American expat Elizabeth Kiderlen and Rechard Li Yu, her Chinese photojournalist husband, run the Boao Inn Bed & Breakfast, a cozy four-room inn near the beach in Bo'ao on China's tropical Hainan.
Photography is their passion, one they gladly share with guests on their private guided photography tours that put visitors within viewfinder range of secluded beaches, rare flora and fauna, and remote Li and Miao villages accessible only by boat.
"Leave Sanya and Haikou for the tour bus groups," says Elizabeth. "We'll take you to spots few foreign tourists have had the opportunity to visit."
In this series of photos (taken with a NikonD200), Elizabeth and Rechard share images of their local surroundings on and around Hainan Island. For more of Elizabeth and Rechard's photos, go to their website or the Boao Inn Facebook page.
Miao Basket Maker
This Miao basket maker lives in a tiny village located in the mountainous central region of Hainan Island. Kind and shy, he is a good example of your average Miao villager.
Little Miao Toddler
Striking a very cheiftan-like pose, this little girl came out of her house to get a better look at the dubious procession of oddly clothed, camera-toting strangers arriving in her village and assess their merit.
Ancient Ao Rock
Unique rock formations and a gorgeous vista on the beach south of Bo'ao.
The Pagoda in Wanning Valley
Far from overdeveloped tourist sites and surrounded by rice paddies, this forlorn Yuan Dynasty pagoda has watched over this valley for thousands of years and can only be reached by hiking in.
Inside the Wanning Pagoda
This photo looks to the ceiling from the floor of the Wanning Pagoda.
Li Textiles
The Li minority were the first people to inhabit Hainan Island. Extremly reclusive and connected to nature they are known for their vibrant textiles and medicinal plant lore.
Respected Official
Ancestor worship, practiced in certain branches of Taoism, is widely observed on Hainan Island. Hereabove, a paper mâché effigy of an ancient official long remembered and respected by the locals.
The Three Officials
A hand-painted backdrop used during Taoist ceremonies.
Endless Beach
My favorite beaches on Hainan Island are EMPTY ones. This beach is just north of Bo'ao.
Hainan Grass Owl
This beautiful bird came to us as a result of the article my husband Rechard wrote about turtles. A villager had bought her at a local market for a mere 100 RMB (around 15 dollars) because he pitied the creature and wanted to care for it. He was unable to care for it properly and, having read Richard's article, called him to investigate. Recherd ended up bringing the feathered beauty home in a cage. Its leg had been damaged by the rope it was bound to. This photo was taken on the day we set it free.
Miao Grandmother and Child
Miao women are known for their intricate embroideries. They elevate ordinary articles of clothing into works of art.
Our Favorite Destinations in China:
Our favorite spots in China include strolling through the Dashanzi Art District in Beijing (aka 798 Art Zone); Cang Yang Mountain near Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province; and the ancient walled city of Pingyao in Shanxi Province.
Our China Trip Wish List:
It's difficult to pry us off Hainan Island, but we want to check out Guilin, Shangri-La and Tibet some day.
Editor's Note: China Through My Lens is a bi-monthly photo series featuring the work of professional photographers and avid travelers living in China. Photographers are asked to share five to ten of their favorite photographs of China with short explanations of each photo. The idea is to share each photographer's unique focus and view of China—moments they were able to capture through their camera lenses. Contact us if you would like to show China through your lens. Much thanks to Elizabeth Kiderlen & Rechard Li Yu for being the second in the series. Stay tuned for the third feature in a few weeks.
Check out the first feature in the series, China through My Lens: Juliette McCawley.