Phoenix City at Night

(October 1st) In the late afternoon, the light really began to come out in Fenghuang. About half of the town is on one side of the river, and the other half across the other side. There are two main bridges to cross, one is for foot traffic only. My favorite way to cross by far is not to use the bridges but these blocks that span the river. There are two sets of different height and you cross by moving from one to another. Of course there are often people moving in both directions so making space to pass adds to the fun. Some people get a bit nervous and can't make it across, but I had a great time and would make excuses just to cross.

With the pass we purchased to visit all of the museums in town, we also were granted passage on the river boats. Grabbing my camera and hoping not to drop in the river, I took a ride soaking in the gorgeous late light. Some of the buildings on the river had so much character.

As we took the trip, everyone was out on the shores. It seemed that as the Autumn Festival was beginning to start, all the tourists from China were filling up the town. Supposedly it would only get more crowded after we left. We even went by a few couples getting married on the riverfront. Some of the buildings that we past I was left wondering what they were for, but mostly just marvelled at.

As darkness came over town, the bustle just increased. Everyone was out shopping and eating and just having a good time. There are some places in Fenghuang that only exist in the night. The street near the foot bridge fills up in the evening with food vendors. They set up elaborate spreads of food. For many of them, you pick out what you want to eat and they grill it before you. The variety was baffling - from snails to fish to vegetables, many unseen by me before.

The same buildings which I marvelled at in the daylight, now had taken on a different persona altogether. They were brought to life by neon lights and red lanterns. I photographed the bridge I had shot in the daytime. I felt like I was seeing it for the first time.

The lights on the riverfront stretched as far as the town. Every building was in on the act. Because the river twists and turns some, there is no way to capture just how much there was - except maybe by air. But this segment captures a bit of the feel of how it stretches.

When there's light and water, there's also usually reflections. I had meant to photograph Fenghuang at night for most of the trip, but there was always little time before having to sleep. I regret that I didn't take more pictures of the city at night, but I really enjoyed taking the ones I did.