Candid Street Scenes – Everyday Life in China

On this page you’ll find candid street photography taken across China. These unposed images capture people going about their daily lives, often unaware of the camera, which brings a raw honesty to the moments recorded. Each photograph reflects the energy, rhythm, and atmosphere of the streets, offering a glimpse into real life as it unfolds. For portraits of people I met on the streets, visit my Street Portraits gallery.

Man in Batman mask in Shanghai showing off his ladybird tattoo

I don't really know what these two were doing, but he was wearing a Batman mask and she seemed keen to expose his ladybird tattoo. Anfu Road, Shanghai, April 2023.

Security guards in Beijing taking a nap during their break time

Batman's Tattoo

Snoozing Guards

These security guards seemed to be having a quick snooze break. Chaoyang Park, Beijing, May 2005.

Visitors queue in sweltering Shanghai heat at the UK Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo

A man carries his grandchild on his back. I like the timeless quality of this photo, which could have been taken at any time in the last 50 years or so. Rolleiflex 3.5F, Shanghai, November 2006.

Heat Avoidance

People lining up for around 2-3 hours to enter the UK Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo. The pavilion itself was stunning and almost looks like it was created with CGI, but this photo is not manipulated in any way. Shanghai, May 2010.

Lamb Skewers

This was once a common sight in Shanghai. People from Xinjiang, China's north western province, selling skewers on the streets of Shanghai. These days, if you want lamb skewers, you have to go to a proper restaurant. Somehow, it's just not the same experience. Rolleiflex 2.8 E2, Ilford Delta 400, Shanghai, November 2007.

Piggy Back Grandpa

Grandfather gives piggyback to his granddaughter in Shanghai street

Goods Of Desire

I'm not sure why, but most of the people waiting at this bus stop seem to be carrying unusually large items. Hong Kong, March 2023.

The Beggar

This wouldn't work these days as people rarely carry cash, but beggars now also have QR codes to accept electronic payments. Jing'an Temple, Shanghai, June 2005.

A begger holds out his hand asking for spare change at a Shanghai temple

Rush Hour

Early morning cyclists wait at a busy junction in downtown Shanghai. This was a rare occasion I used my Yashica TLR instead of the Rolleiflex. Yashica Mat 124G, Ilford Delta 400, 25th October 2006.

Click here to view my portraits of friends and family