Shanghai Exposed Photography - Awakening the Dragon, Shanghai Mornings

In this month's gallery from renowned Shanghai photography group Shanghai Exposed we turn to daybreak in Shanghai. We take to the streets in the early morning, well before some have woken up from their slumber.

Image by Darrell Lew

As the city begins a new day, you can find folks doing a wide variety of things that don't have anything to do with eating breakfast. Whether you’re meandering about on local lanes where chamber pots are being taken out for emptying or stopping by a local street vendor making a morning favorite ‘Jian bing’, there’s plenty to keep your camera buzzing away.

Image by Ann Debenham

The city’s parks are a great way to ease into taking photos in public. Most are so enthralled in their activity, they don’t take any notice of your existence; and when they do, you’re usually greeted with a warm smile.

Image by Victor Nugter

Be forewarned … you may just be invited to be a dance partner, sing a duet or take part in a badminton match.

Image Gerry Abbott

Our other park favorites are Chinese yo-yo swinging (a great movement exercise along with a low-sounding groan as the yo-yo spins around its string), calligraphy, Chinese chess, tai chi or catching up on the latest news or a good book.

Image Victor Nugter 

It’s fresh, it’s lively, it’s pure fun to wake up to! If you can’t get to a park, venturing down to The Bund will surely invigorate the start of your day.

Image by Darrell Lew

Since the renovation of the Promenade back in 2010, it’s become a favorite local (and laowai) morning wandering spot as the sun breaks over the horizon of Pudong’s skyline. Adored activities range from tai chi and kite flying to clusters of joggers and fan dancers.

Image by Cheryl Rathan

One curious activity, self-named (by the photo group) as the Spider Walk will leave you scratching your head wondering how in the world it can do a body good. They “walk” on all fours fashioning shoes on their hands, very curious indeed. All of these activities serve as exercise, creating movement and sound to get your juices flowing and body energized. 

Image by Fran Gubbey

If you have insomnia or just want to experience Shanghai in the early morning, your local parks and certainly The Bund are both great choices. Hurry though, activity decreases a bit over the winter months.

Image by Darrell Lew 

Don’t want to go it alone? Get a hold of us via email, get on the invite list, come out and meet a friendly group of camera wielding folks - you’ll be glad you did!  

Image by Ruth Thompson

Shanghai Exposed is a photography group whose founding purpose is to see the city, camera in hand, capturing the sights, scenes and life in and around Shanghai. From sleepy Lanes to lively street markets, we have meet ups a couple times each month. Interested in joining the group? Email shanghaiexposed@gmail.com for more details.

Both new and accomplished photographers are welcome to join in bi-monthly meetings where discussions and image sharing take place.