Beijing residents fly kites in Tiantan Park, Beijing Photo: Courtesy of Kelly

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 China's diversity. Join us as we see China through their eyes.

In the sixth article of this series, British photographer Matthew Kelly (Kelly) told Global Times (GT) reporter Su Yaxuan that, even after more than 20 years of photographing in China, the country continues to offer him endless opportunities for discovery.

GT: You mentioned that you have traveled to more than 50 countries and regions. What attracted you to settle in Beijing and focus much of your lens on China, especially Beijing?

Kelly: I came to China for a month for the very first time in 2004, simply to experience what life in China might be like. When I first arrived, I found that life in Beihai Park was completely different from parks in the UK. In Britain, people use parks differently; they take their dogs for walks, lie in deck chairs to enjoy the sun or do a bit of exercise. But Beijing's parks have a very rich cultural atmosphere - people singing, dancing, doing Tai Chi, playing games and taking part in traditional performances. I could just walk around taking pictures, and I really enjoyed it. Later, I decided to move to China with my Chinese wife. That was always my intention because, as a photographer, I could work anywhere. 

When I settled here, I realized I could take high-speed trains to the surrounding cities and buy tickets online, which was very convenient. I opened a bank account right away, transferred money and started paying for everything on my phone. I found the whole system extremely efficient: trains, subways and buses run on time; I could book hospital appointments online and see a doctor quite quickly. None of these things are easy to do in Britain. Although I missed my Scottish family, all of these factors made me really appreciate living here, and that's why I decided to stay.

GT: On your website, there is a photography project about Beijing hutong life. Could you share why you chose this theme?

Kelly: I lived in Dongsi community for a long time, near several hutongs. At first, I would walk along two or three nearby hutongs, taking pictures. I was fascinated by the traditional courtyard buildings, their history and the daily life of the hutong residents. 

The essence of a hutong lies in its people. I spent a great deal of time talking with them and photographing them, and over the years, many became friends. For me, they were the heart of the neighborhood - bringing the hutongs to life with their stories and personalities. Although I've since moved away, I still visit often and keep in touch with some of them.

On the "About Me" page of my website, there is a photo of a barber in the hutong cutting my hair. He has worked there for 35 years. A haircut costs only 10 yuan - very affordable. I also loved a breakfast shop on the edge of Dongsi No. 4 hutong; every morning, it brought the local community together to enjoy steamed buns and youtiao, the fried bread sticks.

While photographing in the hutongs, I encountered many fascinating characters. There was a knife-sharpening man who always wore a sombrero, which made him easy to spot and hard to forget. Also, there were elegant ladies performing fan dances with vibrant fans, a man strolling through the alleys with his cat perched on his shoulder and a retired factory worker crafting unique pigeon whistles adorned with the Mercedes-Benz symbol. Some of these individuals I've photographed for years and have become friends with. I always make prints of the photos and bring them back to share with them. In 2019, we did a hutong calendar for the Baitasi community to document the interesting aspects of ordinary people's lives. 

GT: It has been 20 years since you first came to China and settled here. Do you still find many new things in China that you haven't explored yet?

Kelly: No matter how long I've been here, there's always something new to discover. China's culture is so rich and diverse, and things change so fast that it's impossible to take it all in. People say if you stay a week, you'll have enough material for a documentary; stay a month, and you could write a book. But after 20 years, I'm only starting to realize how little I really know. There's always something I haven't explored yet. 20 years on, China still surprises me. 

China has 1.4 billion people, and there's no manual for running a country that big. Yet China does an impressive job tackling challenges head-on. Because of its sheer scale and speed of change, everything is constantly evolving - culture, neighborhoods, food and everyday life.

GT: Over the years, you have told many Chinese stories through your photos and have held exhibitions in the UK, South Korea and other countries. How did audiences in those countries react to your photos about China? 

Kelly: When my photos capture scenes that Chinese people see as completely ordinary - just everyday life - people in other countries are often surprised. They'll ask, "Is this real?" They become intrigued and want to visit China. The more people understand what China is really like, the more they will want to come.

People come here and spend four or five days in Beijing, visiting the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. I always hope my photos can give them more fresh perspectives, something beyond the usual tourist view.

GT: What unique perspectives do foreign photographers offer when capturing China, compared with the ways Chinese photographers present the country to the world? And would you recommend your friends to live in China long-term?

Kelly: Foreign photographers often notice things that Chinese photographers might overlook - simply because they're so familiar with them. What feels ordinary to one person can seem extraordinary to another. I know this from my own experience.

And yes, I'd absolutely recommend my friends to spend at least a year in China. Don't stress about learning the language. It's not essential. If you really want to understand Chinese culture, you need to spend time with Chinese people. At first, it might feel a little uncomfortable living in a different culture, but it gets easier over time. China is incredibly welcoming and inclusive. 

GT: If you were to briefly describe your experience of living in China to someone who is unsure whether they should come, what would you say?

Kelly: First, come with an open mind and don't worry about the language. Second, take advantage of China's high-speed rail network, which is efficient and incredibly convenient, and travel throughout the country to experience the different cultures. Third, visit Beijing and make sure to spend time in its parks and hutongs. Beijingers have these wonderful places to relax and enjoy themselves, far beyond what you might imagine. Finally, China is a very safe country for foreign travelers - much safer than most European countries.