Faces of Chong’an Market

 Guizhou Province 贵州省 Map

Faces of Chong’an Market is a continuation of a post from a few months ago. While the previous post focused on the market at Chong’an and the ambience, these photos focus on the the people. I hope you enjoy them.

Faces of Chong’an Market / 重安市场的本地人

Faces of Chong’an Market is a selection of photos taken at the bustling market of Chong’an held once every five days.

Aesthetically, Chong’an won’t win any prizes, and you definately won’t find it in any China photo book on a coffee table. However, you will encounter an incredible number of archetypal Chinese characters that appear to have leapt straight out of an ancient classic Chinese novel. The pipe smoking men with wispy beards and the colourful minority women in local dress are the stars of the show at Chong’an.

Chong’an is small scruffy rural town not too far from the vibrant city of vibrant Kaili. It’s buildings are more than dilapidated and somewhat even Dickensian. 

However, that is not to say it is not without its own charm and the minorities, principally, Miao and Gejia; the latter being a sub-group of the Miao, really compensate for the architectual horrors.

The surrounding countryside, on the other hand is a different kettle of fish. Meandering rivers and verdant hills dotted with pretty  minority villages are within easy walking distance of  the town.

Faces of Chong’an Market: Taking the Photos

I used up two roles of film at Chong’an and Margie another one. I suppose if I had had a digital camera I would have taken even more photos.

I still have some qualms with digital photography. I feel that when you knew you had to pay for developing your pictures, you spent more time framing them better .

The photos of the I took at Chong’an were taken on a pretty bog standard camera. Nevertheless, I really love these photos and they continue to give me joy when I go back and look at them.

The market goers appeared relaxed when I was taking a photo. I would raise my camera and ask Keyi 可以 (can I)?  Nobody ever objected. Even when I was taking the photos of the clients undergoing cupping treatment (these photos), they just smiled and encouraged me to take the photos.

Nobody ever objected. Even when I was taking the photos of the clients undergoing cupping treatment (these photos), they just smiled and encouraged me to take the photos.

Click here for information about how to get to Chong’an