A photographic journey from China's historic monuments to the people, traditions, and everyday life found beyond the familiar landmarks.

China is often experienced through its monumental history—the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, ancient temples, and landscapes that have become synonymous with the country. During my travels, however, I found myself increasingly drawn away from those familiar landmarks and toward the people and everyday moments that revealed another side of China.

I traveled through Beijing and into the countryside of southern China, spending time in villages and along the Li River near Xingping and Longsheng. There I photographed fishermen, farmers, craftspeople, markets, traditional clothing, and the landscapes in which generations of people have lived and worked. These encounters offered glimpses of traditions and routines that felt far removed from the rapidly changing cities.

The photographs in Inside China are not intended to be a comprehensive documentary of the country. Instead, they are observations gathered along the way—moments of work, tradition, community, and daily life. Together, they explore the contrast between China's monumental past, and the intimate human experiences found beyond its most recognizable sights.

This is the China I encountered: sometimes grand, sometimes quiet, and often most revealing in the ordinary moments between the landmarks.