In early 2025, a photographer embarked on a five-month expedition across China—from the introduction in Changsha to the final frame upon return to Nantes. This series documents the journey in real-time, capturing not just the places but the transformation that travel creates.
Sixteen posts follow the geographical and emotional arc of the journey, organized chronologically from first arrival through final reflections.
The Beginning
China: An Introduction from Nantes to Changsha (Jan 17, 2025)
Starting point. The anticipation, the arrival, the first steps into a new landscape.
China – from Changsha to Yongzhou (Jan 24, 2025)
The journey begins in earnest. Moving deeper into the heart of China.
China – YongZhou to Foshan (Jan 31, 2025)
The path forward. Crossing provinces, changing perspectives.
The Shenzhen Episodes
China – Foshan to Shenzhen Day 1 of 4 (Feb 7, 2025)
Arrival in Shenzhen. Four intense days exploring the city.
China – Shenzhen Day 2 (Feb 14, 2025)
The second movement through the city streets.
China – Operation Shenzhen Nights (Feb 21, 2025)
Night falls on Shenzhen. The city reveals itself differently in darkness.
China – Shenzhen Day 3 (Feb 28, 2025)
Continuing deeper into the urban landscape.
China – Shenzhen day 4 – Shenzhen to Huizhou to Shenzhen (Mar 7, 2025)
The final Shenzhen chapter. A day trip to Huizhou and return.
The Eastern Route
China – Shenzhen to Hangzhou (Mar 14, 2025)
Moving north and east. The landscape shifts.
China – Hangzhou to Shao Xing (Mar 21, 2025)
Water, history, and ancient waterways.
China – Shao Xing (Mar 28, 2025)
Pause in a historical city. Time to reflect and observe.
China – Shao Xing to Xian Ju (Apr 4, 2025)
Continuing the journey through the eastern provinces.
The Homeward Arc
China Homeward Bound – XianJu to Shanghai, Shanghai to Beijing, Beijing to Roissy, Roissy to Nantes, Nantes to St Hilaire (Apr 11, 2025)
The journey’s final leg. From the heart of China back home, step by step.
China – How a Journey Transforms a Man… (Apr 25, 2025)
Reflection post. Processing the experience, understanding the changes.
China: The Final Frame – Reflections on a Journey (May 9, 2025)
The series conclusion. A meditation on what the journey revealed.
Epilogue
致我在中国的读者们：一封感谢信 / A Letter of Gratitude to My Readers in China (Nov 12, 2025)
Six months later. A message in both Chinese and English, addressing the readers and community the series created.
About This Series
This series was documented in real-time across five months. Each post captures not just the physical locations but the emotional and philosophical dimensions of travel—the kind of transformation that happens when you step away from home and truly see another world.
The photographs were made with film cameras, the words written in the moments between journeys. Together, they form an orchestral composition where each element—place, camera, reflection—plays an essential part.
looking forward to your “adventure.”
So am I!
Very nice photos, Ian. I especially enjoyed the photos of simple homes next to the water.
Those photos were possibly the best of the day…
China Series: An Orchestral Journey
This series chronicles the photographer’s experience on a multi-week orchestral tour across China with the Symphonique des Bords de Loire. The context is a journey of cultural discovery and musical performance in cities like Yong Zhou and Xian Ju. The artistic result is a promised set of nearly 500 photographs (in color and B&W) that document the vibrant tapestry of modern China, focusing on cultural immersion, the performances, and the unexpected moments of life on tour—though the author reminds readers, “what happens on tour, stays on tour.” Documenting this transnational musical and visual journey is the true cutting edger.
Thank you. It was a life changing experience. Definitely a before and after event. I just tried to document everything I could and share the experience that not many of us get to live. I loved China and the Chinese I met.
I would go back tomorrow if I could…