Kids learning speed skating in a school in Jilin Province. Photo: Courtesy of Nadeau

Editor's Note:

"China in Photos" is a series featuring foreign photographers who have explored China through their lenses. With cameras and curiosity, they capture the country's landscapes and people, revealing a China that is raw, intimate and deeply human. Each interview offers a unique perspective on its diversity. Join us as we see China through their eyes.

In the first article of this series, Canadian documentary photographer Francois Nadeau (Nadeau) spoke with Global Times (GT) reporter Su Yaxuan. Nadeau told GT that he loves capturing the "hidden side" of China, which he sees as a crucial aspect of portraying the country. He believes that nothing truly prepares you for China until you experience it for yourself.


GT: When you first came to China , what was your initial impression? What made you decide to stay in China and continue taking photos here? 

Nadeau: Coming from a small village in Canada, my first few days in Beijing were a huge shock - but a fascinating one. My initial impression of China was very different from what I had read in newspapers and magazines. Nothing truly prepares you until you experience it for yourself. But that's what I loved about being here, everything felt new and exciting.

The main reason I decided to stay was simple: I loved it. When I first arrived in 2013, I was immediately captivated by the country and the incredible opportunities it offered for photography. Initially, I had only planned to stay for two years, but as I immersed myself in the culture and daily life, I found it increasingly difficult to leave. What started as an adventure turned into nearly a decade of living in China. After settling down, I met my wife, and we later had a child, building our home here.

A lotus farmer on a lake in Shandong Province. Photo: Courtesy of Nadeau

GT: You once spent three months traveling around China, visiting nearly every province and region. Which one left the deepest impression on you?

Nadeau: Among all these destinations, Xinjiang stands out as my favorite. Its rich history and connection to the ancient Silk Road make it feel like a bridge between China and the Western world. I've always been drawn to places with deep historical roots, and Xinjiang offers exactly that.

There are still many regions in China I'm eager to explore more deeply. Yunnan Province is at the top of my list. I visited the province once, but it wasn't enough time to truly document its incredible diversity. I also want to go back to Inner Mongolia. These vast, culturally rich frontier regions offer perspectives quite different from those in eastern China. Few foreigners reach these remote areas, but they reveal China's remarkable ethnic tapestry.

What fascinates me about these regions is how they maintain strong local identities while being part of modern China. The true depth of China's cultural diversity becomes apparent in these areas, where tradition continues alongside the country's rapid development.


GT: How would you sum up China in one word?

Nadeau: Unique. I have traveled extensively around the world, and China is truly unique, a captivating blend of ancient culture and futuristic modernity. As a photographer, I travel a lot, but China always surprises me. There's always something new to see - things I've never witnessed before, and people doing things I don't even understand at first. That's what makes it interesting to photograph.

Every country is special in its own way, but China stands out because of these contrasts. I like its history, the food and talking to the people. For me, it's always worth exploring. That's why I call it unique - not better or worse, just different in a way that keeps me curious.

A mechanic in the machine room of a boat on the Yangtze River in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. Photo: Courtesy of Nadeau

GT: During your travels in China, you lived in a traditional Chinese village. Could you share any memorable or intriguing experiences from that time?

Nadeau: One of my most unforgettable experiences was staying in a small village near Guilin in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Initially, I was just a tourist taking photos, but a villager noticed me lingering longer than most. After a few days, she asked, "What exactly are you doing here?" When I explained that I was a documentary photographer, she immediately invited me to stay with her family. Without hesitation, I packed my bags and moved into their home.

The villagers found my presence amusing, and soon, neighbors would drop by just to see the foreigner living with them. It felt like I had become part of a small, close-knit community.

One of the most helpful people was a young girl who spoke some English. She became my guide, taking me through farms and rice fields. This kind of spontaneous hospitality was something I experienced often in China.


GT: You mentioned that you love capturing "the side people don't see" of China. Could you share moments that best represent this "hidden side"? 

Nadeau: One image that perfectly represents this is a photo I took of an engine room. While tourists enjoyed the views of the Yangtze River, I ventured into the ship's belly after getting permission from the captain. It was hot, loud and smelled of oil. A mechanic in blue overalls, drenched in sweat, worked hard to keep the engines running. When he noticed my camera, he gave a tired but proud smile before returning to work - an unguarded moment revealing the unseen reality behind daily life in China.

Another story comes from a hutong in Beijing, where I met a pigeon keeper. While most tourists focus on the view of the alleyways, I was drawn to this elderly man training pigeons to soar above the rooftops. I spent days documenting his ritual - his wrinkled face lighting up as he whistled to command the birds. These moments capture traditions that most outsiders never notice.

The true hidden side of China isn't just in famous landmarks - it's in its people. That's why I started a special project on Chinese youth culture. This isn't random photography. It's an ongoing documentary. Through these portraits, I want to show a China beyond landmarks: the traditions of its elders and the creativity of its youth. This hidden side represents an important part of China. These raw, real moments are the China I love to capture.


GT: You spoke of Beijing being very safe and clean, which contrasts with some Western reports about China. How do you see these misunderstandings in Western media?

Nadeau: The issue of the Western media's portrayal of China is complex. The key is recognizing that true understanding requires firsthand experience.

Take security as an example. When my friends first visited Beijing, they were struck by the visible police presence in subways and public areas. Initially, this seemed unusual to them. However, after living in China, I've come to understand that this is part of what makes Chinese cities remarkably safe - something many vloggers and long-term residents consistently note. What appears as "excessive control" to outsiders becomes normal and even reassuring when you experience the resulting public safety on a daily basis.

Rather than relying solely on media reports from any country, we should value direct experience and recognize that different societies may prioritize different things for good reasons rooted in their unique histories and cultures.