How to get the best photos of Beijing…ever!

Ever wished you could capture images of local life on your travels like these? It may take years to become a professional photographer, but you can snap life in the hutongs of Beijing in just an afternoon, especially if you have a great local guide.

Father and son play a game of Chinese chess

Someone like Matthew Kelly, for example, who has been living and photographing hutong life in Beijing for more than eight years. He calls himself the “people photographer” as he knows the locals and local lanes, or hutongs, like the back of his hand. He’ll take you on a trip to find the best subjects and local scenery for you to capture, giving you tips along the way based on his 35 years as a professional photographer.

Locals practise opera in Jingshan Park near the Forbidden City

The hutongs, or narrow lanes of old Beijing, have existed for over seven hundred years since the Mongol Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) chose to install its capital in Beijing. Most of the hutongs in existence today date from the last few centuries. This is where you can witness the daily routines of Chinese life.

Breakfast vendors in the hutongs, a common sight from 4am to 10am

Barbers cut hair out on the streets, women practise traditional dances with fans, men play mahjong or Chinese chess outside their homes, and hawkers trundle their carts along the street. Since many people’s hutong houses, or siheyuan courtyards, are so small, people live their lives out on the streets, especially during the warmer months from April to October.

A local street barber at work in the hutongs, not such a common sight as a decade ago

The fascinating local culture is not confined to the hutongs. Matthew can take you to Beijing’s parks where people gather to socialise, dance, sing, play instruments, fly kites, practise martial arts or play games.

Gentlemen flying traditional kites in Tiantan Park

The best parks for this are Jingshan Park north of the Forbidden City, Beihai Park to the west of Jingshan Park, and Tiantan Park surrounding the Temple of Heaven.

Posing for photos in traditional dress, a popular thing to do at Beijing’s parks and attractions

To arrange a hutong and/or park photography tour of Beijing, just let your itinerary designer know. If you haven’t started planning an itinerary yet, you can do so here.

Women practising fan dancing in the hutongs

All photos are courtesy of Matthew Kelly.