I'm no photographer, but I always have my 70D with me. I like to capture life as I see it.
I lived in Xi'an, China for almost 7 years, amassing thousands of photos. 2020 came as a shock to the world, but unlike the rest of the world which had time to process the information before things started "happening", people in China, such as myself at the time, had no warning before their world was turned upside down.
The day of the Spring festival (Chinese new year) was normal. That evening, though, bar owners and restaurant owners were ordered to close immediately. Without warning. The public hadn't been told yet. The very next morning, communities were told to bar all entrances save for one, and to strictly control entry and exit. That afternoon it was announced that only ONE member of each household was allowed out every SECOND day, ONLY for necessities. Large parts of the city were banned completely. Never had I seen an organization on such a large scale, so fast.
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Peeky Husky
I know many will say negative things about China and the Chinese, but I can say that this cooperation and people actually listening to regulations is because this was for the greater good. Yes, many complained, but complied willingly, for the country. This was unique for me, as a South African; my countrymen, like most, just think about themselves and their family.
Haz-Man
Dayanta, When We Were Finally Allowed Near It Again. A Week After Lockdown Ended
You can google photos of Xi'an and see it during normal times, absolutely jam-packed streets and landmarks. The photos are the only time I have seen it so absolutely empty. What's worse is that before this, I had only seen masses of hazmat-wearing people in movies. It was a scary time, and facts on the virus were only slowly just emerging.
Usually Thousands Of People Are Here On A Quiet Day
A Cleaner With Nothing To Do After He Cleaned The Day Before
To answer the question of how I got these photos after I just mentioned most of the city was off-limits and people could only go out at certain times, every so often. I managed to get out every day as I was living alone, and on the days I wasn't allowed out, I volunteered to help at the gate.
The Drum Tower. Never So Quiet
Possibly The Busiest Intersection In The City, Now Just Delivery Guys And Bored Police
Hey, you get payed for standing around and looking at things and direct the occasional pizza man. I’d love to do that!
Hard-Working Escalator Gets A Holiday
One Of The Small Gates Through The City Wall
Uhm, I Don't Think That's How You Wear It, Officer
Shame the comment below got deleted. Woulda loved to see the screwup.
Deliveries Had To Be Passed Over Fences And Gates. At The Time It Was A Crime To Even Step Foot Outside When It Wasn't Your Day Allowed Out
Muslim Street/Quarter. Google This One. It's Never Like This
I am a Chinese and I don't really know why many people around the world don't like Chinese people, so I just want to express my own opinion. The first and most important point is that whatever happens is not our choice as civilians, but a game, or even a duel, between the governments of various countries, so all we civilians can do is to live a better life. In China, what people hear and see every day are very positive things, things with good energy. I am now studying in Korea and I can often watch youtube, in ytb there are many politicians from different countries denigrating and slandering my country, I don't know if it is true or not, but whether it is true or not, it has nothing to do with me. No matter what country you live in, the people are the most important part. Living in China is really joyful and convenient, such as the developed mobile phone payment system. China has a population of 1.5 billion people and it's great that the government has managed to get its people to a h
Never Imagined The Subway Being Quiet Enough To Hear My Own Steps
Lone Duck
This image captures what quarantine felt like to me. Your photographs are very powerful & moving!
Spoilt For Choice. On A Normal Day You Have To Squeeze In And Hope That All Your Extremities Are Clear Of The Closing Doors
On My Little Ebike, Looking Towards The Bell Tower
Lockdown Started Easing, Can't Slack On Dance Practice
People Weren't Allowed Into Any Restaurants, So They Had To Queue Outside The Few That Were Allowed To Open
Policeman Checking If Drivers Have Permits To Be Out
Walls Put Up To Block Entry/Exit To Communities/Complexes
Dayanta (Big Wild Goose Pagoda) Where Usually Hundreds Of People Are Milling About
Some Damas Out For A Stroll
Just saying, damas in Chinese is 大妈, which roughly translates to 'Big Mother'. It is sort of like a slang word for older women.
Sad really...Xian is an amazing and beautiful, vibrant bustling city. I've been many times.
I'm waiting for the border to open up, I'm headed back ASAP. It's my second home.
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Sad really...Xian is an amazing and beautiful, vibrant bustling city. I've been many times.
I'm waiting for the border to open up, I'm headed back ASAP. It's my second home.
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