here’s a small collection of photos taken at the ‘Land of Wilderness’ in Yunnan Province. We spent hours wandering and taking photos at this wonderful art park that was created by singer and folk artist Qiao Xiaodao back in 2020. It’s made largely from scrap and recycled materials and as well as the whimsical sculptures, there are also a number of small abandoned buildings that look like they date back to the previous use of the large site, maybe for growing? Some are empty whilst others have old electronics, mannequins or furniture inside, and add to the overall ramshackle, slightly mysterious and un-curated nature of the park, it’s full of surprises at every turn.