Watchtower Aglow

This is the southeastern watchtower on the city wall backlit by the setting sun. We had the wall all to ourselves and it provided amazing views across the ancient city. I really loved the plants growing on the top amongst the tiles and zodiac figures.

This captivating site is inside the Confucius Temple, which is well over 1500 years old and still very much in active use. The amazing art and calligraphy on the back wall were enough for a great shot on their own. The rising sun catching the smoke of the incense offerings really adds to the atmosphere of the shot. The gold "pyramid" are actually offering tokens left by people who have come to pay homage to the great philosopher of 2500 years ago.

A God in the Shadows

Inside the nested chapels of a Taoist temple I came across this shot. Was very fortunate on the lighting as the setting sun came through the courtyards and lit up the inside of the small chapel. I think he wanted his picture taken.

Main Street - Pingyao Style

The main tower in the center of town, where the four main roads meet. Such an amazing collection of buildings and shops. No chain stores or Starbucks here! The colors on the roof tiles were amazing and the setting sun really let their color shine. The low mountains of Shanxi province in the background.

Pingyao Yiguan

Our old courtyard hotel at night. Couldn't resist taking the shot and it really does a great job showcasing the exquisite wood carving and architecture of the entire town.

The south gate of the city silhouetted against by the sun as it got low in the western sky. This picture was shot from inside the watchtower seen in other pictures. I felt the backlit nature of the shot was best seen in black and white so that all the wonderful shapes really pop.

On the Bell Tower

This is up on the small western tower. I thought it was an interesting scene with the crumbling paper and old dusty doors.

The Empty Ancient Lane

Get out of the way!

How to get run over in a Pingyao alley. In this alley shot the focus is literally on movement and speed. Everything directs your eye to the out of control speeding grandfather who is about to run this poor photographer over.

Dragon Sunrise

Sunrise on a cold morning in Shanxi province. This is just one of about 150,000 this guy has seen.