Smiles of China Travel Photos

Welcome to another round of my smiling faces series from around the world.

Most people are aware that a smile is contagious but did you realize that it can boost your immune system? Apparently, when grinning from ear to ear, your body is in a more natural and relaxed state contributing to a stronger immune system.

Recently, I returned to mainland China for the first time in several years. I was excited to revisit areas in the South including Guilin and Yangshuo with Audrey.

Yangshuo is as close to paradise on earth as I’ve ever seen with my own two eyes. Lush green karst mountains stand erect while rural roads lead to paths less traveled.

Compared to Hong Kong, our base for the past few weeks, it was a refreshing change of pace for the two of us.

We spent time going for relaxing walks around the city center and slow paced bicycle rides out in the countryside with no guidebooks or maps in hand.

When many people think of China they think of the Alpha cities such as Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai; however, authentic China, for me is just as much the countryside areas, serpentine rivers, rice terraces and karst mountains.

Compared to countries in SE Asia, locals are not as likely to beam a radiant grin; however, if you dig deep (as a photographer) you’ll be rewarded with candid portraits over time.  Here are a few of my favorites from 2010 🙂

Photo Essay: Smiling Faces from China

This cute little boy – wearing a poorboy cap – was smiling at me while taking a break from eating his section of corn on the cob in Lijiang, China.

A Chinese man dressed in an elaborate regional costume and headdress smiles in Dali, China.

A captured this candid portrait of a Chinese man smiling while walking in one of the more hectic areas of Shanghai, China.

This group of smiling Chinese ladies were sharing a laugh nearby the touristic area of the Bund in Shanghai, China.

An adorably cute moment shared by child and mother nearby the Bund in Shanghai, China.

This Chinese lady with a toothy grin was performing in a Communist inspired show in downtown Guilin, China.

A group of Chinese ladies share an ear to ear smile/laugh with gums showing in hectic Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island, China.

A Chinese lady wearing a vermilion color leather jacket walks down the street in Shanghai, China while talking on the phone.

This young Chinese lady poses for a portrait nearby a monument in downtown Shanghai, China.

This Chinese man with a distinct long beard and sunhat shares a laugh with a friend on a park bench in Dali, China.

This Chinese lady flashes a smile while glancing out of the side of her eyes at the child she is carrying in her arms – Yangshuo, China.

This Chinese lady smiles while hopping on the back of a motorbike in Shanghai, China.

This lovely young Chinese lady weaves in downtown Lijiang, China while greeting me with a smile.

I hope these smiles from China brightened your day 🙂 Do you have a favorite one?