Photographing Guilin, China

I recently returned from a 6-night trip to Guilin, China, and it was an experience like no other. The weather didn’t exactly cooperate; it rained every day, which meant the stunning sunrise and sunset shots I was hoping for were out of reach. But as they say, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade—and that’s exactly what we did.

The rain presented us with a different kind of adventure. We found ourselves hiking through muddy roads, something that many photographers might shy away from. Waking up at 3 a.m. each day, we trekked to the top of the mountains in the dark, guided only by our headlamps and the sound of the rain. It was challenging, to say the least, but also incredibly rewarding.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about overcoming obstacles like these. The rain may have washed out the typical postcard-perfect views, but it gave us an experience that most photographers don’t get—a true connection with the landscape, forged through the elements.

This trip has left me with a desire to return. October next year is already on my radar, as I’m eager to see how Guilin transforms with the changing seasons. Perhaps next time, the weather will be more cooperative, but even if it’s not, I’m ready for whatever adventure comes my way.