XITANG 西塘

An ancient water town located 1 ½ hours’ drive from Shanghai, Xitang is a poet’s retreat, a painter’s dream land, and a photographer’s paradise.

The town itself is ancient, probably thousands of years old, but the existing buildings and infrastructure can be dated back by 600 years.

 We were there in year 2015, and we spent two nights putting up in a homestay within the old water town.

As we were exploring the whole place we couldn’t help but felt like we had travelled via a time tunnel to the past. We were seeing what we had read in books and watched in movies, of scenes that were supposed to be in the Ming or Qing dynasties.

There were rows of shop houses which were of very ancient look and built. The whole complex comprises interconnected shops facing and separated by canals. Between the shops and canals were covered walkways about five feet wide. Arched over the canals were many stone bridges. Peach flowers and cherry blossoms bloomed everywhere. The narrow streets were paved with cobbles.

 Little boats powered by oars were seen ferrying people on the canals. The water in the canals looked clean and clear. Old people were seen relaxing on lazy chairs by the side of the canals. Young couples were enjoying tea under the cherry trees.

The whole place was like a picture. It looked so surreal. Were we in a dream?

 There were hordes of tourists, many were patronising the hundreds of vendors along the streets. The items being sold were foodstuff and souvenirs.

 We had all our meals in the water town. As I am not a foodie I would not comment on the food. However, the food outlet that impressed me the most was one serving wantan soup, duck meat soup and you-tiau.

 The sunrise and sunset views from the arched bridges were romantic. The golden hue cast by the low sun’s rays painted a rosy glow on all the roof tiles.

 Xitang after dark was another type of beauty. The glistening lights and reflections together with the very old structures combined to present an awesome scene.

 The Emperor Qian Long of the Qing Dynasty had visited Jiang Nan, which means South of Yangtze, seven times. Did he come to Xitang and put up a few nights here? I wondered.

As a photographer, I am glad that I have come to this quaint charming water town, which is just like a fairy land, and a place where time stands still.

Hong Kong By Night

 Year 2013, we were at Hong Kong. We were staying at The L Hotel of Tsuen Wan.

From our hotel room as well as from the viewing deck of 44^th floor, we could have a clear view of the scenery and cityscape around us. I managed to capture the sunrise over the skyline and the majestic Tsing Ma Bridge.  However, as I had to shoot through the glass panel of the hotel, the pictures were far from being satisfactory. I must find other places so as to shoot without any glass between me and my subject.

 I was told that the view of the city skyline from The Victoria Peak is one the finest in the world. So we took the peak tram and reached our destination, the Peak Tower, just before sundown.

We then went up to the Sky Terrace which is 428 meter above sea level.

 The view of the Victoria Harbour and the skyline is fantastic from this vantage point. As the sun was setting behind me, I could only capture the reflected rays on the panels of the skyscrapers.

 On the opposite side of the Sky Terrace, I witnessed a romantic sunset at the open sea.

As it was getting darker more and more people came up to the Terrace. I realised that I had to occupy a good position before it was all taken up.

 As the place was too crowded I could not set up my tripods, and so all the photos were taken hand-held.

As the sky got darker, the lights of the buildings began to turn on. It’s like watching beautiful ladies putting on their dazzling jewellery.  

The place was getting really crowded, and I was fighting to resist from being squeezed out from the front line by some kiasu people.

 While I was fully soaked in the mesmerising view, my wife and daughter spent their time at Madame Tussand Wax Museum which is located in the same premises.

 We then adjourned to another fovourite spot for night photography-the water front.

 We were at the Tsim Sha Tsui Water Front Promenade a short while later.

Before us was the wonderful Hong Kong cityscape.

 The myriad of colours and the reflections in the sea were so captivating. The vessels that were plying on the channel were equally eye-catching.

AT 8pm sharp. The show began.

Loud music was being broadcasted. Search-lights and colourful laser   beams were switched on and being shot from the roofs of the buildings. The light beams danced in synchronism with the music. The display was simply awesome.

 Everyone clapped hands and roared with applause.

While I was busily shooting night scenes along the water front the ladies visited the Avenue of Stars which is at the same location.

I am so happy with my photography trip to Hong Kong as I got all I wanted.